Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp is set to be a busy man as he will be looking to improve a number of position in the squad this summer. The manager will look to add a defender and a midfielder to his side, but one position that he genuinely has to work on is the left-back position.
Recent reports suggest that Liverpool are ready to let Spanish star Alberto Moreno leave this summer and Klopp is planning to get Benjamin Mendy to Anfield as his replacement.
Also, wanted by Manchester City and Chelsea, the 22-year old full-back joined the French side just this season for £12.5m and has been a key part of the squad at the Stade Louis II.
He has 21 senior appearances for his side and also has a senior cap for the French national side and is a superstar in the making. He is already valued at £30m but Klopp is reportedly ready to meet his valuation. But what will Mendy add to the squad at Anfield?
A genuine left-back in every sense of the word, Mendy is a marauding and attacking full-back who loves to create chances for his side from the wing. He has ten assists to his name this season, which is more than all the assists that Liverpool’s full backs have combined.
Capable of putting in an inch perfect cross, Mendy is a strong, athletic footballer with a great hunger for the ball. His key pass ratio is insane for a defender while his passing can put a few midfielders to shame. He can shoot from distance but is more adept at taking on his man and getting beyond the opponent’s backline.
His strength in the air will add solidity at the back for his side and he seems to be the perfect fit for the crop of Anfield. Klopp has used James Milner extensively as a left-back this season and to good effect.
And though the versatile Milner can do the job for another year, he cannot be the first choice for Liverpool in all four competitions and a left-back is a necessity for Liverpool this summer.
It is easy to forget that he is still 22 and will improve as his career moves along so Liverpool can use him as a second fiddle for Milner at the start of the next season, to give him time to settle into the needs in England.
Liverpool have to spend on a left-back at the end of the season but with options at a premium this summer, Benjamin Mendy, if available, should be a top priority for Liverpool this summer.
