Liverpool could sign £21m star who’s a left-footed Trent

Arne Slot has confirmed that he’ll rotate his Liverpool staff within the Premier League this season (lastly) after final weekend’s title triumph.

A bunch of gamers have been diminished to bit-part roles below the brand new administration, however the Dutch coach has stated that “a number of gamers will come into the staff” throughout the closing weeks of the marketing campaign.

Harvey Elliott, Jarell Quansah and Federico Chiesa will likely be amongst these on the lookout for beginning berths, however at left-back, it is extra of an unsure scenario.

Whereas Andy Robertson stays Liverpool’s first-choice choice to accomplice Virgil van Dijk on the left aspect of the backline, his affect has waned this season, errors creeping in and attacking contributions heading out.

A number of Reds stars are going to be taking part in for his or her futures over the ultimate 4 fixtures, and Kostas Tsimikas is bound to be considered one of them, having solely began seven top-flight video games all time period. Nevertheless, 4 of these have come throughout seven latest outings.

Liverpool are out there for a brand new left-back this summer time, and one of many skilled duo is bound to be bought to make room for a recent face. Milos Kerkez is on the high of the listing of contenders.

Liverpool’s curiosity in Milos Kerkez

In line with The Instances, Liverpool have positioned Kerkez proper on the high of their shortlist as FSG heat to the concept of signing a brand new left-back. Nevertheless, Bournemouth need £45m for the 21-year-old and that is steep.

Described as a “machine” by Sky Sports activities’ Izzy Christensen, the Cherries defender has all of the attributes to turn out to be considered one of Europe’s elite gamers, and so it is hardly shocking that his outfit are able to drive a tough cut price.

Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes was the person who introduced Kerkez over to England, signing the Hungarian expertise from AZ Alkmaar for £15.5m in July 2023 whereas he was the switch operator on the Vitality Stadium.

This season, Kerkez has been a revelation in Andoni Iraola’s system, scary in assault and safe in defence. His completeness and athleticism have seen him emerge as top-of-the-line younger full-backs in Europe.

At £45m, Liverpool will make sure you think about their choices, particularly with Manchester Metropolis and Actual Madrid additionally eager. Hughes has already lined up a possible different, and he is an thrilling one at that.

Liverpool chasing new left-back

Kerkez appears to be the highest goal for the Anfield aspect, however Liverpool aren’t restricted of their scope. Certainly, journalist Bence Bocsak has lately reported that the Premier League champions have been extensively scouting another possibility.

The person in query is Maxim De Cuyper, with the Membership Brugge star impressing Liverpool recruiters along with his performances within the Champions League this 12 months. Arsenal are additionally .

De Cuyper, 24, is an energetic defender with a fuel tank that refuses to be depleted. With Robertson hoping to stay round for a number of extra years, this might be the right profile to problem the Scotland captain for a beginning berth, particularly since he is acquired a rumoured price ticket of €25m (£21m).

Why Liverpool ought to De Cuyper

Firstly, these experiences recommend that De Cuyper might be out there for lower than half the worth of Kerkez, and when digging into their respective talent units, it does look as if the Belgium worldwide has the standard to make simply as a lot of a constructive affect in Slot’s staff – if no more.

A fiercely artistic defender, De Cuyper ranks among the many high 19% of full-backs throughout divisions just like the Belgian Professional League for assists, the highest 1% for passes tried and shot-creating actions and the highest 4% for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref.

FBref have additionally recorded that De Cuyper’s Champions League performances this season put him alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold from a statistical standpoint, solely reinforcing the argument that he could be an ideal slot in Slot’s squad.

When assessing De Cuyper towards Kerkez, there is a case to be made that his playmaking and roundedness make him a greater match than Kerkez, who’s a fast-rising defender however a mite costly at £45m.

The Membership Brugge man has hit 11 purpose contributions throughout all competitions this 12 months, notably scoring towards Aston Villa within the Champions League. Arsenal need him too, bear in mind, so he is doing one thing proper.

In fact, the Premier League is objectively of a better technical calibre than the Belgian Professional League, however the defender’s success in Europe’s elite competitors emphasises his possibilities of hitting the bottom operating below Slot’s wing in England.

It is attention-grabbing that the Belgian ought to produce such scintillating playmaking numbers – furthering the argument that he is Trent-like – along with his underlying metrics throughout different areas additionally suggesting that he might be a extra full and efficient left-back improve than Kerkez.

Reminiscent of Robertson, the 31-year-old has didn’t register a single purpose contribution within the Premier League this season, so it is no surprise Slot and Hughes are decided to enhance that space of the pitch. De Cuyper has the traits that recommend he’s the right successor.

This is not to say that Kerkez is ineffective from a playmaking perspective; removed from it, the Hungarian has showcased an thrilling want to advance attacking play on England’s south coast this time period.

However De Cuyper has that particular one thing that might cost Liverpool’s left lane to a different degree fully. Is it any surprise that expertise scout Jacek Kulig has described him as “top-of-the-line left-backs at the moment taking part in exterior the (Europe’s) high 5 leagues.”

Liverpool must discover a technique to keep forward in artistic metrics subsequent season, particularly if Alexander-Arnold leaves for pastures new in sunny Spain. Bringing in De Cuyper could be the right technique to implement this; he would possibly even show a greater signing than Kerkez, and for a portion of the worth.