Transfer story –
Liverpool have had a season with a lot to cheer about so far. They are interested in signing Mateo Kovacic from Real Madrid as one of the replacements for Philippe Coutinho if the Brazilian packs his bags for Barcelona before the end of this fast paced summer transfer window. Coutinho has been heavily linked with Barcelona as the Spanish club seek to replace the almost irreplaceable Neymar.
They have placed quite a few bids for him – £90m, £95m which had been rejected by Liverpool. Coutinho, according to reports has suffered a back injury due to ‘stress’ and hence has been missing since the start of the season.
Klopp would love to have some strength and versatility in midfield defensively and offensively respectively and the Madrid youngster is willing to leave if Barca end up splashing enough cash to satisfy Klopp and the board and most importantly, Coutinho.
More on the Player-
Mateo Kovacic has been an early bloomer, having won two titles with Dynamo Zagreb at the age of 16(professional level). He then moved to Inter Milan in 2013 and joined Real Madrid soon where he won his first Champions League in 2016.
He has represented Croatia in FIFA 2014 and Euros 2016. He was an integral part of the Croatia U-17, U-19 and U-21, a fact that proves his consistency and hard work to reach that level and most importantly, the bright future that he has ahead of him. He has scored just one goal for Real Madrid so far in 53 appearances and a goal for Croatia in 32 appearances.
He has scored 12 goals for Inter Milan and Zagreb together.
Stats Courtesy: Whoscored
What he’ll offer to the club –
He is just 23 years old with enormous experience already and is on a roller coaster travelling upwards, always. He is gifted technically and has the legs to be a trickster while dribbling. He is someone who can run at players when passes aren’t working and penetration is absent. He is strong and extremely versatile.
He played as an attacking midfielder at Dynamo Zagreb but played a central midfield role for Inter, playing in front of the defence, dropping deep and working wonders. He is also known to play as a wide attacker and a number 10 on countable occasions and desperate situations.
Should Liverpool go ahead?
Yes. Liverpool’s front 3 love to shuffle, run at players and contribute alongside each other. The Liverpool formation of 4-3-3 would suit him as can play in central midfield and also on the wings.
Klopp would be happy if he lands him but they need other replacements too for Coutinho who might be a big loss. A full-time winger would sort the issue somewhat for them.
The only element of his game he needs to improve is scoring goals and if he succeeds, he is going to be one of the best buys for a long long time.