2.5 Tackles A Game – 3 Reasons Why Liverpool Should Sign This Beast Midfielder

West Ham midfielder Mohamed Diame is reportedly a target for high-flying Liverpool. The Reds have been short of midfield options going into the New Year owing to injuries to Joe Allen and Steven Gerrard making his return on New Year’s Day. With games lined up, Liverpool need midfield reinforcements, and here’s three reasons why Liverpool should consider the 26-year old.

1. Physical Presence in midfield

Diame provides a great physical presence in midfield, something which has been lacking for Liverpool. At a shade of 1.84m tall, Diame is the sort of player who can bully opponents in midfield. Compared to Joe Allen (1.68m), he looks like a beast, and has over the last couple of seasons put in impressive performances in the middle of the park for the Hammers.

While his passing may not be the most accurate (78%), he does seem to be assured on the ball, and playing with better players will only improve the statistics. He will be expected to contribute less offensively than he currently does at West Ham, and playing in a strictly defensive role in midfield will suit Diame game given that he averages 2.5 tackles a game this season. Whether in tandem with Lucas or Allen, or on his own, Diame has the ability and the reading of the game necessary to perform at Liverpool.

2. Versatility

The former Wigan man can play multiple roles in midfield; even though he has primarily played as defensive midfielder, he has appeared as attacking midfielder as well as a striker during West Ham’s striker crisis earlier in the season. This will be an added bonus for Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, who generally prefers him players to be versatile. While Diame has made 38 defensive actions this season (16 interceptions, 4 blocks and 18 clearances), at the same time he has created 14 chances which includes 1 assist and 13 key passes.

Diame’s physical presence in the opposition box during set pieces will be a bonus for the Reds, as will the option of making him a target man late in games when they are chasing goals. Liverpool have lacked a Plan B in attack, and while Diame won’t be making the starting eleven on his attacking skills, having him on the pitch may just open up a more direct route for Rodgers’ boys.

3. Opportunity to sign him cheaply

According to a report by Sports Direct News, Diame is available for just £3.5 million thanks to a release clause in his contract. At that price point, Diame would be an excellent back-up option for Liverpool, or in rotation with Lucas, Allen or Henderson. He won’t have a mountain of expectations on his shoulders, and his role would be to come on late in games to shore up the midfield and see out the win. In case of injuries to any of the midfield trio, Diame would be a good cover.

While Diame is not the sort of player that will drive Liverpool to the Champions League or appease the fans who crave for offensive reinforcements, buying him would be sort of tactical decision that will ensure that Liverpool address their soft underbelly that has cost them a few close encounters this season. Come the end of the season, those 1-2 points may prove to be the difference between a Champions League spot or missing out.
Stats are taken from Squawka