The bright start to the transfer window could have ended brilliantly for Liverpool if they had landed Shakhtar Dontesk’s attacking midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Probably the most important position that the Reds would have wanted to strengthen this summer is still hanging in the wire despite 4 good additions to the squad.
Last season, only Suarez and Gerrard reached the double figure in terms of goal, and had Philippe Coutinho played the whole season, he might have reached the figure. And it is quite clear like daylight that Brendan Rodgers is eying a goal scoring midfielder.
There are 3 potential replacements that Rodgers can bid for. Let’s discuss their capability of fulfilling the vacant position of the Red’s.
Christian Eriksen (21), Ajax:
This young lad from the Dutch club ( a long term target) has every talent in the book to be a vital player at Anfield, with 10 goals and 17 assists to his name last season Eriksen had lured many interests from the top European clubs. He is young, energetic, knows where the net is, and on numerous times assists his team mates to reach the mark. Moreover, he plays with an old head on a young shoulder.
He can perfectly fit in the midfield, behind the central striker and in times can switch places with Coutinho on the left.
However, the transfer fee of £20m may raise a few eyebrows. But, considering the fact that he has only a year left at the Amsterdam, the Dutch officials can release him on much lower price if Liverpool offer the kind of wages that will persuade the player into joining them.
Georgino Wijnaldum (22), PSV :
Another Dutch Eredivisie player, having a tally of 26 goals in 52 matches last season, Wijnaldum proved to be a decent goal threat from the middle, he has a great nose for getting in to dangerous areas, and has the ability to strike the ball from a long range. More than that, he has a brilliant speed to add up to it, which is a rare fit for a conventional no.10.
Goals, pace and directness. Everything Rodgers wants in his number 10. He can fill in wide if needed but his pace is terrifying for central defenders.
But he will be a hard nut to crack as PSV have already sold Mertens and Lens, so the officials may be reluctant to sell any further attacking weapon. But an offer in the £12-15m area would really test that theory.
Dennis Praet (19), Anderlecht :
Trust me, if Rodgers can captivate this emerging fellow, he can become a long serving Red. Creativity, vision, decision making, passing range and precision. Praet’s technical quality and pass selection is incredibly good for a 19-year old. He has an innate sense of the game, which is hard to teach.
He can play in a central midfield position, and become a dreadful pair with Coutinho.
Anderlecht would probably want at least £9m but like Coutinho, he could make his purchase price look ordinary in no time.
These are only precisions I have made considering the fact that Liverpool can’t offer a hefty transfer fee due to their not-so-good financial condition, and last but not the least, they are on a verge to create an energetic and young team, who have the potential to turn into a nightmare in the long run.
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