According to a recent print edition by Marca (transcripted and translated by Sport Witness), Liverpool are set to rival Manchester City in the race for Sevilla centre-back Diego Carlos this summer. The same source has also mentioned that the Spanish outfit are willing to cash in on their prized asset which could open the door for the Reds to acquire his services when the transfer window reopens later this month.
Carlos’ Dominant Season In Spanish Football
The ex-Nantes defender has experienced an impressive campaign at Seville after producing a string of commanding displays at the heart of Julen Lopetegui’s backline. He has participated in 42 matches for the Andalusian outfit this term, registering two goals across all competitions which highlight his knack for finding the back of the net from indirect set-pieces in the opposition half.
On the defensive end, Carlos has averaged 1.0 tackles, 1.0 interceptions and 4.8 clearances per game in La Liga and the UEFA Europa League this season. He has proven his worth as a ball-playing defender after completing 84.2% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored).
The 27-year-old is yet to earn an international appearance for Brazil. Still, a change of scenery this summer could give him a more prominent platform to prove his worth as a top-level defender and stake a claim in Tite’s squad for next year’s Copa America.
What Will The Brazilian Centre-Half Add To Jurgen Klopp’s Team?
Carlos has a good football IQ and can use his quickness to position himself ideally and make some vital recovering interceptions inside his half. He is averaging five clearances per game in La Liga this season which goes to show just how well he has performed for Sevilla over the past ten months. The Brazilian can read the danger quickly that allows him to dominate his penalty area. He has a tireless work ethic and is not afraid to put his body on the line to block a goal-bound attempt from the opposition.
Carlos is a confident ball-playing defender who would have no trouble in forming a dominant defensive partnership with Virgil Van Dijk at Anfield next season if Jurgen Klopp can find a way to land him this summer. He will not only add more bite and steel to the Liverpool backline but also improve the overall depth of their squad at Merseyside.
Furthermore, Carlos will be considered by many as an upgrade over Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip. However, the Brazilian will have to fight it out with Joe Gomez for the right to operate at the heart of Klopp’s defence in the coming seasons.
The Reds have got the opportunity to consolidate their spot at the summit of English football this summer, so Carlos will be a clever addition to their squad as he could help them win even more silverware in the years to come.
