Liverpool Facing A Losing Battle To Land This Bundesliga Star: What Should Be Klopp’s Play?

By Abhinab Ghosh on February 17, 2021

Liverpool facing a losing battle to land David Alaba who is seen in the photo

In a recent tweet, renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Liverpool are facing a losing battle to land Bayern Munich defender David Alaba. It is understood that the Austria international’s priority is to join Real Madrid when he becomes a free agent at the end of this season which could be a stumbling block for the Reds as well as other interested clubs.

David Alaba has reached a verbal agreement with Real Madrid since the beginning of January. His pre-contract until June 2025 is ‘almost ready’ – not signed yet.

Chelsea, Liverpool as other clubs are still trying to convince him… but Alaba’s priority is joining Real Madrid ⚪️ https://t.co/LITUivZexn

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 15, 2021

Alaba’s Impressive Form Under Hans-Dieter Flick’s Stewardship This Season

The Wien-born defensive ace has continued to perform at a high level this season as he has produced a series of commanding performances at the heart of the Bavarian outfit’s midfield. Alaba has managed to net two goals and earn two assists for Bayern this term across all fronts.

In Europe, the 28-year-old’s form has been sensational because he has averaged 1.4 tackles, 1.2 interceptions, 2.6 clearances and 0.6 key passes per 90 minutes in the UEFA Champions League group stages. He has even been careful when distributing the ball out from defence after making 87.4% of his attempted passes in European football (stats via whoscored).

Alaba is currently playing at his peak and has shown no signs of slowing down this season. He has been a rock at the back for Hansi Flick’s side, so it is no wonder that some of Europe’s top clubs, including Liverpool, are interested in signing him when his contract at the Allianz Arena runs out at the end of this campaign.

What Are The Austria International’s Best Attributes?

Alaba has established himself as one of the best centre-halves in the Bundesliga over the past 18 months. He has decent pace under his belt that enables him to make some crucial recovering runs inside his half. The experienced defender is often quick to scan the danger and is not shy of putting his foot through the ball to make a clearance when his teammates are in danger of being exposed at the back. The 76-time Austria international can even time his tackles well to earn possession back for his side.

What Should Be Klopp’s Play Here?

Currently, Liverpool could use a player of Alaba’s skill set as he would have undeniably added more quality to their injury-hit backline. However, with Virgil Van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip expected to return from injury before the start of next season, there is no need for Jurgen Klopp to sign a new defender during the summer transfer window.

The German head coach has also got Ben Davies, Rhys Williams and Nathaniel Phillips adding some depth to his defensive department. Plus, the Reds have the option to make Ozan Kabak’s move permanent in the summer as well. All in all, Klopp shouldn’t be too worried about missing out on Alaba as he has still got a great defence at Anfield for the coming seasons.

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Abhinab Ghosh

A 26-year-old sports writer and an aspiring football coach who has road-tripped across the Scottish Highlands, but has never been to Wales. Sucker for cliff-hangers and catchy riffs. Known to be a grunger and not to be a stranger.