Five 2016 signings to fit Liverpool legend’s Klopp criteria
The Jurgen Klopp era at Anfield is now well and truly underway with two games down. A creditable draw at Spurs was followed by a somewhat Brendan Rodgers-esque showing, which ended 1-1, against Rubin Kazan in Europa League action, and although there are positives to be taken from both performances so early in the German’s tenure, it’s becoming pretty clear that the 48-year-old will need to make signings of his own in January and next summer.
Right now he’s working with a squad assembled by his predecessor, and although many of the current Kop stars fit his ‘gegenpressing’ philosophy, there are areas in which the talent cannot quite function in the manner Klopp desires.
Liverpool hero John Barnes gave his thoughts on what a Klopp player is like with a view to additions, writing in his TitanBet column:
“While we could be sure of what Rodgers wanted from players when he was looking, it still remains to be seen if the new man wants similar approaches from his signings,” he wrote.
“I think he will value players he knows can fit his system, players who can provide energy and press while also knowing what to do when they get on the ball.”
With that in mind, here are FIVE potential additions…
Ruben Neves
A target being mooted at the moment is Porto’s Ruben Neves. Already the Champions League’s youngest ever captain – he wore the armband against Maccabi Tel Aviv on Tuesday night – it’s clear that the 18-year-old Portuguese playmaker has talent in abundance and the level-headed nature to progress over the coming years. Although not the quickest across the turf, the teenager possesses excellent vision and composure in the middle of the pitch, with a range of passing akin to that of Ilkay Gundogan, who was a huge hit in Klopp’s Dortmund side, which bodes well for a partnership alongside the more energetic Jordan Henderson or Emre Can.
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Marco Reus
The dream signing for most Liverpool supporters. Reus is, arguably, a level above the Reds right now, but with Klopp at the helm the Anfield side have a better chance than they’ve ever had of landing the talented wide forward. His ability to function under the current Liverpool tactician is certainly not in doubt, with the Germany international having been a roaring success in the yellow shirt after joining BVB from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2012.
Reus immediately helped Dortmund to the Champions League Final, with is energy, industry and pace from wide all characteristics that made him vital to Klopp. As well as having the physical and mental approach to work well in a high intensity, pressing system, the 26-year-old has the technical prowess when it counts, which is reflected in his 40 Bundesliga goals for his current side.
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Neven Subotic
A known Klopp favourite, Subotic is a player who has been with the 48-year-old throughout his rise. The Serbia international broke through at Mainz under Klopp’s supervision, and although he only had one season of senior action to his name, the tactician was quick to ensure that he followed him to Dortmund in the summer of 2008.
Although Mats Hummels has earned the bulk of the plaudits at the Westfalenstadion, Subotic has been present through the club’s rise, too, with his front-foot defending, organisational skills and quality on the ball all key. With Martin Skrtel already looking ill at ease in Klopp’s demanding defensive system, perhaps the 26-year-old could slot in alongside Mamadou Sakho.
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Lars Bender
Through his managerial career, Klopp’s sides have been known for their 4-2-3-1 set-up, with a midfielder possessing physicality alongside a more creative, pass-orientated name. As things stand, the Red have little in the way of options to fill the former role, with Emre Cam, arguably, the only option, and even his best position is as of yet undecided.
At Dortmund, Klopp managed Lars’ twin brother, Sven, who was a key player at the club. Much like his sibling, the current Bayer Leverkusen man is known for his anchoring ability, with his 6ft frame and tenacity making him an imposing force. Last season he averaged 2.9 tackles per game in Bundesliga action, which he twinned with in excess of 40 passes per match.
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Ezequiel Lavezzi
Although there are rumours of a looming move to Barcelona, Lavezzi remains an open option for now, and one that could be cost-effective given that his Paris Saint-Germain contract is set to expire next summer. The Argentine, now 30, is not dissimilar to Luis Suarez in his approach, with his game all about high-tempo pressing, aggression and phenomenal work rate, which is complimented by a good level of technical ability. With Klopp demanding of his wide midfield options in terms of getting forward to support the main striker, Lavezzi appears ideally suited, and could provide runs beyond either Daniel Stiurridge or Christian Benteke.
With only one goal, scored via a set-piece, under the Klopp era, it’s pretty clear that more firepower is needed.
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