Aston Villa have completed their second signing of the January transfer window securing the signature of Everton’s French international left-back Lucas Digne for a fee of around £25m, following the signing of former Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho on-loan from Barcelona.
It is understood Digne travelled to Birmingham for a medical on Wednesday before signing a four-and-a-half year deal.
On Wednesday night, Digne posted on Instagram: “Sometimes it only takes one person from outside to destroy a beautiful love affair” ahead of his move to Villa Park. Digne, 28, was the top target for manager Steven Gerrard who looked to increase Villa’s full-back options this month.
He was linked with Newcastle but the Frenchman did not want to move to a club who was threatened with relegation. Digne was also reportedly of interest to Chelsea with Ben Chilwell out for the season with a knee ligament injury. The Champions League winners wanted a loan move only, though, which was not something Everton were interested in.
Digne’s fallout with Rafael Benitez ended up clouding what were his final weeks, with a club he joined in 2018 from Barcelona but over the past three and a half seasons he has been a key player for Everton.
Since he joined in 2018, he has recorded more assists (18) than any other Everton player and led the way for his team in assists and chances created (46) last season.
Everton signed 22-year-old Vitaliy Mykolenko earlier this month as a replacement and while the Ukraine international has experience playing in the Champions League and at the Euros last summer, he clearly cannot match Digne’s quality. So many will of course argue, that Aston Villa have got the better of the two deals considering the Frenchman’s abilities and influence in attack.
Digne, after all, has over 40 caps for France and has experienced title wins with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. However, it will be his attacking numbers from left-back which will excite the Villa faithful.
At 28, Digne is in his prime and at a level where his attacking output ranks among the best by full-backs in the Premier League. In fact, Digne’s tally of 18 assists in the last three and a half seasons puts him behind only Andrew Robertson (35) as the second-highest goal provider among his positional counterparts — and well ahead of nearest rivals Ben Chilwell (13), Aaron Cresswell and Luke Shaw (both 10).
Also, since the start of last season only Liverpool pair Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson have created more clear-cut chances among Premier League defenders.
Looking at his expected assists (xA) per 90 minutes – measuring the expected goals value of the shot that is assisted – it provides a more useful understanding of how creative Digne really is.
When considering minutes played at left-back and left wing-back since 2018-19, Digne’s 0.18 expected assists per 90 is also the second-highest rate within his positional group, which means for Everton he has been creating chances worthy of an assist once every five games since he arrived at Goodison Park in 2018.
Image provided by Sky Sports
As seen in the image above, off-the-ball, Digne isn’t quite as effective – ranking 46th among Premier League defenders since the start of last season for winning possession, well behind his more creative counterparts Alexander-Arnold, Robertson, Shaw and Chilwell. One of the facets of Gerrard’s game is his demand on his full-backs to be as effective and influential in defence as they are in attack, and its certainly an area where Digne will need to improve.
However, with the ball at his feet, whether high-and-wide in the attacking areas, or from dead-ball situations, Digne is at his masterful best delivering crosses that most full-backs can only dream of, and his record of 18 assists since his introduction in the English top-flight in 2018 tells its own story.
Aston Villa currently rank fourth in the Premier League this season for goals created from crosses, and Digne will further strengthen them in this department. That’s not to say Matt Targett hasn’t been effective so far under Gerrard. In fact, Targett has two goal involvements this season (1 goal, 1 assist) compared to Digne’s 0 involvements.
The Frenchman will need to reach top levels again if he is to surpass his new teammate at Villa Park. Targett has rapidly improved in his creativity this season, he’s recorded more passes into the opposition penalty area (1.45 to 0.92), more final third passes (4.21 to Digne’s 2.23) and more progressive passes (5.85 to 3.77) per 90 minutes.
This season, Digne has not been able to showcase his strengths to quite the same degree.
One reason for this is that the team dynamic has been sorely affected by key injuries to Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin. The latter the key focal point in their attack — and build-up play — in recent seasons, the England international was out of action from late August until early this month. Richarlison, Digne’s partner on the left flank has also suffered various injuries this season meaning Digne could perform at his consistent best due to constant chopping and changing. Also, Everton have largely been playing as a counter-attacking unit under Rafael Benitez meaning Digne isn’t as effective as he should be.
The Everton players are asked to stay compact in a deeper block before springing forward at pace, with less focus on considered build-up play towards the attack. Given the technical qualities Digne possesses, you can understand why Digne feels that his skill set is not being maximized by such a strategy, hence the difference in opinion with Benitez.
Having a relationship with a team-mate ahead of him down the left-hand side has been crucial in getting the best out of Digne and that could be with any of Ollie Watkins, Philippe Coutinho or Emi Buendia at Aston Villa. Gerrard deploys a much more expansive and fluid system than his former tutor Rafa Benitez, where the full-backs sit high-and-wide provide width and quality on the flanks while the two no.10s – flanking the mobile striker – tuck into the half-space to disrupt opposition lines and their organisational shape, but also to become the creative force that Gerrard requires of them.
How Villa could line-up and operate under Gerrard
So not only will Villa have resources for goals in their duo of number 10s but also in the wide areas where both full-backs from opposite flanks can provide the telling crosses and passes into the box.
As a result of this difference in tactics, Digne will of course be looking to improve on his exploits this season under Gerrard. The only key creative area Digne performs more than Targett this season is his chances created, (1.69) to Targett’s (1.32), and his key passes in which the Frenchman averages 1.54 key passes per 90 while Targett averages just 1.38.
Targett is a couple of years younger than Digne and has been a reliable and ever-present performer for Villa, playing every game in the Premier League for them last season and picked up the players’ player of the season prize, underlining how well regarded he is at Villa Park.
Digne does edge him in some key stats for full-backs this season as evidenced above and including tackles per 90 minutes, but Villa’s move for the Frenchman isn’t because there is any kind of crisis at left-back but instead part of Gerrard’s plan to create competition for places right across the pitch.
Digne represents the perfect acquisition for Gerrard to boost levels of performance in his squad but also to add piercing quality to a squad that growing increasingly during his tenure.
Villa spent significant money in the summer to add to their options and the moves for Philippe Coutinho and Digne at the start of this transfer window are further signs of the club’s intent to kick on and move up the table. The signs are really promising for Gerrard and his new and improved team.
The tide is certainly changing at Manchester United. The road forward is looking much more optimistic and clearer after the debacle that had been their final weeks under former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
In just a couple weeks since Ralf Rangnick’s interim appointment, the uncertainty and doubts that swept through Old Trafford has been completely wiped away. The small changes and progression may be difficult to pinpoint from the outside looking in but, certainly the German tactician and revolutionary has already made quite a drastic impact within the United camp.
Finally the club possess a leader who can imprint a vision, philosophy and an intriguing style of play that has been somewhat lost on the red side of Manchester, while the blue half continues to capture the imagination of every football fan in the country, even those in support of United.
Despite their impressive third and second placed finishes under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, there was still the feeling that Manchester United were missing that telling ingredient that immediately would catapult them to the same levels as their rivals Liverpool and Manchester City.
Well, those inside the Theatre of Dreams for Ralf Rangnick’s maiden match as Manchester United’s new interim manager were treated to a number of novel sights, especially on the tactical side.
For starters, United played in a 4-2-2-2 shape. They pressed from the front and saw a different side to Fred, the much-maligned chaos merchant who scored the winner in a 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace.
More significantly, it was the sight an attack-minded full back marauding up the right wing, putting in piercing crosses into the box as well as providing a ruthless threat on that flank for the whole game.
Under Solskjaer, that sight had simply gone amiss, with the Norwegian favouring the more defensive Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the position. Against Palace, Rangnick opted for Diogo Dalot instead and the transformation, balance and enthusiasm in United’s attacking play was stark.
As shown in Dalot’s individual stats against Palace, the Portuguese full-back proved a constant menace down that right-flank. For some 90 minutes, United fans thought they’d seen a reincarnation of the Old Trafford legend and former player Gary Neville.
Dalot as well as a rejuvenated Alex Telles, was pivotal to the way Manchester United played in Rangnick’s first match. Primarily, his role was to offer width and an outlet in a system that is otherwise narrow forcing play through the middle of the pitch.
The Portuguese international was given a lot of space to stride into with out-an-out wingers Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho tucked inside, and offering threat in the half-space.
On top of this, Dalot proved a stunning supply line, passing the ball into the opposition penalty box five times, more than any other player on the pitch. He also made nine successful long passes, six ball recoveries and two successful crosses, putting in the sort of performance Rangnick cries out for from his full backs.
Manchester United’s performance had Rangnick’s fingerprints all over it, and it was quite considering he had a day’s worth of training to get stuck into his new job. The German has been hired to impose a new style of play a team that has been lacking such cutting edge front-foot football for a long-while and the full back position could be where we see the greatest changes between the Solskjaer-era and the new regime.
And this spells bad news for £50 million man Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
While there is no doubting the 24-year-old’s ability and defensive style as one of the best one-on-one defenders in the Premier League, he is supremely limited in his attacking output.
Wan-Bissaka has tried to adapt his natural game, but it’s clear that anything beyond the halfway line pushes him outside of his comfort zone. At times, he’s looked clueless, somewhat awkward and lacking in any real urgency when attacking in the final third areas.
That was the case in United’s latest game under Rangnick, their 1-1 draw against Young Boys in their final UEFA Champions League group stage bow. Diogo Dalot, who was rested for the game will have watched his English teammate’s performance and not feel threatened one bit.
Wan-Bissaka, who came in after missing the Arsenal game with a hand injury and after being dropped for the Crystal Palace match, had an evening to forget. The right-back unfortunately failed his audition in front of his new manager.
He received a bang to the face, another knock to his wrist and left the pitch on a stretcher after clattering into the advertising hoardings as he raced for the ball on the slippery surface in second-half stoppage time. It was a sorry sight for a player who has impressed on occasion, but doesn’t seem the reliable outlet United have needed and are crying out for when attacking down that right-flank.
Under Solskjaer, Wan-Bissaka’s limitations were masked somewhat due to the presence of a wide attacker, whether that be Mason Greenwood, Jadon Sancho or someone else, ahead of him on the right side. Simply stopping opponents from getting in behind often proved enough for the former Crystal Palace man.
It’s even gotten to a point where much of Manchester United’s opponents aren’t as worried or tested when Wan-Bissaka attacks down the right-flank. When Solskjaer’s team had the ball, they were almost forced to go down the side they felt weakest as a result of Wan-Bissaka’s frailties as an attacking full-back.
It’s also a position where United have fallen well behind their main rivals: Chelsea possess the qualities of Reece James, Manchester City have Joao Cancelo and Kyle Waker, while Liverpool possess the extraordinary creative abilities of Trent-Alexander-Arnold. It was simply no secret when Solskjaer was reportedly interested in the services of Atletico Madrid and England full-back Kieran Trippier last summer to provide the club with a much more complete and well-rounded full-back.
A failed move in which United had to make do with what they had.
Rangnick has a strong reputation for honing the skills of young players but the 24-year-old put in another ponderous and nervy display against Young Boys.
Wan-Bissaka, who was sent off in the reverse fixture back in September, failed to find a team-mate with any of his two crosses, did not play a single key pass and made the majority of his touches in deep areas.
His performance was the polar-opposite to the one Dalot put in at Old Trafford at the weekend, with the Portugal international showing he can excel in Rangnick’s preferred 4-2-2-2 formation.
With Rangnick at the helm, though, Manchester United will certainly need more dynamism from their full backs on both flanks. For Luke Shaw and Alex Telles, this won’t be much of a problem with both possessing the propensity to provide that telling impact in the final third.
Dalot, who’s attacking play has somewhat gone unnoticed at Old Trafford will add plenty to United’s new and reformed attacking play. The 22-year-old proved himself as a reliable option on loan at AC Milan last season and even forced his way into Portugal’s squad for Euro 2020.
So far in a matter of weeks, the 22-year-old has proven he isn’t out of his depth at this level.
For Wan Bissaka, the doubts still remain whether he can cut it at the elite level.
Wan-Bissaka has his qualities, of that there is no question. If humanity ever needs a sliding tackle or a vital block to save the world, then Wan-Bissaka’s the man. When it comes to one-versus-one defending, he is arguably the best in the country.
However, there are still facets of his defending that needs work, at times he too often drifts off when defending crosses from the opposite flank, and he hasn’t nailed down yet exactly when to press or hold his ground in a whatever shape United’s defence is taking, something Rangnick will be poised to help him solve.
Solskjaer and his coaching staff just did not have the qualities and skills to iron out the kinks in Wan-Bissaka’s game, but as we have seen already, Rangnick can spot a flaw and take the necessary steps to rectify it, he’s spent his whole career shaping young talents.
Certainly, Dalot has weaknesses in his defending too. Though, once Rangnick has United controlling games the way he wants, Dalot may not be tasked in fulfilling defensive duties as much as he has been previously.
In the attacking sense, Dalot is averaging an impressive 2.33 passes per 90 into the opposition box. Joao Cancelo is on 2.55; Trent Alexander-Arnold is averaging 2.76; Reece James’ average per 90 is 2.35. Wan-Bissaka’s stands at 0.69. He has attempted nine passes into the box in 13 starts this season; Dalot trails by two in just two starts and four substitute appearances, the differences where it matters most in attack are very clear.
Diogo Dalot shows exactly the importance of having technical ability at right-back during the build-up to Fred’s goal. Instead of attacks breaking down with AWB, Dalot dribbles inside and fires a pass into Greenwood in the box. That’s part of being a full-back in the modern game.
The Portuguese international has also recorded 2.31 shot-creating actions per 90, while Wan-Bissaka sits at 1.62. Also Dalot averages more passes into the final third, more progressive passes, more passes into the penalty as well as crosses, exactly what an attacking full-back needs in his role. Dalot’s qualities supersede Wan-Bissaka’s in every sense of the role.
That’s one of the many reasons why Rangnick will continue to call on Dalot, as Manchester United’s permanent attacking full-back for now. Wan-Bissaka will almost certainly be given a chance to prove himself to Rangnick between now and the end of the season, but the pressure for him to improve his game really is on.
If the former Palace man doesn’t adapt his style, if he doesn’t absorb the exciting ideas and methods of his new boss, he may find his United career at serious risk.
Despite Liverpool’s resurgence at the end of the 2020/21 campaign, securing a Champions League place and winning eight of their last 10 games after a disappointing home defeat to Fulham at the start of March, its safe to conclude that Jurgen Klopp’s side fell well short of their lofty expectations.
They still managed to finish third in the table 17 points behind champions Manchester City, but after winning the title the previous campaign, Liverpool underwent arguably the worst Premier League title defence of any champion of the past. There’s a whole host of excuses for Liverpool’s sudden demise: the amount of injuries suffered especially to key figures such as Virgil Van Dijk & Joe Gomez for much of the campaign. Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, Joel Matip also spent spells on the sidelines which didn’t help Klopp’s cause.
Also, the absence of fans at Anfield due to the never-ending coronavirus pandemic causing unnecessary panic towards Liverpool’s ambitions undergoing eight home games without a win between January and April, losing six of in a row – three of them to some of the so called ‘smaller clubs’. Burnley, Brighton and Fulham all tasted unprecedented victories at Anfield further plummeting Liverpool’s season to a sure state of undeniable failure.
Liverpool’s tremendous away form towards the latter part of the campaign certainly got them reaching towards that coveted Champions League spot but while Manchester City comfortably soared towards a third Premier League title in four years, Jurgen Klopp and his side were left licking their salty wounds. By their lofty standards, it was a poor campaign in truth with many of their stars underperforming and faltering at the sheer weight of expectation.
Sadio Mane, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Roberto Firmino to name a few, but Jurgen Klopp will certainly be working extra hard this summer in making sure that his side right those wrongs, aiming to get back to the same levels of consistency, intensity and siege mentality that brought them to unparalleled greatness during the 2019/20 campaign.
Now these question will be ringing in Jurgen Klopp’s ears; how will he get his side to those peerless levels again? What does his squad need to match Manchester City for next season? How will he rebuild this squad to reclaim their Premier League crown?
These questions will need addressing, and there’s no doubt that Jurgen Klopp’s squad needs a major overhaul if they are to match Manchester City but also more importantly trump the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Leicester City who will also be looking to strengthen their squads ahead of the new season.
So which areas of the squad do Liverpool need to address?
In goal, Adrian has recently signed a new deal so Klopp will have no worries about his options in goal with number one Alisson in talks to extend his contract at Anfield. Highly-rated young goalkeeper, Caoimhin Kelleher will be sent out on loan to further his development according to various reports.
At centre-back, Liverpool are well stocked after the summer signing of Ibrahima Kounate from RB Leipzig. Virgil Van Dijk and Joe Gomez will be back from the long injury spells, also Joel Matip. Klopp also has Nathaniel Phillips and January signing Ben Davies to call up on too.
So what areas of the squad do Liverpool need to address this summer heading into the forthcoming season?
Adequate cover for Trent Alexander-Arnold?
According to the BBC, Liverpool would reluctantly be willing to sell highly-rated right-back Neco Williams, with a minimum asking price of around £10m which seems a strange decision. Williams is highly thought of at Anfield, and has been earmarked for a big future in the future, and more importantly seems a fair candidate to challenge Trent Alexander-Arnold for a starting spot at right-back.
If this is the case, then Klopp can’t arrive into next season with no cover for Trent AA. So who could he look to?
Max Aarons, Norwich
Despite Norwich’s promotion to the Barclays Premier League once again, its about time their wonderfully gifted full-back Max Aarons tests himself at a much bigger club. According to Sky Sources, Tottenham, Manchester United and Everton have all expressed an interest in signing the right-back and if Liverpool are looking for quality to add to their squad, then they can look no further than putting their name in the ring for the 21-year-old.
Max Aarons is amongst the most gifted young full-backs in the country and an England Under-21 international star. Not only will he boost Liverpool’s homegrown quota, but he’d provide serious competition to Trent Alexander-Arnold. Any sort of dip in form from the England international will allow Aarons to slot right in.
Despite his small frame and build, Aarons is a superb athlete, a real force of nature when he drives forward down the right-flank. A tremendous ball-carrier, pacey, and a player blessed with excellent vision. Aarons has proven a key outlet for Norwich in attack, evidently shown in registering 2 goals and 2 assists last season, and 2 goals and 6 assists during the 2018/19 campaign. It certainly isn’t Trent Alexander-Arnold type statistics but Aarons still offers plenty going forward. His understanding with the now departed Emiliano Buendia was a key weapon in Daniel Farke’s system, and there’s no reason why Aarons can’t have the same impact at a higher level.
Norwich are believed to be holding out for around £30m for the full-back which Liverpool may be unwilling to pay but the potential and abilities Aarons holds means he’ll be worth every single penny. It’s a move that many of the top six clubs would be silly to ignore.
Noussair Mazraoui, Ajax
Ajax full-back Noussair Mazraoui is certainly on his way to becoming a top-level right-back if he isn’t one currently. The 23-year-old is already attracting a lot of interest from a whole host of top clubs around Europe, especially Arsenal.
Mazraoui, 23, has been in excellent form for Ajax ever since he broke into the first team. Still largely young, the Morocco international surpassed 100 appearances for Erik Ten Hag’s side towards the end of the 20-21 campaign. But now, he has entered the last 12 months of his contract. The Moroccan international could represent smart business for any side lacking capable right-backs.
Ajax value Mazraoui at £14.5million, and there is belief that the club could settle for less than that figure which constitutes are bargain for a tremendously gifted footballer.
Mazraoui is an excellent defender, first and foremost. He is quick, switched on and defensively sound. Rather than being an attacking right-back that gets goals and assists, he focuses more on protecting his own goal. But he is still more than adept at getting forward and contributing in the final third. His relatively lean frame means he’s perfectly capable of imposing himself both defensively and offensively and especially in the air defending crosses.
The Moroccan doesn’t record as much goal contributions as Trent AA does but playing with top level forwards like Mo Salah and Sadio Mane will only increase his output. Though, what stands out in his game is his defensive contribution. He’s a very good defender. In the Champions League last season, he recorded 3.2 tackles per game, 2.3 interceptions and 2.5 clearances meaning he is capable of aiding his team to become defensively sound. In the Dutch Eredivisie, he’s averaged 1.8 tackles, and 1.5 interceptions highlighting his ability to triumph in his ground duels.
These are areas in which Trent Alexander-Arnold can improve on. He only averaged 1.4 tackles, and 1.3 interceptions which is still impressive, however, Liverpool suffered greatly in defence last season and Trent’s deficiencies towards his own goal also played a role in their demise. It’s clear Mazroaui will improve Liverpool’s defensive problems, but he’d also look much better sitting alongside Virgil Van Dijk and Joe Gomez.
Ridle Baku, Wolfsburg
Ever since his move from Mainz last summer, Ridle Baku has progressed superbly under the tutelage of Oliver Glasner at Wolfsburg. The right-sided midfielder, come right-back is an incredibly astute, tactically aware and all-round footballer.
The young right-back was an influential piece in the Germany U21 side that won the European Championship in June and as a result, is already attracting significant interest from clubs around Europe. Baku was named Player of the Match in the final against Portugal and even concluded the tournament with the highest assists (3). In the 38 appearances Baku made for German side Wolfsburg, he recorded an impressive 16 goal involvements, recording 6 goals and 6 assists in the German Bundesliga.
The 1.76m-tall defender, who can even be deployed as a midfielder, leads the ranking for the Bundesliga with 1,061 sprints. Few players have covered a greater distance in the ongoing season than him. He is currently the 10th-best runner with 351 km run on the field.
He’s shifted between right back and right midfield all season, but Ridle Baku looks at home as a fullback.
He’s so dynamic in both directions: difficult to beat 1v1, but a real attacking threat – capable of exploiting open space on the dribble or executing clever forward passes.
Baku is highly versatile too having already played in all possible positions on the right-flank for the team. He’d prove a valuable asset for Jurgen Klopp owing to his incredible versatility but also providing his side with the opportunity to be tactically flexible. Wherever, he is deployed Ridle Baku will give his all.
In the 2020/21 campaign, Baku recorded a Goals/Assists ratio of 0.19/0.22 per 90 minutes. Compared to other Premier League full backs, it was pretty impressive.
Liverpool’s Trent Alexander Arnold and Andrew Robertson’s G/A ratio was 0.06/0.21 and 0.03/0.19. The Wolfsburg full back also recorded superior figures to Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney and Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell. It’s important to remember that Baku is far from the finished article and that’s a good thing.
He still has four years remaining on his current contract so Wolfsburg will command an astronomical fee to release him, however there’s no reason why Liverpool cannot express there interest.
Liverpool sadly waved goodbye to Dutch midfield maestro Gini Wijnaldum who completed to his move to Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month. The 30-year-old midfielder will be tough to replace at Anfield after his enthralling, consistent and dominant performances throughout his career for Liverpool.
All good things must come to end though, as did Wijnaldum’s time at Anfield, and it was time he moved onto pastures new, which means Jurgen Klopp may already be scouting the marker for potential replacements if needed. Liverpool are quite stocked in midfield with Fabinho, Thiago, Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and highly-rated wonderkid Curtis Jones.
Oxlade-Chamberlain and Keita’s futures are uncertain as well as the evergreen James Milner who will turn 36 in January, it certainly wouldn’t hurt for Jurgen Klopp to be sounding out potential additions to replace Wijnaldum, but who could they be looking at?
Florian Neuhaus, Borussia Monchengladbach
Liverpool have reportedly scouted German international Florian Neuhaus extensively over the past few months, and rightly so. The midfielder could represent the perfect replacement for Wijnaldum, seeing as he offers the same amount of effort, energy and style as the Dutch captain. Technically excellent, Neuhaus has been a mainstay in the Gladbach side putting in some impressive and consistent performances throughout his time at Borussia Park.
The 24-year-old will certainly need time to adapt to the physical demands of English football, but he’s a very smart and brainy footballer, one who commonly uses his head just as much as his feet. Neuhaus has been commonly referred to as a Klopp-type midfielder because of his tremendous stamina, all-action style, technical excellence and the ability to break into the final third and create chances as well as score goals.
Over the past three seasons, Neuhaus hasn’t missed a single game to injury. During that period he’s made a total of 95 Bundesliga appearances, contributing 13 goals and 19 assists. He’s also got Champions League experience meaning he wouldn’t need too much bedding in especially when playing in Europe.
Neuhaus’ statistics underlines his penchant for progressive carrying of the ball and passing from deep. In Europe’s top-five leagues, only Aston Villa’s John McGinn and Valencia’s Carlos Soler did so more often over the course of last season. Per90, Neuhaus averaged 6.44 progressive carries of the ball driving his team up the pitch in search of goals and 5.81 progressive passes. He’s got tremendous vision, superb range of passing and an outstanding awareness of where his teammates are across the final third. He averaged 4.85 passes into the final third, indicative of his creative abilities.
6 goals and 5 assists from 33 Bundesliga is impressive numbers considering where he is deployed in the team, and could offer the same amount of goal threat at Anfield. He’s a proficient player, rarely loses the ball, ever-reliable and a tough tackler and dueler when he needs to be, averaging 3.30 tackles + interceptions per90. He’s a player built in the Klopp-mould.
Renato Sanches, LOSC Lille
If ever a top-tier side needs an all-action midfielder then they should look no further than Portugal and Lille midfielder Renato Sanches. A superb all-round performer who has risen from the rubble with such tremendous grace and determination.
After a difficult spell at Swansea in the Premier League on-loan from Bayern Munich, Sanches has placed his career on an upward trajectory once again after his move to France in 2019, helping the club to their first French title in 10 years. Renato Sanches was central to Lille’s success last season, showcasing his tactical flexibility and astuteness as well as his superb understanding of the positions he’s been given the responsibility to perform in. Sanches has lined up in central midfield, right-midfield, on the left and as a defensive midfielder owing much to his incredible versatility.
The Portuguese international is very much in the mould of Wijnaldum without the penchant to score goals – he only scored once in Ligue 1 last season but his contributions go beyond his abilities in front of goal. He’s still ridiculously creative, averaging 7.23 final third passes, 6.81 progressive passes and 1.28 key passes. He holds incredible vision, ball control, tenacity, tactical nous and a strength belying his small frame. Sanches thrives under pressure, or in tight areas using his superb technical qualities and swift change of movement to evade markers with such consummate ease.
Renato Sanches’ first half vs. France by numbers:
96% pass accuracy 70% duels won 4 passes into the final third 4 attempted tackles 3 successful tackles 2 attempted take-ons 2 successful take-ons 2 fouls won 1 interception
His performance against France at Euro 2020 is a fine example. He deserves another shot in the English-top flight, and Liverpool need another all-action Klopp-type midfielder and Renato Sanches fits the bill perfectly.
Wildcard: Houssem Aouar, Lyon
(Photo by Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Liverpool are gonna need an injection of creativity in midfield due to the loss of Gini Wijnaldum, and there’s potentially no better option out there in Europe than Lyon’s creative maestro Houssem Aouar.
The Frenchman is indeed a wildcard seeing as Liverpool haven’t been interested in his services in the past, but a player of Aouar’s ability and pedigree means any of England’s top clubs cannot afford to pass on the opportunity of recruiting this extremely talented young midfielder. At times last season – even with Gini Wijnaldum in the team, Klopp’s men lacked imagination and that injection of magic needed when breaking down low blocks, especially in their home defeats to Fulham, Brighton and Burnley.
Much of last season, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino were below-par and instead they relied on the brilliance of Mohammed Salah to recue them out of trouble. In order to match Manchester City, Liverpool are gonna need creativity from midfield again and Houssem Aouar provides that much needed impetus. A footballer blessed with the ability to work his magic in tight areas and create opportunities in an instant, Aouar is simply stunning to watch when he’s full flow.
Aouar may not be the all-action, Klopp-type midfielder but he’s a luxury player all top clubs should have in their squad. As soon as he’s got the ball in dangerous areas – imagine him picking up a Thiago pass breaking the lines of play – he’ll make something happen, whether its a sublime through ball, a swift change movement to evade pressure or a pearl of a shot into the back of the net, he is a player built to excite and offer highlight reels. Anfield needs that wow-factor again after such a difficult campaign last season.
Seven goals, three assist in what was a bright campaign for Lyon, Aouar certainly holds the capabilities in front of goal. He averaged 1.87 key passes, 4.39 final third passes and 5.10 shot-creating actions per 90 highlighting his ruthless nous in the final third. After a failed move to the Premier League last year, and Lyon’s financial strains this time round, the club would be more than willing to allow Aouar to finally depart the club. Liverpool should throw their name in the ring.
Another Attacker Alongside Mane, Salah and Jota?
Xherdan Shaqiri, Divock Origi, Takumi Minamino & Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are all likely to be moved on this summer to free-up funds to improve their attacking options. It’s abundantly clear, Liverpool can no longer solely rely on Roberto Firmino to be their only ‘striker’ in the squad. The Brazilian’s influence is on the wane, and hasn’t hit double figures for goals since he notched 12 Premier League goals during the 2018/19 campaign.
While Mane and Jota will be expected to improve their own goal returns next season, Jurgen Klopp won’t be criticized for scouring the market to find another potent goalscorer, who can share the load with Mo Salah. The club haven’t possessed a devastating number 9 for quite a while now, in fact, they haven’t needed one but if Klopp is to take Liverpool’s game to the next level, a out-an-out striker may well be required…
Donyell Malen, PSV Eindhoven
According to various reports, Liverpool have opened talks with PSV Eindhoven over a potential transfer for Dutch international striker Donyell Malen.
A former Arsenal academy player, Malen has forged a super career back in his homeland, swiftly becoming one of the most potent strikers in Europe. PSV signed him back in 2017, and after a year spent developing in the B team, he has richly blossomed in the Eredivisie.
Since his first team debut in 2018, Malen has hit 55 goals in 116 games for the Dutch giants, also providing 24 assists. He regularly features as a centre forward for PSV but can also play on the left-wing in required. Liverpool aren’t the only club on his radar with Borussia Dortmund and ex-club Arsenal also believed to be interested in his talented services.
Malen has proven he has what it takes to perform at the top level, and its probably about time he’s move on to pastures new. The 22-year-old is ruthlessly quick, but more importantly a devastating finishing and fine creator. He hit 19 goals and 8 assists in the Dutch Eredivisie last campaign, and 27 in all competitions.
He’s a very direct, pacey and agile forward mixed with an excellent blend of nimble, electric footwork. He’s a nightmare for most centre-backs because of his almost terrier-like bravery in running at defenders and beating them for pace.
The striker would fit right in in Jurgen Klopp’s because of his searing pace and ruthless ability to play on the counter. A clever player who thrives off playing on the shoulder of the last defender, once he is through goal, goalkeepers have no chance of reading what he’s going to do. The confidence, assuredness and potent edge in front of goal makes him an attractive option for any top club in Europe.
Dusan Vlahovic, Fiorentina
In more ways than some, Dusan Vlahovic’s trajectory over the past year has been the polar opposite of Fiorentina’s. While the club have flat-lined into a complete demise both on the pitch and on the managerial front, the 21-year-old’s credibility and standing amongst the some of the elite young forwards in Europe has risen considerably.
21 goals and 3 assists from 34 Serie A starts for Fiorentina, Vlahović is among the leading marksmen in Serie A for goals, but not only that, his sheer desire and passion when performing is certainly of a unique and hugely promising style.
One of the first striking elements of Dušan Vlahović’s characteristics is his striking size. At 6’3”, he stands quite literally, head and shoulders above others, especially some defenders who are tasked with taming him during a game. This has all the makings of a familiar fairytale story when it comes to young prodigy’s especially strikers, that their size immediately strikes fear into their opponents.
Like Erling Braut Haaland, Dušan Vlahović is built of a similar ilk.
For most of the campaign, Fiorentina have opted for a 3-5-2 system, with Vlahović and Ribery as the two forwards. It’s a pairing which offers dynamism, flair, creativity and a real clinical edge. Most of Vlahović’s goals this season have stemmed from the Serbian’s superb movement in the box, and finding himself in the right spaces at the right time.
Vlahović is a potent and clinical penalty box presence, a devastating finisher and his 21 goals in Serie A this season showing that at the tender age of just 21, he’s got so much to give in goal scoring situations. 6 of those 21 goals have come from the penalty spot, scoring 6 from 6 in fact, meaning that he is ever-so reliable from the penalty spot.
Good movement, clinical finishing – Vlahović already looks the complete young package. As a bonus, he works hard off the ball too, he is tenacious, and plays the game like his life depends on it. He is not the type of player to be around when you have the ball, he will hustle and bustle until he regains possession, a real terrier-like performer. He averages 2.44 successful pressures per 90 while also recording 0.62 tackles + interceptions which highlights his abilities without the ball.
All these characteristics make him the perfect Jurgen Klopp-striker. Klopp was the mastermind behind Robert Lewandowski and Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang’s learning and development in the early years, imagine what he could do with Vlahovic.
A future leading striker for many years to come, Liverpool would be incredibly smart to invest in it.
anthonyscouts.co.uk 