Arne Slot has confirmed that he’ll rotate his Liverpool workforce within the Premier League this season (lastly) after final weekend’s title triumph.
A number of gamers have been decreased to bit-part roles beneath the brand new administration, however the Dutch coach has stated that “a number of gamers will come into the workforce” throughout the closing weeks of the marketing campaign.
Harvey Elliott, Jarell Quansah and Federico Chiesa can be amongst these on the lookout for beginning berths, however at left-back, it is extra of an unsure state of affairs.
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 enjoying for his or her futures over the ultimate 4 fixtures, and Kostas Tsimikas is certain to be considered one of them, having solely began seven top-flight video games all time period. Nonetheless, 4 of these have come throughout seven latest outings.
Liverpool are out there for a brand new left-back this summer season, and one of many skilled duo is certain to be offered to make room for a contemporary face. Milos Kerkez is on the prime of the listing of contenders.
Liverpool’s curiosity in Milos Kerkez
In accordance with The Occasions, Liverpool have positioned Kerkez proper on the prime of their shortlist as FSG heat to the concept of signing a brand new left-back. Nonetheless, 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 stunning that his outfit are able to drive a tough discount.
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 among the best younger full-backs in Europe.
At £45m, Liverpool will remember to contemplate their choices, particularly with Manchester Metropolis and Actual Madrid additionally eager. Hughes has already lined up a possible various, 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 not too long ago reported that the Premier League champions have been extensively scouting an alternate choice.
The person in query is Maxim De Cuyper, with the Membership Brugge star impressing Liverpool recruiters together with his performances within the Champions League this yr. Arsenal are additionally .
De Cuyper, 24, is an lively defender with a fuel tank that refuses to be depleted. With Robertson hoping to stay round for a number of extra years, this may very well be the right profile to problem the Scotland captain for a beginning berth, particularly since he is bought a rumoured price ticket of €25m (£21m).
Why Liverpool ought to De Cuyper
Firstly, these experiences recommend that De Cuyper may very well be accessible for lower than half the worth of Kerkez, and when digging into their respective ability units, it does look as if the Belgium worldwide has the standard to make simply as a lot of a constructive impression in Slot’s workforce – if no more.
A fiercely artistic defender, De Cuyper ranks among the many prime 19% of full-backs throughout divisions much 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.
Shot-creating actions are items of play that result in a shot. These embrace moments comparable to a go, take-on or foul being drawn.
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 in opposition to 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 objective contributions throughout all competitions this yr, notably scoring in opposition to 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 probabilities of hitting the bottom operating beneath Slot’s wing in England.
League Stats 24/25 – Maxim De Cuyper vs Milos Kerkez | ||
|---|---|---|
Stats (* per sport) | De Cuyper | Kerkez |
Matches (begins) | 34 (31) | 34 (34) |
Objectives | 3 | 2 |
Assists | 5 | 5 |
Go completion | 83% | 80% |
Massive possibilities created | 22 | 7 |
Key passes* | 2.5 | 1.0 |
Dribbles (%)* | 0.5 (51%) | 0.6 (57%) |
Ball recoveries* | 4.0 | 4.5 |
Tackles + interceptions* | 2.3 | 2.6 |
Clearances* | 2.0 | 2.8 |
Duels (%)* | 3.6 (53%) | 4.1 (53%) |
Stats by way of Sofascore | ||
It is fascinating that the Belgian ought to produce such scintillating playmaking numbers – furthering the argument that he is Trent-like – together with his underlying metrics throughout different areas additionally suggesting that he may very well be a extra full and efficient left-back improve than Kerkez.
Reminiscent of Robertson, the 31-year-old has didn’t register a single objective 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 need 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 stage completely. Is it any surprise that expertise scout Jacek Kulig has described him as “among the best left-backs presently enjoying outdoors the (Europe’s) prime 5 leagues.”
Switch Focus
Mega cash offers, controversial strikes and big-name flops. That is the house of switch information and opinion throughout Soccer FanCast.
Liverpool have to discover a solution 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 solution to implement this; he may even show a greater signing than Kerkez, and for a portion of the worth.
Associated
Outscoring Isak: Liverpool scouting £25m “nuisance” who’s identical to Nunez
Liverpool are able to go searching for new forwards this summer season.
