In a recent print edition (transcripted and translated by Sport Witness), AS has shed some light on how Liverpool can sign Zouhair Feddal from Real Betis this summer. The same source has mentioned that the Moroccan international has just over a year left in his contract, so Betis won’t block his sale and are open for him to leave as long as they receive the full €2.5m they paid for him back in 2017 (via Sport Witness). However, AS also goes on to state that the Merseyside club would be an ‘unexpected jump’ in the La Liga defender’s career which makes it seem like a potential move to Anfield could be a bit far-fetched for the player.
Feddal’s Sporadic Role At Estadio Benito Villamarín This Season
Feddal has been a bit-part player for the Spanish outfit this season after making only a handful of appearances for them so far. He has featured in 11 matches for Rubi’s side this term and has got one assist to show for his efforts across all competitions. The Moroccan has only received 969 minutes of game time during this campaign as he has mostly been used sporadically by the Betis manager.
The 30-year-old has averaged 1.3 tackles, 1.5 interceptions and 4.7 clearances in every 90 minutes of league football this season (stats via whoscored). Feddal’s numbers prove just how well he had performed for his current employers despite being restricted to limited first-team opportunities before the football world came to a standstill due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic.
Feddal has also represented the Moroccan national team in 14 senior matches but is still waiting to score his first goal for his country. Maybe, a summer switch to Anfield could help him stake a claim and earn more appearances for Morocco at the international stage before he decides to hang up his playing boots in the coming years.
What Does The Moroccan International Bring To The Table?
Feddal lacks the pace to make any recovering runs at the back, but he more than makes up for it through his sheer presence and determination to win the ball back for his side. He can use his incredible strength to outmuscle the opposition attackers and shows outstanding defensive awareness that allows him to pull off some crucial last-gasp clearances inside his own half. The Moroccan talent is also quite tidy when distributing the ball out from the back after completing 84.7% of his attempted passes in the La Liga this season (stats via whoscored).
Should The Reds Make A Move For Feddal This Summer?
Jurgen Klopp will be in dire need of a new centre-back if he decides to part ways with Dejan Lovren this summer. Feddal could serve as a perfect, like-for-like replacement for the ageing Croatian as he offers very similar traits to him on the field. Plus, the Real Betis player is also a decent ball-playing centre-back so he should not have any trouble in transitioning to Klopp’s style of play at Anfield.
Recruiting Feddal will not only add more depth to the Liverpool squad but also increase competition for the likes of Joe Gomez and Joel Matip to secure a regular starting berth alongside Virgil Van Dijk next season. With all things considered, Klopp should only consider making a cut-price offer for Feddal if he ends up sanctioning Lovren’s departure this summer. Otherwise, the Merseyside giants won’t have any need for a bit part defender like Feddal as he is not good enough to feature in the Premier League week in week out.
