Liverpool are reportedly weighing up their options for a potential left-back signing among Gael Clichy and Andrew Robertson. The Reds managed to secure a position in the top four by the skin of their teeth only on the last day of the season, with some late poor displays against Crystal Palace and Southampton almost coming back to haunt them.
The defence has been Jurgen Klopp’s biggest concern this season and the German manager’s reluctance in beefing up that area in the winter transfer window, when they still had time, is questioned by many. One of the weakest links in the Liverpool squad is their defensive left flank. The buying of Alberto Moreno from Sevilla was a huge failure as the Spanish full-back couldn’t adapt to life in Premier League.
The promising defender, who won the Europa League with Sevilla before coming to Anfield, has managed just 12 league appearance this season. He had managed just one goal and four assists last season in 32 outings, which has changed to just one assist this season. Klopp was forced to play central midfielder James Miler out of his position consequently, and while he looked solid in the initial stages of the season he saw a slump as the season progressed.
Manchester City’s recent overhaul has gifted some pretty viable options for the other clubs in Gael Clichy, Pablo Zabaleta and Bacary Sagna. In Clichy, Liverpool will undoubtedly get an experienced full-back who has played in the top-flight English football for 14 years now. In playing for the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City, Clichy has been under some of the best managers and opponents owing to regular Champions League action.
With Champions League, a major challenge for Liverpool next season, Clichy could be a brilliant addition. He will bring the much-needed solidity at the back, which has been absent for the past two seasons. His forward runs could also come in handy for the Reds.
On the other hand, Hull City’s Andrew Robertson could be Liverpool’s future. With Hull City now relegated, his departure from the KCOM Stadium is more or less imminent now. At only 23, the player has played 14 times for the national team even bagging a goal.
He had helped Hull to gain promotion three years back, however, the under average squad has let him down more than once now. Alongside Harry Maguire, Robertson has been a revelation in the Premier League. He is fast, reads the game well and has been seen as a raw material who could turn into a great player if nurtured properly.
While both have their own strengths, Clichy would be a wiser buy for Liverpool at the moment. The Frenchman has been one of the few players to adapt to Guardiola’s tactics well and will bring instant security to Liverpool’s backline.
