In a recent print edition, The Sunday Mirror (04/12, p83) claimed that Liverpool are pushing to land Real Madrid playmaker Marco Asensio. It is believed that the Reds are hoping to acquire the services of the Spain international.
Asensio’s Struggles At The Santiago Bernabeu Stadium This Season
Asensio has struggled to earn regular starts at Real Madrid during this campaign but has done well to put in a few eye-catching displays for them in the final third. The 26-year-old has registered three goals and three assists in 15 matches for Los Blancos this season on all fronts.
The Spanish sensation has given a good account of himself in Europe where he is averaging 1.7 shots and 1.5 key passes per game in the UEFA Champions League. He has even been excellent when distributing the ball in the opponent’s half, as evidenced by his pass completion rate of 90.5% in European football (stats via whoscored).
Asensio’s current contract at the Madrid club is set to expire at the end of this campaign. Hence, Liverpool might have a good shot at recruiting him on the cheap this January.
Is Asensio A Good Choice For Liverpool Boss Jurgen Klopp?
Asensio is a technically gifted footballer who can create some decent chances for his teammates on the attacking third of the field. He can even strike the ball with power and accuracy from long range and remains a good dribbler with the ball at his feet.
Asensio is primarily a right-sided wide player but can also fill in as a striker down the middle if his manager asks him to do so. However, there are some concerns over whether the Spaniard is good enough to cope with the physical nature and high intensity of English football if Liverpool manage to get him on board next year.
We can expect Asensio to add more goals and creativity to Jurgen Klopp‘s attack and could prove to be an ideal backup to Mohamed Salah at the Merseyside club in the coming seasons.
At 26, Asensio’s best years are ahead of him which makes him a good, short-term choice for the Reds to pursue during the winter transfer window. He could prove himself to be a valuable member of Klopp’s squad as long as he can remain injury free over the next few years. With all things considered, Liverpool should focus on getting a deal done for him on the cheap this January.
