Liverpool identify German attacker as Sturridge replacement: A smart choice by Klopp

Liverpool have identified Max Kruse as their desired replacement for Daniel Sturridge, it has been claimed.

According to Sport 1(via Express), Liverpool are eyeing a move for Max Kruse. The Reds are preparing for life without Daniel Sturridge next season and the German forward has been identified as the desired replacement.

Kruse has enjoyed a good season with Werder Bremen but is out of contract at the end of June. That means he will be available as a free agent in the summer.

Max Kruse: A smart choice by Jurgen Klopp

As mentioned earlier, Liverpool are looking for potential replacements for Sturridge this summer. The English forward is said to be leaving the club after struggling with injuries and lack of game-time in the past couple of years. In fact, Sturridge has failed to feature in over 1,000 minutes of league football in any of his last three seasons at the club.

Kruse, in that regard, will be a smart replacement for the departing striker as Liverpool head coach Jurgen Klopp looks to maintain his side’s balance in the attacking unit. The ex-Gladbach attacker was critical to Werder Bremen’s excellent campaign that saw them finish with 50 points for the first time in over a decade.

Kruse scored 11 goals in 32 matches and also mustered 10 assists, making him one of the most productive attackers in the 2018/19 Bundesliga campaign. His clever movements in the final third coupled with his ability to carve out space for his teammates allowed the likes of Milot Rashica and Davy Klaassen to become much more productive in attack.

Aside from his productivity, Kruse was one of the league’s highest chance creators, with his tally of 82 key passes bettered only by Bayer Leverkusen sensation Julian Brandt. In addition, his willingness to test the goalkeeper has served as a key reason behind Bremen’s excellent productivity in attack.

The 31-year-old has amassed 91 shots per game, which is sixth highest in the league. About half(43) of those 91 shots, however, have come from outside the box, which is second only to Kerem Demirbay(46). This is indicative of Kruse’s ability from long-range that could certainly benefit Liverpool.

While it’s unlikely that Kruse will provide much of the goal-threat in the Premier League, his ability to create chances in the final third will bode well for the likes of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane. Furthermore, the German international will also provide excellent back-up for the injury-prone figure of Roberto Firmino – thus making him a smart addition to the team.

Stat courtesy: Whoscored