Liverpool Transfers – 3 Potential Replacements For The Injured Lucas Leiva

Liverpool’s season so far has been kind of a mixed bag. The primary objective of the Reds from Merseyside was to aspire for the Champions League and after twenty two weeks of this excruciating Premier League campaign, Brendan Rodgers’ side now lie fourth in their quest to return in Europe’s elite. Luis Suzarez has been in impeccable form this season and with the likes of Daniel  Sturridge and Stevn Gerrard back from injury, Liverpool, without the distraction of playing in Europe can safely concentrate a place for next year’s Champions League action.

However the one area to be concerned for the Reds has been their central defensive midfield, whenever Lucas Leiva hasn’t been at his commanding best. And now with the Brazilian injured, Joe Allen not comfortable in that role and Gerrard playing deeper, the Reds need someone who can screen their back four. So we here at Soccersouls decided to go player scouting for the Reds. Here are the three central defensive midfielders who can bring much needed balance, depth and solidity to Brendan Rodgers’ side.

Yann M’Vila (Rubin Kazan):

The twenty three year old French International who currently plies his trade at Russian side  Rubin Kazan has been attracting quite a lot of interest from Brendan Rodgers. A very strong anchorman of the Makelele mould and with immense stamina, M’Vila possesses that rare quality to barge forward and also dictate play from deep. He has the eye for the pass and that defensive discipline too which is beneficial for breaking the opposition build up. Moreover, the young Frenchman is quite brilliant on the ball, can see a pass and even though he doesn’t hit the back of the net quite often, his distribution is immaculate and holds a very steady head on his young shoulders and his maturity is beyond his years. Liverpool might be leading the chase for him, but it all boils down if the two clubs involved can agree to a deal.

Hernanes (Lazio):

Well never doubt a Brazilian’s ability, do you? Lazio’s Hernanes certainly will be one great solution to Liverpool’s Lucal Leiva questions. A player who plays in the middle of the park, just ahead of the back four coupled with the brilliance of taking shots from distance, with unique passing sense and immense dynamism on the ball, Hernanes is sure to fit into Liverpool’s squad. Moreover, considering the fact that is already 28, he doesn’t have a sell out clause, Lazio perhaps might be tempted to sell if an offer is put on the table. Rodgers can perhaps take a chance to take a look at him and wonder whether he could add more dimensions to his current squad. The answer is certainly yes, given his consistent performances, flashy dribbles and shots from distance who can change any game by the scruff of the neck. His goal against Udinese this past week is a testament to that.

Milan Badelj:

Certainly one of the missing piece in the Jigsaw, the Croatian is surely is the next big thing in World Football. The twenty four year old who currently plays for Hamburg possesses a calm head on young shoulders. Going by stats he averages around three to four tackles per game (according to whoscored) which is a decent number for a central midfielder which looks even better when coupled with attacking abilities. Now with Lucas on the sidelines, I would say the Croat has something in his locker which can at the end of ninety minutes make the proverbial difference.