Gotze Said No? No Problem – 3 Realistic Replacements For The German Playmaker Liverpool Can Consider

In the past few weeks, Mario Gotze has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool. But recent updates suggest that Gotze is not that keen to the idea of a reunion with his former mentor, Jürgen Klopp. Sky Sports says that Mario Gotze will be looking to extend his stay with the German club in order to play under Carlo Ancelotti. The key to his change of heart could be the fact that he has parted ways with his agent Volker Struth. So with Gotze gone, here are three alternatives that Liverpool can consider:-

1.) Javier Pastore

The attacking midfielder has warmed PSG’s bench almost the entire season. He has been kept out of PSG’s starting eleven by more all-round central midfielders like Blaise Matiudi and Marco Verratti. He has also faced tough competition for his role on the flanks from Edinson Cavani and Lucas Moura. Pastore is known to play as an attacking midfielder but is also good at dropping deep and helping his defenders. Lack of game time at PSG could be one strong reason for Pastore to leave and make a move away from the French giants to a resurgent Liverpool. The prospect of working under Jürgen Klopp could well make this move possible. His playing style supports Liverpool’s game and he could very well support the likes of Coutinho and Firmino. He is a very good alternative for Mario Gotze.

2.) Max Meyer

The 20 year old attacking midfielder is one of the hottest young prospects in European football. Although didn’t have a very good season with Schalke 04 scoring just 6 times and providing a total of 8 assists in all competitions, but his talent is unquestionable. The consistency in his performance is something that he needs to improve. He is not as versatile as Javier Pastore and plays most of his games in the central attacking midfield, but can be deployed in the left wing on occasions. He is not very good at tracking back and putting in the tackles and these are things that Klopp would want him to improve on. He is a great future prospect and could shine under Klopp at Liverpool.

3.) Andriy Yarmolenko

The 26 year old Ukraine international plays for Dynamo Kiev and is an exceptional talent. Reports suggest that he wants to play in the Premier League and Liverpool is fighting it out for him with Arsenal. He has been in top form throughout the season and has been heavily linked with a transfer to a Premier League side. Reports suggest that Liverpool are going to make a bid worth 25 million euros for the Ukrainian star. He is a versatile player and is very good at high pressing. If Klopp can lure him to Liverpool, it would be a perfect transfer.