Liverpool played some decent football at times this past season and despite having qualified (nearly) for the Champions League, they need to address a few areas first. The first on their shopping list has to be a really good left-back.
James Milner filled in for a rather wayward Alberto Moreno for almost the whole season. After taking the position lightly last summer, you get the feeling Liverpool will go all out to sign a good left-back this summer. In fact, it’s a no-brainer that Jürgen Klopp will prioritise addressing Liverpool’s left-back situation as soon as the window opens.
The German must free up James Milner who could be utilised further forward and to remedy the left-back woes, should look to bring in ex-PSG and ex-AS Roma player Lucas Digne.
Digne has failed to impress offensively for Barcelona and is ill-suited to Barcelona’s style of play, which has resulted in reports regarding his departure this summer. The Blaugrana decided to sign quite a lot of young players last summer and many of them have failed to nail down a first team place, which was expected, to be honest.
Digne provided a decent cover for Jordi Alba but could never really nail down a first team spot and this came down to the fact that he was not that offensively influential. It seems to me that the 23-year-old may realise his potential if he gets regular game-time. Despite the fact that he may have a good Barcelona future if he continues his hard work and works on his crossing and other offensive assets, nothing is guaranteed as he will always be under the spotlight at such a massive club.
Digne will suit Liverpool quite well and despite his offensive limitations, he is exactly what Liverpool need. Liverpool’s record against the mid-table club hasn’t been impressive to say the least and they need someone who can take the pressure of the offensive onslaught and keep things tight at the back.
Digne is exactly that kind of player who can help shore up a shaky defence even if that may take a toll on the offensive side of the game. That said, he is not completely naive and at 23 years of age, is still learning his trade and can mature into a balanced player under Klopp.
Inter Milan are said to be interested in the Frenchman as well, so Liverpool must make their move as soon as the window opens. If they do get him, they can rest assured that they won’t be disappointed, at least not from the defensive point of view.
