According to a recent report by AS (translated by the Daily Express), Liverpool are plotting a move to secure the services of Real Sociedad centre-half Diego Llorente during the summer transfer period. The same source has also claimed that the Reds are keeping tabs on the Spaniard’s progress in the La Liga and are prepared to table a bid in the region of £22m to bring him to Anfield at the end of this campaign.
The Recent Emergence Of Diego Llorente In The Spanish Top-Flight
The Madrid born defender has been a sporadic option for Sociedad, but he has still managed to put in some commanding performances at the back during the recently concluded La Liga campaign. Llorente has featured in 23 matches for the Spanish outfit this term across all competitions.
He grew up playing football for his boyhood club, Real Madrid and came through the Galacticos’ youth ranks before moving on. He has had loan spells at clubs such as Rayo Vallecano and Malaga in his career. The Spaniard is currently an integral member of Imanol Alguacil’s team after he parted ways with Los Blancos in the summer of 2017.
What Does The Spanish Talent Offer On The Pitch?
The 25-year-old is a versatile defender who primarily plays in central defence but can also operate as a holding midfielder if required. He can time his tackles to perfection, which enables him to make crucial interceptions for his team.
Llorente has made an average of 1.2 tackles, 1.2 interceptions and 3.8 clearances per match in the Spanish top-flight last season (stats via whoscored.com).
Is Llorente The Right Choice For Klopp?
The addition of a versatile player like Llorente will undoubtedly improve Jurgen Klopp’s squad depth at Merseyside for the coming years. The Reds have sometimes struggled to get results on the pitch due to injuries to some of their key players so Llorente will fit the bill perfectly.
However, at 25, the Spaniard has still not established himself as a regular starter in the La Liga. Thus, it’s a real possibility that he might struggle to adapt to life in the Premier League. Klopp should instead concentrate on going for more proven players rather than settle for a defender who is yet to prove his worth in Spain.
