Aiming to strengthen their backline, Liverpool are known for keeping tabs on defenders that would fit on Jürgen Klopp’s philosophy. And as per numerous reports, Liverpool might have found their player in Swiss defender Fabian Schär, who has been quite impressive in his current club Hoffenheim.
According to Mirror, the promising defender is rated at 9 million pounds and Hoffenheim is unwilling to sell him in the current season. Hence, Liverpool might have to wait for the January transfer window to get their hands on him.
The Swiss centre-back signed for Hoffenheim in 2015, from Champions League regulars FC Basel, and has a contract that runs until 2019. Liverpool’s’ qualifying for next year’s Champions League would largely affect the success of this deal.
Though Liverpool have started their current season brightly, their backline is not yet intact, which is clearly reflected in their conceding 10 goals in the opening 8 games with 3 coming in the opening game.
Strength
Schär has repeatedly been in the Hoffenheim squad this season. He came from the bench 2 times and started in the main line-up 3 times with 0 suspensions and 1 yellow card. He seems to be winning the manager’s confidence and seems soon to be a regular starter in a competitive league like Bundesliga.
Standing at 1.86 m, Liverpool could get a decent defensive option at the back, who is likened to Daniel Agger. At the age of 24, Schär already has 26 international caps and 6 goals to his name. His goal scoring ability, mainly headers make him an interesting prospect for the English club.
Weakness
With not many loopholes in his footballing technique, Schär could be a complete defender Klopp is looking for to partner with Matip. However, Schär’s experience might raise questions at the back, which Liverpool are currently experiencing.
With a heavy attacking spearhead up front Liverpool had absolutely no problems in scoring past goalkeepers this seasons, which has not been the case at the back due to players lacking Premier League experience to play weak in weak out. Despite his physique, he somehow lacks in terms of winning aerial duels and that’s another area where he’ll need to improve.
Opportunities
From Schär’s perspective, he could definitely get a chance to impress the coach, with Sissoko finding it difficult to get a place in the squad owing to disciplinary concerns and Matip is too new to cement a place at the back four. Lovren’s performance has also been erratic.
Threat
As bright as the future of the 24-year old Swiss seems to be in England at the moment, it could diminish faster. English Premier League is known for its competitiveness at the highest level of physicality and many outsiders have failed to cope up with the restless fixtures. Hence, few bad performances would be enough for Schär to see the bench.
