In a recent segment of ESPN’s Voetbalpraat (via Sport Witness), journalist Cristian Willaert urged Liverpool to move in for Feyenoord midfielder Mats Wieffer this summer. Willaert said,
“I think Wieffer would make Liverpool stronger.
“If you look at what Liverpool is missing a bit with this new midfield, it is creativity and boys who can play football.
“In the old days they always had ball grabbers who took a lot of danger away from the opponent and they now miss that a bit. Wieffer is one of the best ball conquerors in Europe.”
Willaert’s Impressive Form In The Eredivisie
The 24-year-old is having an impressive campaign at the Dutch club as he has been responsible for putting in a series of impressive performances for them at the centre of the park. Wieffer has found the back of the net six times and earned four assists in 42 matches for Feyenoord this season across multiple competitions.
The Dutch talent has been a positive influence in both halves based on his average of 2.9 tackles, 1.7 interceptions, 1.2 clearances, 1.3 shots, 1.3 key passes and 1.2 dribbles per game in the Dutch Eredivisie. He has even been tidy when distributing possession from midfield after making 83.6% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored).
Should Liverpool Go For Wieffer?
Wieffer can do a little bit of everything in the middle of the park. He is a good tackler of the ball and can make some important interceptions for his team inside his half. The Dutch sensation doesn’t hesitate to clear the danger when needed and can even set up a few inviting chances for others around him in the final third. He can strike the ball with power from long range and is an energetic runner in the opponent’s half.
Wieffer mainly functions as a defensive midfielder but can also operate as a box-to-box midfielder or play as a central defender if asked to do so. He would undoubtedly bring more quality and depth to Liverpool‘s midfield department. However, only time will tell whether he can make a smooth transition to life in England.
At 24, Wieffer has got his peak years ahead of him which makes him a worthy target for the Reds to pursue this summer. All in all, the Merseyside club should consider going for the Dutch midfield ace later this year.