Jürgen Klopp’s men will believe that they can go all the way in Europe this season but they will have to prioritise a finish in the top 4 place in the points table in the domestic league this season. The manager will be relatively happy with the way the season has progressed but is already looking at players who can add quality to his first team next season.
One such superstar, who continues to be linked with a move to Anfield is Jan Oblak.
Liverpool’s Chase For Oblak
The Reds were in the market in the last couple of transfer windows in search of a top quality shot stopper and have been looking at some exciting names recently. But Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak is reportedly on their wish list.
Also wanted by Arsenal, Oblak has a release clause of £89m and Rojo Blancos are reportedly happy to let him leave at that price. Arsene Wenger sees Oblak as a long-term replacement for Petr Cech and is ready to meet his valuation this summer. But should Liverpool go toe to toe against Arsenal for his signature?
Oblak – One Of The Best In The Game
A product of the academy at Olimpija, in Slovenia, Oblak was introduced to European football by SL Benfica but he failed to cement his place in the first team at Portugal before he was shipped off to Spain in 2014. In just two years, Oblak replaced Thibaut Courtois in the first team and has never looked back ever since.
He is currently the first choice shot-stopper for Atletico Madrid and the Slovenian national team and is right up there with the best ‘keepers in the game at the moment.
An athletic shot-stopper with a tall and dominating presence in his box, Oblak is not only good with his reflexes and saves from point blank but is one of the few keepers who are consistent in evading goals in one on one situations. He has a cool and composed approach to the game but is also adept at releasing the ball quickly to set up his side on counter attacks.
At just 25, he is still learning the game but has already made 107 La Liga appearances and 34 UCL appearances to add to his 18 international caps and is one of the best solutions available for Liverpool in the current transfer market.
Right Man For The Reds?
With 18 clean sheets in 28 games and just 12 goals conceded in the Spanish top flight, Oblak is a genuine upgrade on every option Liverpool have in this department. Simon Mignolet has overrun his stay and could be heading towards the exit door come the end of the season while Danny Ward does not seem to have impressed Klopp enough to warrant a place in the first team regularly next season.
Loris Karius is showing great promise but Liverpool need another name at the back and Oblak is as good as they get. They are also linked with a move for AS Roma’s Alisson and Stoke City’s Jack Butland but Oblak is a more established star and is well worth his price tag.
The Reds may want to spend big to improve other areas of the squad but Oblak can be the solution to a problem that has been haunting the side for half a decade now. Do you think he is the right man for Liverpool?
