According to a recent report by Marca, Liverpool are showing keen interest in Sevilla centre-back Diego Carlos ahead of a potential move in the summer. The same source has also mentioned that the Reds will face stiff competition from Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in pursuit of the Brazilian defender in this off-season. It is believed that Jurgen Klopp is looking for an ideal centre-back partner for Virgil Van Dijk and has identified the La Liga talent as a potential target ahead of the summer transfer window (via Marca).
Carlos’ Spectacular Season In The Spanish First Division
Carlos was enjoying a superb season at Seville before the football world came to an abrupt halt as a result of the recent COVID-19 outbreak. He has put in several commanding performances at the heart of Julen Lopetegui’s defence which has made him a real fan-favourite at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium.
The Brazilian sensation has featured in 31 matches for the Spanish outfit this term and has two goals to his name across all competitions. He can score the odd goal from set-pieces and is also quite accurate with his ball-distribution after completing 82.6% of his attempted passes in the La Liga (stats via whoscored).
More importantly, the 27-year-old has averaged 1.2 tackles, 0.9 interceptions and 4.9 clearances per game in league football and in the UEFA Champions League this season which sheds some light on his growing influence at the Andalusian club (stats via whoscored).
What Will The South American Defender Add To Klopp’s Side?
Carlos can use his quickness and football IQ to make some lung-bursting recovering runs when left exposed at the back. He is almost averaging five clearances in every 90 minutes of football this season which has only enhanced his reputation across Europe. The Brazilian can read the danger quickly and make some crucial interceptions for his side. He is also not afraid to put his body on the line when trying to block a goal-bound shot from the opposition inside his own penalty box.
As mentioned earlier, Carlos is a perfect modern-day centre-back who is comfortable when playing the ball out from the back. Hence, he can seamlessly slot in alongside Virgil Van Dijk at the centre of the Liverpool backline if Jurgen Klopp can find a way to convince him to make a switch to Anfield this summer.
The Brazilian will not only add more bite and steel to the Reds defence but also increase competition for places within their squad. He will be an upgrade over Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip. One can even argue whether Carlos would be a better alternative to Joe Gomez, who has done well to form a productive partnership with Van Dijk despite being injury-prone in recent seasons.
Either way, the reigning world champions could solidify their place at the summit of English football if they can sign a world-class defender like Carlos before the start of the new season. Furthermore, Klopp will also have the freedom to switch from a 4-3-3 formation to playing with three centre-backs in defence if he can bring the Sevilla star to Merseyside.
