Transfer story
Liverpool’s defensive woes have yet again been exposed this season as contrary to some brilliant attacking displays, horrible defensive performances have led the Reds to fight just for a place in the top four. With the transfer window approaching fast, Jurgen Klopp has started work on the potential recruits which will help to shore up the faltering Liverpool back line.
A left back has been one of the positions which has been problematic since long and recent reports have suggested that the Reds’ are close to signing one in the form of Atletico Madrid’s Theo Hernandez.
The 19-year-old has been impressive in his year-long loan spell at Alaves where he has impressed one and all with his stellar performances.
With Real Madrid, FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich interested in the youngster, Liverpool have their task cut out. But the Reds can offer him regular game time and an important role in the side which the others can’t at the moment. Hernandez has a contract with the Rojiblancos till 2022 and reportedly has a release clause of £20 million.
Player stats
In 34 appearances for Alaves this season, Hernandez has provided three assists in a team that has struggled to score goals. Overall, the La Liga new boys have scored just 29 goals this season. His dribbling prowess sets him apart from other fullbacks as the 19-year-old averages 2.2 dribbles per game and has a passing accuracy of 81.4.
What he’ll offer to the club?
The thing which sets Hernandez apart from both James Milner and Alberto Moreno is that he is a superior player in every skill set than both of them.
Milner has been magnificent at times but is slow to react and often slows down the attack from his wing. Moreno is good going forward but lacks maturity defensively. Hernandez is a mix of both worlds as his dribbling and crossing skills are often compared to Marcelo. Defensively, he is a strong physical presence at the back which Liverpool have lacked during set pieces at times.
The only fault in his game is his discipline with the left back already accumulating 10 yellow cards and 1 red card in the season.
Worth the money?
Standing at six feet tall, Hernandez is a strong aerial player and is brilliant in one on one situations. With his value being touted at £20 million, Liverpool will get their hands on one of the brightest prospects emerging from Spain at the moment.
He is a must buy for the Reds and can help to rebuild a leaky defence for the next season.
