Liverpool have long been linked with a move for Timo Werner and a move could be on the cards with the striker yet to a new contract with RB Leipzig, as reported by Bild.
Jurgen Klopp has a good knowledge of the Bundesliga market and we take a look at the pros and cons of Werner’s potential move to Merseyside.
Werner to Liverpool – Pros
Werner is undoubtedly the best German centre-forward at the moment, having scored as many as 55 goals in less than 100 matches for Leipzig in the past three seasons.
However, what makes him such an asset in German football is his overall work-rate as his raw pace coupled with his aggression allows him to press opposition defenders, a quality which was utilised well by former Leipzig and current Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl.
The 22-year old would find it easier to acclimatise to Jurgen Klopp’s gegenpressing, thanks to his aggression and willingness to press the opposition.
Additionally, Werner’s previous experience of playing as a winger has helped him evolve as a forward as he often tends to shift to wider positions to either link up with his teammates or to run in behind the defence.
And at the age of 22, Werner has time on his side and with proper guidance, the German international could easily become a world beater in a few years’ time.
Werner to Liverpool – Cons
No player is perfect and Werner is no different.
While the Leipzig attacker might be blessed with excellent positioning as well as raw pace, he is not a reliable option when deployed as the lone attacker upfront, meaning Klopp may have to alter his formation to get the best out of Werner or accommodate him in the line-up.
Werner lacks composure which combined with a petulant attitude often makes him a frustrating figure in the final third.
The 22-year-old also needs to check his runs more often in order to prevent himself from being caught offside. He’ll also have to drop deeper and influence the game as that’s something all of Klopp’s forwards have done – from Robert Lewandowski to Roberto Firmino.
Overall, Werner would be an excellent signing for Liverpool as they aim to clinch their maiden Premier League title this season.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored