The lack of recent spending at Liverpool shows that Jurgen Klopp is happy to wait for his top transfer targets. This approach from Klopp has meant that not many Liverpool transfer rumours are taken seriously.
However, one story that is catching the eye of many is the club’s interest in Sander Berge.
Genk sporting director Dimitri De Conde has recently revealed that a host of European clubs including Liverpool are interested in his signature. But who is Berge and what will he bring to England?
Sander Berge And His Style Of Play
Having already impressed the Anfield faithful in Liverpool’s two group stage games against Genk in the Champions League this season, Berge is easily one of the most exciting youngsters on show in Europe in the game.
He moved to Genk in 2016 as a teenager and just a season later, cemented his place in the first team.
Sander Berge has started 14 league games and all four Champions League games this season for the Belgian outfit, registering two goals.
But it is his ability to control the game from the middle of the park that makes him an attractive option for the best in Europe.
A central midfielder with gifted technique, the 21-year-old is effective in and around both boxes. He loves to sit back and dictate play and is adept at hold up play and retaining possession even under pressure.
He can dribble past opponents and can create chances, breaking the defensive lines. But he is equally effective dropping deep and adding cover to his backline when needed, making him a complete midfielder.
Berge averages 1.3 interceptions and 2.3 clearances per game in the Champions League this season while also completing 1.5 dribbles and creating four chances for his side.
He has 55 Jupiler League appearances and 20 international caps and has enough experience to make an immediate impact in the Premier League.
Sander Berge: Right Man For Liverpool?
Berge plays as a part of a two-man midfield in a 4-4-1-1 system, which seems to be his best role.
But in Klopp’s 4-3-3 system, he could be effective in the two central midfield roles, where he can have an impact at both ends of the field.
While Liverpool would want to sign a creative player for one of those roles, Klopp has stuck with the likes of Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum in those positions, neither of who are playmakers.
The German needs technical midfielders, who can read the game and put in the hard yards, suffocating opponents in the middle of the park and Berge fits the bill perfectly.
The Norway international’s understanding of the game will allow him to win the ball back high up the field while his technical ability could see him set up goals for his teammates regularly.
Liverpool have Marko Grujic coming back at the end of the season while Naby Keita, Oxlade Chamberlain, James Milner and Adam Lallana are all options for the midfield.
But Berge strikes a balance between his defensive and offensive abilities that can make Liverpool a better side in their bid to become less reliant on the attacking trio as far as providing creativity is concerned.
He has around 18 months left on his current deal and will not be too expensive but The Reds have to move quickly to fend off interests from other clubs if they are serious about Berge.
