According to a recent report by Don Balon, Liverpool are lining up a move to acquire the services of Iker Muniain from Athletic Bilbao. The same source has also mentioned that the Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has identified the Spanish playmaker as an ideal replacement for Adam Lallana and is willing to move in for him at the end of this campaign.
Muniain’s Impressive Form At Bilbao This Season
The 26-year-old has made a bright start to this campaign after putting in a few match-winning displays for Bilbao in the La Liga. He has found the back of the net on four occasions in 13 matches for Gaizka Garitano’s side this term across all competitions.
Muniain is averaging 1.1 shots, 1.5 key passes and 1.8 dribbles per game in the Spanish top-flight. Ths Spaniard has also distributed the ball well and has a pass success rate of 85.6 % this season (stats via whoscored). The Bilbao youth product has also represented Spain in two international matches but is yet to open his goal-scoring account for his nation.
What Will The Spanish Midfield Ace Bring To Merseyside?
Muniain excels at dribbling with the ball and making some dangerous runs down the wide areas. He is a terrific playmaker as he can open a rigid defence with a killer pass in the final third.
The Spaniard has proven that he can score goals frequently from midfield and is also a tireless worker when not in possession of the ball.
Will Muniain Be A Good Replacement For Lallana?
Furthermore, Muniain is highly versatile as he can play on either flank as a winger or assume the duties of an attacking midfielder in the number ten position. He will be a fantastic long-term replacement for Lallana who had to endure a stop-start career at Liverpool due to injuries.
The 31-year-old has scored one goal and created one assist in eight appearances for the Reds this season. However, his current contract at Anfield is set to expire next summer, which is why Klopp needs to replace him with a world-class wide player. Muniain fits the bill perfectly as he is one of the best wingers in Spanish football who will add some creativity and dynamism to the Liverpool midfield.
