Just 5 games This season – Three Reasons Why Liverpool Should Take A Gamble With This Inter Millan Defender

Liverpool’s form under Jurgen Klopp in the current Premier League campaign has been brilliant and impressive. The Reds are 5 points behind league leaders Chelsea and have only lost 2 games in 20 league games, drawing 5 and winning the remaining 13.

With 48 goals scored, Liverpool boast of the most goals in the Premier League at the moment, and that is partly down to a brilliant attack that is firing on all cylinders.

However, same can’t be said of the team’s backline. Of all the top 7 teams on the log, no side has shipped more goals (23) than Liverpool, and it’s why a defensive priority must top their agenda in this winter transfer window.

According to Calciomercato, Inter Milan defender Andrea Ranocchia, could be set to secure a switch to the Premier League this month, with both Watford and Swansea reportedly interested in the 28-year-old. The Italy international has played just 5 Serie A games this term, and wouldn’t hesitate to leave the San Siro.

Here are 3 reasons why Liverpool should make a move for him.

It’s another opportunity to finally land him

Upon taking up the Liverpool job in October 2015, Klopp was keen to make few additions to his team in the January transfer window, and one of the players that was reportedly identified was Andrea Ranocchia.

The Italian was seen as an upgrade on the likes of Toure and Skrtel back then. A year later, the defensive situation at Anfield hasn’t changed, and this solid centre-half, once considered one of Italy’s next best defenders could be the one to come help rectify that shortcoming.

While his playing minutes reduced drastically over the last 12 months, his pedigree speaks volume, and a new challenge could be all he needs to get back on top form. That might just be on offer at Liverpool.

He is capable of challenging Lovren’s berth

Matip remains Liverpool’s most trusted centre-half, and Lovren’s inconsistency has made him the weaker of the pair.

While Klavan has failed to break that partnership, Ranocchia’s abilities hint at a possibility. The 6’5″ tall defender is full of pace and can keep up with the physical demands of the Premier League with ease.

His best season at the San Siro was 2014-15, and if he reproduces such displays. Lovren’s spot will be under huge threat. During that campaign, Ranocchia made 33 Serie A appearances, won an average of 2.3 aerial duels and 2.2 tackles per 90 minutes, and completed 86% of his passes.

The former Conte protegee can be that solid centre defender Liverpool needs if only Klopp can breathe new life into him. They have just one at the moment.

More defensive depth for the team

Having the 28-year-old will mean more capable legs for the team. Klavan has been brilliant whenever he plays in the absence of any of Klopp’s 1st choice pairing, but the team can do with another reliable cover in Ranocchia.

Enough depth will be needed for the title run-in, as Liverpool need to go all the way to challenge for that top prize until the very end. Such signings are what the club can do with, and the Italian could prove a good buy at the end of the day.