Jurgen Klopp has entered his third full year in charge of Liverpool with an eye to bring back the glory days for Liverpool. In his tenure, he has taken the Merseysiders to the Europa League, Champions League and League Cup finals only to end up second best. However, he will be looking to turn the tide come the new campaign in August.
Much of Liverpool’s transfer business and talks have been predominantly in the attacking areas but for a change, Brazilian left-back Alex Telles of FC Porto is reportedly on Jurgen Klopp’s radar as the German looks to provide some competition among the ranks for the likes of Robertson and Moreno. With a contract that runs until 2021, the Portuguese outfit has fixed his release clause at £35million.
The Brazilian’s numbers this campaign
Alex Telles has had a phenomenal season with the Dragons helping them to a title-winning campaign. From left back, having made 30 appearances, the Brazilian has registered 3 goals and 13 assists. His crossing from the attacking areas has been a feature of his game all season. Making an average of 3.2 key passes per game, he was an integral part of Sérgio Conceição’s side.
Whilst being able to help his team in the attacking third, Telles is aware of his defensive duties as well. He shows great discipline in his tackling, ensuring he gets the ball on most occasions, receiving just 2 yellow cards.
Perfect man to compete Robertson?
Jurgen Klopp’s heavy-metal football induced into this Liverpool side meant that the full backs would spend a heavy chunk of their time in the attacking half. With that in mind, Telles could be a brilliant addition to the Liverpool squad pushing the other two lefts backs in Robertson and Moreno to the limit. Such competition within the squad is quite healthy in the thought that it brings out the best among the players. The heavy fixture list could also be taxing on the current squad and an addition to this defence would go a long way in preventing fatigue and injuries that could occur as a result of the heavy labour.
Following his stellar season with Porto, Liverpool are not the only club to be interested in the left back. Chelsea and PSG are also reportedly set to keep a keen eye on the Brazilian. All three clubs that are in line for Telle’s signature do have the purchasing power to trigger his release clause.
This could turn out to be an interesting transfer saga with all four options possible. Can Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp land the 25 Y/O left back?