The previous season at Anfield exposed a number of problems in the squad when it was tested to its lengths in a grueling season for the Reds. Though they managed to reach a couple of finals, they did not have enough mettle in their squad to come out trumps and the manager is now looking to strengthen such places in the squad. He has already bought in a number of attacking options in the summer transfer window and will not look to strengthen his back line. Spanish left-back Alberto Moreno has not been anywhere close to convincing enough for a first choice left-back and it is understood that the club is in the market for a quality player in the position.
There were stories that linked the club to Leicester City’s youngster Ben Chilwell and Germany international Jonas Hector but all such rumors subsided and left Liverpool in search of a decent full-back. Recent reports suggested that the club were ready to make a bid for Dutch international Jetro Willems. However, even that move has now gone into a limbo after sources revealed that Liverpool are not among his suitors this summer. But are they making a mistake letting the PSV defender go? Is he capable of improving the left-back area this summer at Anfield?
At just 22-years of age, the Dutch international is one of the many exciting prospects around the world at the moment. Willems is a player who has the ability to play in any position on the field but prefers to play at a left-back position. His dribbling and his passing make him a great outlet in the final third while his energy on the left flank is exemplary. He made 21 appearances for PSV Eindhoven in all competitions last season scoring 2 goals and assisting 4 other insisting on the quality he has from the back. He is strong and athletic and is an excellent defender in one on one situations. He positioning also helps his team defend their goal better.
He prefers to cross the ball most of the times but is more than capable of keeping hold of the ball and rotating it patiently. Having just made a name for himself, Willems may not be really be able to slot into the first team straight away at Anfield but with the potential he has shown in the games he has played in Netherlands, Klopp should at-least have taken a shot at bringing him to Liverpool this summer.
Alberto Moreno is the only real left-back at the club now with Brad Smith a part of the Bournemouth squad next season. Liverpool will definitely need a player who can compete with Moreno for a place in the starting XI or may be a player who will make the place his own. Jetro Willems has all the making of a decent defender and can be a good fit for the Merseyside outfit. Though Klopp is said to be not interested in the player, Willems will add a lot of quality to the squad and at his age he will only get better.
Do you think Liverpool should take a chance and sign Jetro Willems this summer?