Jurgen Klopp’s European Champions are yet to make a star signing this transfer window. But they are now one of the most attractive projects in Europe and there are a number of exciting names linked with a move to Anfield this summer.
And Ex-Liverpool full-back Steve Nicol has now suggested that the Reds should try and make a move for Leicester City star James Maddison.
“The reason I mentioned Maddison in place of Wijnaldum is that Liverpool need to get some goals from the middle three,” Nicol said on the ESPN show.
“They are so reliant on the front three that it’s almost like if none of them score then where are the goals coming from?
“So I wanted Liverpool top get somebody in the middle to add goals, and Maddison would do that. And Maddison also can get from box to box.
“So that’s why I would like to see Maddison playing for Liverpool. He can also play a pass. You know Wijnaldum can’t play a pass. Henderson can’t play a pass. Milner can’t play a pass. These are players that can’t pick a little pass in the final third that make a difference.
“James Maddison can do all the things Klopp’s middle three doing now but he adds that little pass and he can also add some goals.”
James Maddison and his style of play
Having started his career with Coventry City, Maddison only moved to the Premier League last summer with the Foxes, and was one of the best players for the club last season.
Playing in an advanced midfield role, Maddison registered seven goals and seven assists in 35 league starts and made some important contributions to the club’s results last season.
A dead-ball specialist, the former Norwich City star is a technically gifted player with lots of hunger to win. He is ready to run himself into the ground for his side in every game while his aggression on the field adds a different dimension to his game.
He has issues with his discipline, but Maddison is versatile, can play on the wing, or in a deeper role and is a player Klopp will love to have in his side.
Maddison may be a liability defensively, but he has the appetite to learn and will only become a better player under the Liverpool manager.
Right man for Klopp?
The need for a creative midfielder was evident for Liverpool last season when they failed to turn draws into wins, which ultimately cost them the title.
But it is not clear if Klopp wants a luxury player like Maddison in his side next season.
The likes of Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita will probably play as the attacking options in the midfield while Georginio Wijnaldum, Adam Lallana, James Milner and Jordan Henderson are all options for the box-to-box and deeper roles.
Maddison did play in that role at times last season for Leicester, but Liverpool will want a more natural player there and a more versatile player in an advanced role.
They are better off spending on a player who can be a part of the front three and also make an impact on the midfield rather than a player like Maddison, who will want to play every game as a part of the midfield.
With four years left on his current deal at King Power, Maddison will also be expensive. So in more ways than one, the Leicester City star is not a real necessity at Anfield at the moment.