Jurgen Klopp’s men are one of the most in-form clubs not just in England but in European football. They are on an 18-game unbeaten run in all competitions this season and are sure to fight for a place in Europe and some silverware. However, the manager is still adamant to make a couple of additions to the squad, mainly to replace the quality of Philippe Coutinho, who quit the club not so long ago.
The Brazilian was one of the most creative players for the Reds, who will surely miss him in the long run. Klopp is desperately looking for star players who can replace him now or in the summer and this has seen Liverpool linked with some exciting players recently.
One name now doing the rounds is Real Madrid star, James Rodriguez.
Having risen to fame with his antics for the Colombian national team in the previous world cup, Rodriguez joined Real Madrid after the tournament but failed to replicate his form and to cement a place in the first team at the Bernabeu.
He managed 28 goals in 77 appearances in Spain before he was sent out on loan to Bayern Munich, at the start of the current season. His career seems to have taken a good turn as he has managed to make 10 Bundesliga starts in the first half of the season where he scored 3 goals and picked up 4 assists.
He started 4 UCL games as well, and has been a crucial part of the Jupp Heycknes’ plans at the Allianz Arena but reports now claim that Liverpool are looking to end his loan stint in Germany and to bring him to Anfield this month.
According to reports from Spanish news site Don Balon, Jurgen Klopp is convinced that Rodriguez is the right man to replace Coutinho in the long term. He is currently in the first of a two-year loan spell in Germany and has recently spoken about being happy there.
However, a move to Liverpool can see him walk into the first team and help his preparation for the World Cup. The Reds need a CM to replace Coutinho and though the Colombian may not be a like for like swap, he definitely has the skill and quality to replace the Brazilian at Anfield.
He can play alongside Naby Keita or Oxlade-Chamberlain and Emre Can or Jordan Henderson in a three-man midfield in Klopp’s 4-3-3 system. And with the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino ahead of him, he will surely improve on his productivity.
He has all the attributes to be a hit in England and at just 26, is already an established star, that can help Liverpool to their very best.
