In a recent report, Marca provided an update on Liverpool’s pursuit of Sevilla defender Diego Carlos ahead of the summer transfer period. The same source has stated that the Spanish outfit are open to selling the Brazilian centre-back, who has a €75m release clause, if they receive a sizable offer from the Reds in this off-season. It is believed that the La Liga side are hoping to raise funds so they may look to cash in on one of their prized assets with the Merseyside club eager to seal a move for Carlos this summer (via Marca).
Carlos’ Impressive Form In The Spanish Top-Flight This Season
The former Nantes player was experiencing one of the best campaigns of his football career at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium before the La Liga season was suspended due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic. He has produced a series of dominant displays at the heart of Julen Lopetegui’s backline which has enhanced his reputation at Seville.
The 27-year-old has made 31 appearances for the Andalusian club this term and has got two goals to his name on all fronts. He has proven himself to be the odd goal-getter from dead-ball situations in the attacking third of the field.
Defensively, Carlos has averaged 1.2 tackles, 0.9 interceptions and 4.9 clearances in every 90 minutes of football in the Spanish first division and the UEFA Champions League which showcase his incredible impact as a Sevilla centre-half this season. He is also a decent ball-playing defender as evidenced by his pass completion rate of 82.6% in league football (stats via whoscored).
What Does The South American Sensation Offer On The Field?
Carlos can use his mobility and football intelligence to make a few vital recovering runs inside his own half. As mentioned earlier, he is nearly averaging five clearances per game this season which is a remarkable feat even for a defender. The Brazilian is often quick to read the danger and is not shy about getting down and dirty to pull off some crucial interceptions for his team. He is also a willing worker who can put his body on the line to block a goal-bound strike from the opposition when left exposed at the back.
Carlos is an ideal modern-day centre-half as he is a confident ball-distributor, so he won’t have any trouble slotting in alongside Virgil Van Dijk at the heart of the Jurgen Klopp’s defence if the German head coach can figure out a way to bring him to the north-west of England this summer.
Should The Reds Launch An Offer For Carlos In The Coming Months?
The Brazilian will not only enhance the quality of the Liverpool defence but also increase the overall depth of Klopp’s squad. He will be a significant upgrade over Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip at Anfield. However, the jury is still out on whether the Sevilla star would be a better alternative to Joe Gomez, who has done well to rise up the ranks and form a commanding partnership with Van Dijk despite being ravaged by injuries in recent years.
Either way, the Merseyside giants could consolidate their spot at the top of English football if they can successfully recruit a world-class defender like Carlos ahead of the new campaign. Plus, what makes him such an attractive option is the fact that Klopp will finally have the freedom to tweak his favoured 4-3-3 formation and play with three defenders at the back more often if he can land Carlos this summer.
