In a recent TV segment with ESPN (transcripted by the Daily Mirror), Liverpool legend Steve Nicol urged his former employers to secure the services of Matthijs de Ligt from AFC Ajax and James Maddison from Leicester City this summer when he said, “Yes they could do with signing some players.
“If you have a wish list, then my wish list would be another centre-back. Somebody like De Ligt I think would be incredible.
“I also would like somebody in the middle of the park who can do a little bit more than getting the ball back.
“Somebody like a James Maddison who has the ability to pick a pass and to score a goal.”
Both De Ligt And Maddison Enjoyed A Rich Vein Of Form Last Season
Both players suggested by Nicol had enjoyed a brilliant season with their respective clubs in the previous campaign. De Ligt put in numerous commanding displays for Ajax in their remarkable semi-final run-in in the UEFA Champions League last term. On the other hand, Maddison put in a series of match-winning performances for the Foxes in the 2018-19 Premier League campaign.
Thus, it will make a lot of sense for Jurgen Klopp to consider recruiting the duo as they have the potential to end Liverpool’s 30-year wait for a Premier League title in the upcoming campaign. De Ligt featured in 55 matches for the four-time European champions last season, registering seven goals while providing four assists across all competitions. On the defensive end, the Dutch defensive ace made an average of 1.0 tackles, 1.1 interceptions and 4.0 clearances per game in the Dutch Eredivisie (Stats via Whoscored).
Maddison found the back of the net on seven occasions while providing seven assists in 38 appearances for the West Midlands side last season in multiple competitions.
What Will The Dynamic Duo Add To Klopp’s Team?
De Ligt is a natural leader on the pitch who is also considered as one of the brightest young players in the world of football. He has formed a stellar partnership with Virgil Van Dijk at the international level so maybe linking up with his Netherlands teammate could help the Ajax star develop his game and be a success at Anfield.
Maddison was the creative spark in Leicester’s midfield due to his ability to score goals and make plays for others around him. The Reds struggled to breakdown teams like West Ham United and Leicester City last season which ultimately cost them the league title. The lack of creativity from the Liverpool midfielders in the previous campaign will worry Klopp so he should consider acquiring someone like the ex-Coventry City playmaker in this off-season.
Should The Reds Listen To Nicol’s Advice?
Thus, the Merseyside giants should listen to their former defender and attempt to sign both De Ligt and Maddison before the start of the new campaign.
