Liverpool were dealt a huge blow if reports today are to be believed. Jurgen Klopp, the current manager at Anfield, is looking to add some star players to his lineup next season and has reportedly identified Real Madrid star Marco Asensio as a possible addition this summer. Reports earlier in the week suggested that the Reds made a £42m bid for his services but it is now understood that Real Madrid have rejected the initial approach from the Anfield outfit.
Klopp may yet want to get him to the club this summer and could bid a higher value when the window is open. If they are able to convince the Spanish side, Liverpool will have broken their transfer record to get Asensio to the club. So, is this new bloke at the Bernabeu worth the trouble?
Born and brought up in Palam, Spain, Asensio started his career with Mallorca before joining Real Madrid as a teenager in 2014. He spent the last two seasons out on loan in La Liga but was brought back into the squad by current manager Zinedine Zidane. Asensio did not let them him down and has put in a productive shift every time he took the field. With nine goals and three assists in all competitions this season, in just 29 appearances, most of which came off the bench, Asensio is a top class playmaker who can improve most European top flight squads this summer.
Capable of playing on the wing or even in a central role, the 21-year old loves to have the ball at his feet. He is an excellent dribbler with great technique, making him a nightmare for defenders. He is strong and has already learnt the art of hold-up play, while his ability to cut inside and unleash a bullet is something his opponents are always scared of.
He is decent on set-piece duty and has a high key-pass percentage, making him an effective player in the final third. He may still have to work on his finishing but at just 21, he will only get better, the more time he gets to play.
At Anfield, Liverpool lack width in their attack and are looking at a pacey winger who can add another dimension to their attack. Asensio, though not a true winger, is a player who can complement Sadio Mane on the opposite wing, making this Liverpool attack all the more fun to watch.
Zinedine Zidane, the Real Madrid manager, is looking to add some star player to his squad at the end of the season and though he might let a few leave, Asensio is not expected to be the first choice anytime soon, and this is what can play into Liverpool’s hands.
The Reds may not be ready to meet his valuation if it above the £50m mark but he is a player who can solve more than one problem at the club and if they are able to lure him to the club, Liverpool may not have to spend on top attacking quality this summer.
Asensio’s purchase would mean that Liverpool will only need to add depth to the squad and with four competitions in their hands to juggle, the Reds will surely be able to integrate Asensio into the first team. But do you think he is the man that Liverpool need this summer?
