Liverpool have been linked with a move for Sassuolo winger Domenico Berardi amidst calls for an increase in depth in their attacking reserves. It is now 4 matches without a win for Jurgen Klopp and his boys, with a loss against a struggling Southampton thrown in between.
While the draw against a full-strength Manchester United might have been perceived as a positive result, there is still an urgent need to bolster the team. Their defence hasn’t been the most convincing and has been under scrutiny along with their goalkeeping situation with neither Karius nor Mignolet impressing suitably. They have conceded 24 goals which is the second worst in the Top 7 other than the hapless Manchester City defence.
But while people are overly concerned with their defensive issues, Klopp should be more concerned about their attack. Yes, when they play at their best, they are the most lethal group of attackers up front but increasingly as the season has progressed, we are noticing that the lack of a Plan B has been detrimental to their aspirations of challenging for the title.
Although they are very much in the driver’s seat to be the club challenging Chelsea’s dominance, a number of results this season has seen them missing out on glorious opportunities to be the pace-setters.
They have dropped points against Burnley, Southampton, West Ham United, Bournemouth and Sunderland. There is a pattern emerging right here and although it is not wholly to do with their attacking potency, it is pretty evident that Liverpool lack in quality depth and backup options. When teams like Burnley, Southampton and Sunderland put 9 men behind the ball at times, Liverpool lacks the necessary cutting edge on the bench to replace someone like a Firmino or Coutinho.
And with Sadio Mane off to the AFCON, they have lost their most potent weapon with the Senegalese scoring 9 and setting up a further 5 this season in the League. Hence, the move for Domenico Berardi makes sense with Liverpool lacking in further options to freshen things up.
The 22-year-old has spent large parts of this season out with injury, but the reports say he has caught the eye of Jurgen Klopp as he looks to strengthen in the wide areas. Juventus also have the option to sign Berardi for £22 million but the Serie A champions have not indicated that they will take up that opportunity. The striker, who has not yet been capped by Italy’s senior team, has scored 40 goals in 92 Serie A appearances for Sassuolo.
He is an exceptional finisher despite being a winger and is also adept at taking set-pieces. He provides a steady stream of key passes throughout the season and his ability to link-up well with his teammates will fit into the culture at Liverpool.
The prospect will be an enticing one for the youngster who has his best years ahead of him and it is a move which will certainly give Liverpool’s attack a new dimension.
