Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has recently been amazed by Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni, who he just missed out on signing over the summer.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference ahead of the Reds’ Champions League tie tonight (via Liverpool Echo), the German was full of praise for the Los Blancos squad.
He was particularly impressed by the 23-year-old Frenchman, who he was desperate to bring to Anfield last summer.
“Real Madrid keep going and running; Luka Modric, Karim Benzema [and] Toni Kroos,” said Klopp.
“And then the young players, wow, Tchouameni…what a team.
“We lost big finals, but we’ve played some good games v them.”
According to TEAMtalk, Klopp even made a personal trip to Monaco to try and persuade Tchouameni to join, but he ultimately decided to sign with Madrid.
Klopp amazed by former Liverpool target Tchouameni
It was well documented that Klopp was really keen to add the 23-year-old midfielder to his squad last summer.
As one of the most exciting talents in world football, this would have been an unbelievable coup for Liverpool.
The France international has the perfect skill set to dictate play in the middle of the park, with the ability to cause damage going forward, but also to defend last-ditch opposition attacks.
However, the Reds missed out on his signature – and they have since suffered.
Instead of looking for an alternative midfielder, the Merseyside outfit opted against signing anyone else.
Without this calibre of player in the middle of the park, Liverpool have seriously struggled this season.
As a result, a midfield signing has become of paramount importance this summer – and the club are trying to fill the void with Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham.
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