Regardless of the addition of Florian Wirtz this summer season, Liverpool have been aggressive of their efforts to enhance Arne Slot’s backline.
The Reds actually weren’t terrible on the again in 2024/25, however with Trent Alexander-Arnold heading to Actual Madrid, signing Jeremie Frimpong was a necessity.
At left-back, Milos Kerkez is about to reach, changing Andy Robertson whose finest years look past him.
At centre-back, they might additionally require a alternative for French defender Ibrahima Konate. He is wished by Actual Madrid and an exit grows extra possible.
How Liverpool may change Konate
Konate loved a wonderful season for the Reds, partnering Virgil van Dijk in knowledgeable vogue.
Whereas the Dutchman ultimately signed a brand new contract at Anfield, he is probably not joined by his associate in crime for an excessive amount of longer.
Latest studies recommend that Actual Madrid are excited about prising the French defender from Liverpool however there’s additional curiosity from golf equipment in Saudi and Champions League winners, PSG.
So, with that in thoughts, Liverpool have been searching for options. Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi has been earmarked, as too has RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba.
That is based on journalist Lewis Steele who revealed on his YouTube channel that “Lukeba at Leipzig could possibly be one to observe, it’s clear Liverpool have saved an eye fixed on him.”
Steele added: “I’ve been advised Liverpool have had scouts at many RB Leipzig video games this season. He could possibly be one as nicely to observe by way of Liverpool attempting to get one of the best younger defenders available on the market.”
Why Lukeba could possibly be higher than Guehi for Liverpool
Whereas Wirtz signing for Liverpool was actually the most important information of the week out of Merseyside, information that the Reds may additionally make a transfer for Guehi was the second hottest matter.
In direction of the top of the week it was revealed that Richard Hughes and Co had been set to launch a bid to signal the England worldwide this summer season, whereas studies since then be aware that Liverpool at the moment are closing in on an settlement on private phrases. Whether or not or not he joins this summer season stays to be seen.
Valued at £70m by Crystal Palace, he could possibly be accessible for as little as £45m, contemplating he has one yr left on his contract at Selhurst Park however Guehi is allegedly prepared to attend a yr and depart on a free switch if he does not get to maneuver now.
Premier League confirmed and having captained the Eagles, there’s little or no threat connected to his deal. But, may Liverpool really signal a participant with greater potential in Lukeba? Fairly probably.
Stated to beforehand be among the many “finest U21 CBs in Europe’s prime 5 leagues” and described as “top-of-the-line defensive prospects in world soccer” by information analyst Ben Mattinson, the Frenchman, who’s now nonetheless solely 22, has a skillset that completely encapsulates a contemporary defender.
Like a Jorrel Hato, a Josko Gvardiol, Lukeba possesses the instruments to have the ability to play as a hybrid centre-back and left-back. That stage of versatility already trumps Guehi, who’s extra of a standard centre-half.
The skillset that the 22-year-old gives, nonetheless, can be extremely thrilling. He possesses wonderful ball-playing capacity, rating inside one of the best 20% of defenders in Europe’s huge leagues for progressive passes. He is supremely snug with the ball at his ft, additionally sitting among the many prime 1% of centre-backs for progressive carries.
A carry is taken into account progressive if the ball is moved in the direction of the opponent’s purpose at the least 10 yards from its start line or is carried into the penalty space.
He is really elite on this division already, rating because the fourth most progressive U21 centre half in Europe throughout 2023/24.
|
Lukeba vs Guehi in 2024/25 (league solely) |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Metric (per 90 minutes) |
Lukeba |
Guehi |
|
Move completion % |
85.1% |
83.5% |
|
Key passes |
0.23 |
0.47 |
|
Passes into last third |
5.14 |
3.91 |
|
Progressive passes |
4.57 |
3.94 |
|
Progressive carries |
1.03 |
0.65 |
|
Profitable take-ons |
1.14 |
0.35 |
|
Tackles gained |
0.97 |
1.00 |
|
Interceptions |
0.97 |
0.82 |
|
Aerials gained |
1.49 |
2.00 |
|
Stats by way of FBref. |
||
When evaluating the 2 defenders’ numbers, it is clear to see simply how way more progressive Lukeba is. Guehi is actually snug on the ball, however the Leipzig star is subsequent stage in the case of advancing ahead with possession.
Crucially, that does not come on the expense of his defensive duties both. Regardless of not rating extremely for aerials gained, so far as tackles are involved, there’s not that a lot of a distinction. Lukeba even makes extra interceptions per 90 minutes.
So, whereas Guehi may nicely be a confirmed England worldwide with Premier League expertise, Lukeba has a particular profile and boasts all the expertise to grow to be one of many best centre-backs in Europe.
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