In a recent interview with Football Insider, former Premier League keeper Paul Robinson has tipped Liverpool to recruit Stoke City custodian Jack Butland before the domestic transfer deadline on October 16. Robinson said (via Football Insider),
“If Alisson is going to be out for that length of time Liverpool are going to have to look at it.
“While the domestic window is still open we may see Liverpool do some business. There is a lot of good goalkeepers that are not playing football right now.
“I can see Liverpool signing the likes of Jack Butland on a short-term deal. They need somebody like that. A player that has the experience of handling big games. Somebody of that ilk.”
Butland’s Recent Form At The bet365 Stadium
The Bristol City-born keeper was a regular feature for the Potters in the previous campaign after putting in a series of impressive displays for them over the past 12 months. He was involved in 36 matches under the tutelage of Michael O’Neill in the last term, shipping in 58 goals while securing nine clean sheets in all competitions.
Butland did well to average 0.6 clearances and 7.7 long balls per game in the EFL Championship last season. However, the 27-year-old was sloppy with his ball-distribution as he completed only 55.5% of his attempted passes in the English second division (stats via whoscored).
Hence, there are serious question marks over whether Butland would be an upgrade over Liverpool’s second-choice keeper Adrian, who made 71.9% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored). However, the Spaniard had two high-profile meltdowns versus Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League last season and Aston Villa in the Premier League earlier this month which has put the spotlight on his credibility at Anfield.
What Does The English Keeper Offer On The Pitch?
Butland boasts excellent reflexes that help him make some world-class stops at the back. He can make a few quick dives to restrict the opposition from scoring but needs to improve his handling when coming out to collect the ball from the opponent’s dead-ball situations. The nine-time England international often goes long with his goal-kicks, so he might struggle to adapt to Jurgen Klopp’s brand of possession-based football at Merseyside in the coming seasons if Liverpool decide to move in for him before the domestic transfer deadline.
Should The Reds Launch A Move For Butland This Summer?
Butland is an experienced keeper in English football but is nowhere near good enough to rival Alisson Becker for a place in Klopp’s first XI. However, he could serve as a decent back-up to the Brazilian international due to his reliability in between the sticks.
With all things considered, it makes sense for the Reds to engineer a move to bring Butland to the north-west of England. The Stoke City shot-stopper will be a decent emergency signing to replace the underperforming and error-prone Adrian and has what it takes to fill in as Klopp’s number one keeper during the injury absence of Alisson after the international break.
