Jurgen Klopp has been one busy man after the end of the previous season as he has to improve his squad if Liverpool are to compete for decent progress in Europe. Out of the number of positions, the squad at Anfield needs to be strengthened, one of the most important ones is the left-back position.
The Reds have not had a decent left-back for a few seasons now and Spanish star Alberto Moreno could not solve that problem. He could be sold this summer and it is hard to see Klopp go with James Milner in that position for another season. So spending on a left-back should be his priority and recent reports suggest that he wants an unknown talent from Portugal.
Reports today reveal that Liverpool have been monitoring Porto left-back Rafa Soares for a move this summer. The player recently said that the interest from the English club was flattering but revealed that he would like to improve as a player in his home country. But should Liverpool move for him this summer?
A product of one of the best academies in world football in Porto, Soares is one of the most exciting prospects in the domestic circuit in Portugal. Yet to make it to the senior national side, the 22-year old spent the previous season on loan at Rio Ave, a top flight club in his country and came up with some mesmerising performances that have put him on the grid.
With three goals and five assists for Rio Ave, Soares is an attacking full back with some sublime skills up his sleeve. Exemplary vision and ability to pick the right pass are his biggest strengths. He is strong and athletic and is not afraid of holding up the ball, even in the final third, and has a sweet cross up his boot consistently.
He is not strong in the air and is an area he should work on but his discipline at the back makes him an attractive option for Klopp. The German tactician has bought a genuine left-back just once in his time at the Signal Iduna Park, and could not establish him in the first team at the club. But it is a more impending problem at Anfield, and the fans might want a more established star, going into one of the most important seasons in recent times.
However, Klopp might want Milner to continue in that role for another year, to give Soares enough time to adjust to the Premier League, giving him a chance to own that role for years to come. Do you think Liverpool should look at this 22-year old as the right man to solve their left-back problems?
