Liverpool opinion: Why the Reds should bring back Luis Alberto
Liverpool have had a quiet summer transfer window so far, with the club only making one addition in the form of young centre-back Sepp van den Berg from PEC Zwolle.
The Reds, under Jurgen Klopp, have excelled sensationally in recent years and succeeded in winning the Champions League last season. But they failed to put an end to the league title drought as Manchester City retained the Premier League trophy.
Liverpool, meanwhile, struggled to grind out results at times as a lack of creativity in the final third often led to futile outcomes against smaller opposition.
The draws against West Ham United and Leicester City towards the latter stages of the previous campaign cost the Reds their first Premier League title.
They have arguably the best attack in the league, with the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino having struck a fantastic relationship between them in the last couple of years. But they lack a natural no.10 who can carve open even the tightest of defences in one blink of an eye.
With that in mind, Liverpool should re-sign Luis Alberto from Lazio.
Luis Alberto, 26, had a failed stint at Liverpool as he made only 12 appearances in the 2013/14 season. He didn’t score a goal for the Merseysiders and was shipped out on loan to Malaga and Deportivo La Coruna before being sold to Lazio in 2016.
Since making the switch to Lazio, the Spaniard has been able to take the next step in his career and establish into a creative force in the final third. He has thrived playing off the striker, excelling with his dribbling skills and vision. That makes him exactly the type of player Klopp would be happy to sign and Liverpool hand Alberto another shot at Premier League football.
Alberto is predominantly a playmaker who is blessed with immense technical quality. His exquisite control over the ball allows him to act as the ball-carrier in half-spaces, thus easing his team’s transition play. From the no. 10 role, the one-cap Spain international can create openings for his teammates, link-up play and score goals.
His biggest trait remains his vision to carve open defences, whilst the ex-Sevilla man’s ability to go unmarked due to his late runs into the box remains underrated.
Furthermore, Alberto can be utilised as a pressing machine in the final third, thanks to his aggression and eagerness to win back possession for his team.
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The Reds would be able to be productive going forward as the Spaniard will add a lot of creativity to Klopp’s midfield.
Verdict
Alberto’s progression since joining Lazio has been nothing short of sensational. He’ll soon be entering the prime stages of his career and if Liverpool manages to re-sign him this summer, they’ll be able to enjoy the playmaker’s best years.