According to a recent report by Estadio Deportivo, Liverpool are eyeing a summer move for Real Betis defender Aissa Mandi this summer. The same source has also mentioned that the Reds could face stiff competition from Newcastle United and Olympique Lyonnais in pursuit of his services when the transfer window reopens later this month.
Mandi’s Solid Form At Betis This Season
The 28-year-old has enjoyed another impressive season at the Benito Villamarín Stadium after producing a series of commanding displays at the heart of Rubi’s defence. He has been involved in 30 matches for the Spanish outfit this term, receiving a total of 2668 minutes of playing time in multiple competitions.
On the defensive end, the Algerian international has averaged 1.1 tackles, 1.3 interceptions and 3.0 clearances per game in La Liga this season which sheds light on his incredible impact at the centre of the Betis backline (stats via whoscored).
Mandi has also made a name for himself at the international stage having represented the Algerian national team in 55 matches while netting one goal for his homeland so far. The ex-Reims centre-half managed to help his country win the 2019 African Cup of Nations which has enhanced his reputation in world football. Therefore, he will fancy his chances of winning a few more trophies with Algeria in the years to come.
What Will The Algerian International Add To Jurgen Klopp’s Side?
Mandi is highly versatile as he can assume any role across the backline and do a decent job. He is primarily a centre-back but can also fill in as a full-back if needed. The Algerian defensive ace has decent pace in his locker which allows him to make a few recovering runs at the back. He can also use his remarkable strength to overpower the opposition in the air from both defensive and offensive set-pieces. Mandi is often quick to read the danger inside his half and can pull off some crucial interceptions and last-ditch clearances for his side.
His outstanding versatility, coupled with his ability to command his own penalty area with authority, makes him an ideal choice for the Reds before the start of the new campaign. Mandi will not only add some bite and steel to Jurgen Klopp’s backline but also improve the overall depth of his squad. Furthermore, he could serve as a perfect long-term replacement for Dejan Lovren, who is all set to seal his Anfield exit this summer.
Mandi will also provide some healthy competition for the likes of Joel Matip and Joe Gomez to secure a permanent place alongside Virgil Van Dijk at Merseyside in the upcoming campaign. At 28, the Algerian has proven himself to be a reliable defender in La Liga thus far. However, the jury is still out on whether he can make a smooth transition to the Premier League if Klopp can find a way to lure him to the north-west of England during the summer transfer period.
