Liverpool have been widely linked with a move for Ousmane Dembele, who is tipped to leave Barcelona, after failing to impress coach Ernesto Valverde.
The Reds are reportedly keen on shoring up their attack as Jurgen Klopp looks to add more variety and depth in an attempt to challenge Manchester City and Chelsea for the title.
Dembele, in that regard, could be an ideal candidate and here are three reasons why.
He is a proven talent, brimming with unmatched potential
Ousmane Dembele is undoubtedly one of the most talented young players in world football, who is brimming with potential. The Frenchman has immaculate control of the ball and has temperament well beyond his years.
But, unlike most other young players, Dembele has been able to prove himself as well, having played a crucial role during his previous ventures with Stade Rennais and Borussia Dortmund. Especially in the Bundesliga, the 21-year-old showed exactly what he’s capable of at the highest level of football.
Dembele has already made over 100 top-flight appearances, which is no mean feat for a 21-year-old, especially when playing at some of the top clubs around Europe. And this experience will certainly help in getting used to the conditions in England.
Dembele can be transformed into a lethal and productive attacker
One of the most impressive features about Dembele is his productivity in the final third. While his ability to drift past defenders is already well-documented, the Frenchman has an eye for goal as well, having plundered over 30 goals during his professional career so far.
But most importantly, Dembele can offer the creative spark going forward, thanks to his mazy runs into the defensive channels.
While the 21-year-old mostly operated as an inverted winger, his sheer pace also enables him to get in behind the defensive line in order to provide dangerous crosses into the box – a quality that will surely add another dimension to the Liverpool attack.
The X-factor needed to beat Manchester City to the title?
Yes, Liverpool boast of one of the best-attacking units in Europe. But Egyptian hero, Mohamed Salah, who was in the best form of his life, was not able to help Liverpool challenge for the title last season. It will be unfair to expect a similar number of goals from him this time around.
He needs support and in terms of effectiveness, someone like Dembele will be much more than just a supporting act. He has flair and will bring freshness into the attack, something which looks like the Reds might need going ahead in the season.
While it might be uncharacteristic for Liverpool to spend big again after a summer of splashing the cash, a gamble on Dembele might go a long way in ensuring silverware for the club and Klopp.
