Why Burnley should make a move for Filip Kostic in January

Burnley haven’t made the best start to the new Premier League season. After beating Southampton 3-0 at Turf Moor in their opening league fixture, things have gone downhill for Sean Dyche’s men.

A 2-1 defeat to Arsenal followed, before earning a vital point away from home at Wolves. On Saturday, the Clarets suffered an embarrassing 3-0 defeat to Liverpool at home.

It was a clinical victory for Liverpool as Burnley rarely threatened the table-toppers on Saturday. The Clarets’ top scorer, Ashley Barnes, who had scored four goals in the club’s opening three games, was shut out by Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Burnley have looked toothless at times going forward this season, lacking the creativity and width to cut open the opposition’s defence. Dwight McNeil, alongside Barnes, has been a bright spot, stretching defences with his direct running and technical ability on the ball.

However, Dyche cannot expect the young McNeil to do everything and shine week in and week out for his team. He must bring in a creative wide man in January to bolster his team’s attack.

Back in August 2018, a report from the Lancashire Telegraph had claimed that Burnley were interested in signing Filip Kostic, who was then playing for Hamburger SV. But a move didn’t go through; instead, he joined Eintracht Frankfurt on loan until the end of 2018–19 season following Hamburger SV’s relegation.

In May, Frankfurt announced the signing of the Serbian on a permanent deal until 2023.

Filip Kostic, 26, bagged six goals and 11 assists in 34 Bundesliga games last term. He also played a crucial role in the Europa League qualifiers before the start of the Bundesliga season, bagging three goals and an assist to help Frankfurt advance to the group stages of the competition.

Blessed with pace, energy and technical ability on the ball, the Serbian international can pass the ball accurately and can make some penetrative runs in the opposition half. In terms of being versatile and able to impact games from various positions, the 26-year-old is right up there.

Read More Burnley news, click here: Burnley latest news

Kostic is good at taking people on in wide areas, delivering good crosses or key passes for the forward runners in the box and tends to put good balls from indirect set-piece situations.

The ex-Hamburg man could add a much-needed flair and invention to Burnley’s attack, whilst bringing in a different flavour to the squad.

Verdict

Hence, for Burnley to challenge for a spot in the top-10, they would be wise to make a move for a creative winger in January. And someone of Kostic’s quality coming into the squad would be a great addition.