After a memorable run to the UCL final last season, that ended in a loss, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool are suddenly one of the most attractive projects around in Europe.
Klopp has the ability to attract even the best of stars to Anfield this summer and the latest in the list linked with a move to Liverpool is Steven Bergwijn.
Liverpool Keeping Tabs On Bergwijn
A transfer target for the likes of West Ham United, Bournemouth and Tottenham Hotspur previously, the Dutch youngster is currently one of the many exciting prospects coming out of his country at the moment. PSV, his current club, rejected a bid from Torino last summer and want to keep him in the Netherlands but it is now understood that the Dutch giants are ready to let him leave.
Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf claim that Arsenal and Liverpool are now in the front seat to land the 20-year old, who is expected to cost around £20m. So is he a player Liverpool should sign?
Who Is Bergwijn?
Having risen through the ranks at Ajax, Bergwijn joined arch-rivals PSV as a teenager but only rose to prominence with his performances in the European U17 Championships, almost four years ago. He failed to live up to those expectations for quite a while but in the second half of the previous season, he stepped up his progress and helped his side to the Eredivisie title.
A versatile winger who can play on either flank with equal effect, the 20-year old is strong with his passing and rarely misplaces one. He is protective of the ball, is quick to spot space and find his teammates in dangerous areas.
Bergwijn can also test the keeper from long range but is effective in build-up play, dribbling past opponents and cutting inside to create space in and around the box.
He is a smart player, whose understanding of the game makes him dangerous. He does have to work on his defensive duties but is by no means a lethargic player.
What Will He Bring To Liverpool?
At his age, Bergwijn would want to play week in week out, which will not be possible at Anfield. Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane are surely starting every game next season with Roberto Firmino up top. But Bergwijn can play any of those three roles and will probably be the first choice replacement on the wings.
Playing under a gaffer like Klopp will certainly make him a better player but at the moment, he might be better off staying back in his home country for another season, before searching for success elsewhere. But if Klopp thinks he is ready, this opportunity to join Liverpool is not one Bergwijn would want to miss.