Another season of failure awaits Liverpool as they have undone themselves, yet again. It is getting very usual and casual to see the Reds dismantling their stature right when their fans start to expect something remarkable from them. With this season severely unlikely to yield substantial dividends for them, Jürgen Klopp needs to get his side’s head straight next season to clear the clouds of mediocrity and helplessness that have been hovering over the Anfield for quite some time now, even though they recently beat Spurs.
Lately, reports have emerged that Liverpool are all set to bolster their squad by bringing the outstanding youngster in the shape of Julian Brandt in the next transfer window. So, we have compiled a brief SWOT Analysis of the highly rated youngster who is on Liverpool’s radar.
Strengths
It has to be mentioned first and foremost that Brandt is a winger who has a commendable goal-scoring knack. Having signed for Bayer Leverkusen in the January transfer window of 2014, and has scored 17 goals in 84 appearances for the German Bundesliga outfit, which deserves a lot of plaudits. Typically a left winger, his strong physique gives him the upper hand in winning the one-vs-one encounters and surging forward. He doesn’t rely on pace alone, for he has an impeccable technique to back it up and has been very consistent in Germany’s top flight.
The 20-year-old is in the good books owing to the way he knits the game up front with his eye-catchy trickery, immaculate movements on and off the ball, productive dribbles, orchestrating the attacking setup and topping it up with his absolutely tremendous work-rate. Not to mention, he reads the game well and in 19 league appearances so far this term, he has mustered 2 goals, 6 assists, has completed 503 passes and created 29 chances.
Weaknesses
Although he is a very potent attacker, he can barely be accredited for his defensive contributions. Many a time, it has been observed that he leaves the full-backs exposed, thus leaving a lot to be desired. Moreover, he needs to up his pass accuracy as well; having completed merely 76% of his passes so far this campaign and has been giving away the ball far too easily. Lastly, his heading abilities have always been under criticism which is surely one of the prime areas he needs to address.
Opportunities
Brandt is someone who would lift the morale of the entire Liverpool side owing to the name he has made for himself and it would be safe to presume that he is tailor-made for Klopp’s tactical nous. The former Borussia Dortmund gaffer has always favoured the assemblage of starlets in his side and a versatile goal-scoring winger is exactly what they need in the summer transfer window next season. The German international can ply his trade anywhere in the attacking zone.
Threats
Brandt might have taken the German Bundesliga by storm, but let’s not forget that English Premier League is completely different ball-game. The animosity is simply humungous and it is always a risky venture for a youngster to set his feet in the English soil. He might have accumulated experience whilst playing for Die Mannschaft and Bayer, but will definitely have to fight for the starting spot under Klopp which is going to test his patience as well.
Statistics Credits: Squawka.
