Liverpool decided not to add to their midfield and attack in the January transfer window, even as they allowed their talisman, Philippe Coutinho, to leave for Barcelona. The manager has repeatedly revealed that the lack of activity in the transfer market was due to the unavailability of top transfer targets, half-way through the season.
One such player, who they are expected to go back in, at the end of the season is Borussia Dortmund star Christian Pulisic.
Liverpool Ahead In Race For Pulisic:
A transfer target for Liverpool even at the start of the season, Pulisic has been extensively linked with an exit recently and reports now claim that Liverpool are the front-runners for his signature. Also wanted by Manchester United and Bayern Munich, Pulisic will certainly cost a record fee, with his deal not expiring till 2020 but Liverpool have funds from the sale of Coutinho and could meet his valuation before the start of the next season.
Is Pulisic the man Liverpool need?
Pulisic And His Numbers:
Having moved to Europe with Dortmund back in 2015, Pulisic took just one year to break into the first team and is now one of the first names on the team sheet for Peter Stoger at Westfalenstadion this year. He has 8 goals and 10 assists in 57 Bundesliga appearances and stands as one of the most consistent attackers in the German top flight.
He has also made 20 appearances for the USA national team and is the star of the side. He has nine goals for his country and at his age, is a serious talent.
A versatile winger, who can play on either wing or through the middle, the 19-year old is a gifted footballer with excellent first touch and mesmerising technique. He is almost impossible to stop when in full flow, with the ball at his feet as his pace and dribbling abilities are too good for even the best of the defenders in Germany.
He is not too adept with the physical style of play but his positioning in and around the box makes him a dangerous player. He can learn to be more clinical in front of goal but he is at his most dangerous in counter-attack situations, where he can take on defenders and create chances for his side.
For a 19-year old, he is calm and composed even under severe pressure and this cool head is what makes him one of the best teenagers in world football at the moment.
Right Fit For Liverpool?
Jurgen Klopp, the current Liverpool manager was the man who brought Pulisic to Europe. The 19-year old joined the German club under Klopp and should not have too many problems moving to Anfield, to play under him once again.
But the biggest problem for Liverpool is the fact that they have world class wingers in their squad, which makes Pulisic only a luxury. He is expected to replace the goals and creativity that Coutinho has taken with him to Barcelona and though Pulisic has enough potential to do it in years to come, he will have to play in a slightly different role at Anfield, to start regularly.
The likes of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane are too good to be replaced by a 19-year old so the USA international will have to play in the midfield, which will need him to polish his game a bit more. His defensive technique may leave Liverpool open if played in the midfield so it will be interesting to see how Klopp’s handles the 19-year old in England.
He certainly is a player who will improve the squad at Anfield but is he the man they need at the moment?
Stats Courtesy: Whoscored