The Premier League has been ruthless this season as clubs from around the league have found it hard to keep their winning momentum going, leading into this busy month of December. Anfield outfit Liverpool have felt the wrath of the league with injures and loss of form striking at the same time which has seen them lose some grip on the top of the table. So it does not come as a surprise that Jurgen Klopp wants to add some players to his squad in January. And recent reports suggest that Liverpool are interested in Newcastle United captain Jamaal Lascilles for a move in January and have sent scouts to watch him in a recent game.
The recent shambles at the back have seen the Reds drop points in both of their previous games, picking up just a point and moving 6 points away from the top of the table. Though keeper Loris Karius can be blamed for a point or two, there is hardly any doubt that the defensive frailties of the past have come back to haunt them recently. Defender Joel Matip seems to have settled down well but Klopp will know that Dejan Lovren and his deputies Lucas Leiva and Ragnar Klavan are still far from world class. And this brings us to a question; Will Lascelles help Liverpool solve this problem?
The 23-year old England U21 international, moved to Newcastle back in 2014 only to spend a year at Nottingham. He came back to the St James at the start of the previous season and started games regularly under the current boss Rafa Benitez. He is now an established first team player at the club and is also on the fringes of the national side, making him an attractive option.
A centre back by trade, Lascelles is also capable of covering the right-back spot and has a league goal to his name this season. He is strong in the air and is an excellent reader of the game, making him a perfect fit for the English game while he has recently started to show his passing range, setting up some incredible goals for his side in a superb run in the Championship for Newcastle. He is one of the most disciplined defenders in the league and at his age, he will only get better with the opportunities he get.
Liverpool have been linked with a move for several defender in January but neither player might be up for sale in the middle of the season. Though Rafa will also not be ready to let his star player leave, having made a tremendous start to the season, Jurgen Klopp might not hesitate on cashing in. Moreover, Liverpool are set to let French star Mamadou Sakho leave in January which will leave a place vacant in the squad and that Lascelles can more than fill.
Klopp’s side need an established centre-back who can dictate the back line and though Lascelles is not yet there, at £18m, he is a more than attractive option. Liverpool will lose Lucas Leiva in the summer leaving another place in the defence which Klopp can fill in the summer with more options available but with a centre back turning into a priority at Anfield, Jamaal Lascelles is a decent option.
Do you think the Newcastle skipper can be a good addition to Liverpool?