Although Jurgen Klopp has denied that Liverpool are after a left-back in the January transfer window, reports have suggested that he is after a Danish left back, Riza Durmisi. The Dane who is 23, moved to Spanish side Real Betis only last summer and has established himself as a first-team regular, making 14 appearances in all, out of which 12 were La Liga starts.
Durmisi has been a Danish international for 2 years now and was impressing for his hometown club Brondby before Betis came calling for his services. Even whilst he was at Brondby, there were quite a few clubs from various leagues that were taking a look at the marauding left back, so it was initially a shock when he moved to Real Betis, with all due respect to the club.
But the move has paid dividends, as he has mainly been the first choice at the club since moving in and has put his best foot forward. Perhaps Durmisi wanted to get proper exposure in a tough league, albeit at a smaller club before moving onto better things. And better things could come at Anfield for the man who is also capable of playing in a much more advanced role, something that will play into Klopp’s hands as he is currently missing Sadio Mane, who is away at the African Cup of Nations.
This season, James Milner is having to fill in at left back due to the unreliable form of Alberto Moreno and although the England international has performed wonders, it is a role that is just not suited to him and Liverpool are missing out on valuable service from the left hand-side. So it’s only natural that Liverpool must go for a man that is capable of playing a conventional left back’s game.
In Moreno, Liverpool already have someone like Durmisi but the Spaniard has shown that he lacks concentration and can have the occasional defensive lapse or two that can cost the team big. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that Jurgen Klopp signs a left back to give Milner some much-needed rest or even competition. Moreover, with someone like Durmisi, you can expect quality service.
Standing just at 5’6, Durmisi could lack the physical presence needed of a defender in the Premier League, but what he lacks in size, he makes up for in terms of his defensive positioning and reading of the game. Durmisi has shown to be an astute left back that is equally capable in attack and defense and this is something Liverpool just need at the moment. He would definitely be an upgrade on the error-prone Moreno and Klopp should look to finalise a move for the former Brondby man.