According to Metro, Liverpool have emerged as a potential suitor for Ajax sensation Matthijs de Ligt. It is believed that manager Jurgen Klopp has asked the Liverpool hierarchy to inquire about the defender’s situation at Ajax after Sport claimed that Manchester United were out of the running due to lack of Champions League football.
As a result, Liverpool are now providing stiff competition to Barcelona in the pursuit of de Ligt. And a move to Anfield could be on the horizon, with agent Mino Raiola favouring the Reds over Barca.
De Ligt could be the final piece in the jigsaw for Liverpool
Liverpool ended the 2018/19 campaign as one of the most defensively solid teams in Europe. The Merseyside giants conceded only 22 goals in 38 matches, fewer than anyone else in the Premier League, including champions Manchester City.
And by far the biggest reason behind such improved defensive record this past season has been the consistent performances of last year’s star recruit – Virgil van Dijk. The ex-Southampton defender has rejuvenated the much-maligned Liverpool backline with his imposing aerial and physical presence.
But, the Dutchman has always lacked a reliable partner, with the defensive trifecta of Dejan Lovren, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip all struggling with frequent injuries. De Ligt, to that end, could solve Liverpool’s one final defensive problem in defence and accompany van Dijk at the heart of their four-man backline.
These two also have great chemistry between them as they are both regulars in the Netherlands national football team. That means they could make a formidable pairing, which, in turn, could make Liverpool the strongest defensive team in Europe.
De Ligt may not be as imposing as van Dijk. But, his ability to thread accurate long passes coupled with his laser passes in between the lines will undoubtedly ease Liverpool’s transition from defence to attack. And the fact that both the defenders are technically astute and are more than capable of passing out from the back will enhance the Reds’ overall build-up play.
However, it remains to be seen whether or not de Ligt will be able to replicate his performances in the faster-paced nature of the Premier League. But, given his immense potential, coupled with his tender age, de Ligt could be a stunning long-term investment for Liverpool as they look to continue their impressive run under Klopp.
