Liverpool are clearly enjoying their life under Jürgen Klopp. The Reds sit second in the Premier League table, just one point behind leaders Chelsea. They were top of the table before their 0-0 stalemate against Southampton last week. If the Merseysiders can keep up their good run of form, the title talks will be there for sure. However, the Reds need more options and squad depth next season as they are likely to have European football in the next campaign.
TalkSPORT claims that the Reds could rival their arch rivals Everton for the signature of Lille midfielder Soualiho Meïté. The 22-year-old is currently impressing on loan at Zulte Waregem in Belgium who are sitting five points clear at the top of the Belgian Pro League. However, the Belgian side have the option to make the move permanent for just £250,000 and are likely to activate that option and look for a profit in coming summer. TalkSPORT claims that Zulte Waregem could be open to selling the French prodigy for as little as £4.25m.
Well, a defensive midfielder has been long missing at Anfield. Klopp was never a fan of using an out and out defensive midfielder. His system at Dortmund was 4-2-3-1 where both central midfielders were pretty much box to box midfielders and had the license to go forward. However, at Liverpool this season, the German has deployed a 4-3-3 system where Henderson plays the deepest of the three midfielders not because of his defensive qualities but due to his ability to pick out passes after winning the ball.
Meïté is an out and out defensive midfielder who boasts a strong physique. He is blessed with a big frame of 6’2″ and has a massive presence on the pitch. The Frenchman has a decent passing ability for a big guy and often he likes to burst forward. Due to his big physique and tenacity, it is natural that he has drawn comparisons with a national legend like Patrick Vieira but the youngster is still an unproven talent.
If Meïté was really that good, Lille probably would have let him move on loan. Even if they did, the 22-year-old would have gotten a better suitor than Zulte Waregem. After struggling for so many years to make it to the top again, Liverpool are finally on the rise and now they should go for proven players who can make the starting XI better, not just the bench.
