Why Jonas Hector would be a smart addition to the Liverpool squad
Back in March 2018, the Daily Star had claimed that Liverpool were interested in signing FC Cologne left-back Jonas Hector. However, a deal didn’t go through last summer.
Jonas Hector, 29, is one of the most consistent left-backs in Germany and helped FC Cologne to Bundesliga promotion earlier this year. The FC Koln man has already earned 42 caps for Germany – no small feat considering the depth of quality that Joachim Low has at his disposal.
The German has a contract with Cologne until 2023, so Liverpool will have to spend big if they are to sign him. That being said, should the Reds rekindle their interest in Jonas Hector in January?
Without a shadow of doubt, yes! Alberto Moreno was one of the high profile names that was released by Liverpool at the end of last season after a less than impressive five-year spell at Anfield, making just 141 appearances for the Merseyside outfit. The Spaniard’s departure left Andy Robertson as the only recognised left-back in Jurgen Klopp’s squad.
Andy Robertson is the undisputed first choice at left-back at Anfield but he has no recognised cover at left-back, though James Milner and Joe Gomez have played in that position before. The Scotland skipper will need some rest during the course of the season, with the Reds aiming to break their title drought this time around.
Liverpool would find themselves in a disastrous situation if Robertson is ruled out for a significant amount of time. To avoid such adversity in the near future, Klopp should target a natural left-back during the mid-season trading period. And Jonas Hector would be a good fit at Anfield.
Hector may not be as offensively explosive as Robertson but the Cologne man is defensively solid. He is very good with his positioning and rarely gives away the ball cheaply in possession. The Germany international is a lot more defensively astute than Robertson, which could bode well for the Reds when they rest the Scot.
Apart from being a natural left-back, the 29-year-old can play further forward down the left and has even featured in defensive midfield for the Bundesliga outfit. He’s technically brilliant, very composed in possession and is more than capable of whipping in crosses in the box.
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Furthermore, Hector is also decent from indirect set-pieces and that should see the Liverpool attackers receive a lot of chances inside the box with the German sending the ball in.
Verdict
Hector, who is 29 and has volumes of experience in the Bundesliga, would be a solid player to add to the Liverpool squad. Thus, the Reds must plot a January swoop for the German defender.