Liverpool decided not to pursue Timo Werner’s signature owing to financial reasons, and lost out on a talented but expensive player. However, in Milot Rashica, they have a good alternative.
While the Kosovo Federation President had confirmed (h/t EveningStandard) Liverpool’s admiration for the winger, there were also reports of the interest cooling down.
Rashica has done well after signing for Werder Bremen in January 2018, having scored 23 goals in 69 appearances for the club from the north of Germany.
Milot Rashica – The cheaper Werner alternative for Liverpool
Although Werner is ahead of Rashica in terms of his development, ability-wise, Rashica is pretty impressive himself.
Firstly, Rashica would be a cheaper alternative to Werner because if Bremen get relegated, his price would come down to just £13 million from his actual release clause that has been set at £31.5 million.
If his price hits such a low, it would be an absolute steal for Liverpool, who reportedly don’t have much money to spend this summer.
Now, in terms of his ability, Liverpool will potentially get a player who is versatile enough to play as a left-winger or as a striker, something Werner is known for as well.
Rashica is a kind of winger who likes to give the defenders a run for their money with his dribbling skills. The Kosovo man also doesn’t shy away from cutting inside and have a go at goal himself, or find a teammate with the reverse pass.
The 23-year old has already netted ten times and assisted five in his 29 outings across all competitions for Bremen this season, and those are impressive numbers considering his side have struggled this season. In an attacking side like Liverpool, his numbers will only improve as he will have more quality players around him.
It would take some time for Rashica to get enough games under his belt despite his abilities. Klopp isn’t the type of manager who likes to rotate his front three often, and Rashica will have to make the most of his opportunities if at all Liverpool do sign him.
Mane has played a lot of games for Liverpool this season, and while Origi has done well when called upon, Rashica would be a more natural backup for the former.
His would fit in well at Liverpool, so if available, the Reds should make a move for the attacker.
Stats via Whoscored