Jurgen Klopp’s men may be preparing for the Champions League final but the new English rules mean that the transfer window is already open. Clubs are already getting deals done and the Reds are also looking to bolster their resources.
A number of exciting names are currently doing the rounds and one name they are interested in Jamaal Lascelles.
Liverpool Interested In English Duo:
For a club supposedly struggling with defensive difficulties, Liverpool have done pretty well in the second half of the season but Klopp is still looking for a CB partner for Virgil van Dijk and reports from The Independent claim that they are looking at Burnley’s James Tarkowski and Newcastle United’s Jamaal Lascelles as possible additions to their squad this summer.
Tarkowski is in the Europa League next season and might want to stay back but Liverpool have a decent shot at landing Lascelles but is he the right man for the Reds?
Strengths And Style Of Play:
Having started his senior career with Nottingham Forest, the 24-year old moved to Newcastle United back in 2014 but only cemented his place in the first team after the Magpies dropped to the Championship. After an excellent season with 43 league appearances, that saw Newcastle United lift the Championship trophy, Lascelles continued to be Rafa Benitez’s first choice defender this season as well, also being named the skipper of the side.
Strong and dominating in the air, Lascelles has been one of the strongest defenders in the league, statistically at least and though Rafa’s system has a lot to do with it, the English ace showed his quality time and again, against even the best opponents in the league.
He is adept at build-up play from the back, can pick passes over a long range and is a naturally attacking CB in set-piece situations. He has the leadership qualities that Liverpool are searching for at the back and alongside Virgil van Dijk, he will only grow more confident and could be a game changer for Liverpool.
Right Man For The Reds?
Klopp not only needs a defender but needs one who can compliment Van Dijk and help him improve. He needs established stars who can help the club take the next step but Lascelles does not quite fall into that category, yet.
But at just 24, the Newcastle United man has a prosperous future ahead of him and could be a decent signing for the club. At the moment, they have Dejan Lovren, prone to errors and Joel Matip, prone to injury. Joe Gomez has time to turn into a first choice CB, so Lascelles can not only walk into the first team but also has enough backup if he needs time to settle down.
Klopp has shown that he can get the best out of his players and if he believes that Lascelles will improve the squad at Anfield, it is imperative that they back him up. But do you think Liverpool should sign Lascelles this summer?