Among Liverpool’s prime area which needs improvement this season, their defence tops the list. Jurgen Klopp’s gegenpressing has brought out mixed results for the Reds this season. While they have had some really big wins this campaign against the top teams, the same squad has crumbled against the mid-table and lower table sides.
And Liverpool’s defence has come under huge criticism as a result. Liverpool have conceded 36 goals so far, which is the most among the top six teams, and given the fact that they have won five and drawn five times against the top 6, only makes it look worse.
Fullbacks have been a tricky area for the Reds. While James Milner has held the mast pretty well on the left defensive flank despite the manager playing him out of position, Klopp has found it difficult to get a backup for the ageing central midfielder. Alberto Moreno has been a huge disappoint in the Premier League this season and Klopp doesn’t look likely to keep him at the squad beyond this season.
According to reports, the former Borussia Dortmund boss is again planning a raid on the Bundesliga, this time for Schalke left back Sead Kolasinac. The 23-year-old Bosnian international has been hugely impressive this season drawing interests from numerous European giants that include the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea.
However, Bild claims that City Boss Pep Guardiola has already taken giant strides towards securing his signature as he held a meeting with Kolasinac’s agent Gordon Stipic. The Bosnian international has his contract expiring in the summer and given the number of options he has at his disposal, Schalke are unlikely to retain him.
City would obviously give the player more wage if compared to Liverpool and the only reason Kolasinac would choose the latter is Jurgen Klopp. Liverpool are currently in the fourth position of the Premier League table having played two more games than Manchester United and Arsenal, who are the other contenders for the fourth position; and the inability to fulfil that could be a huge blow for Liverpool in Kolasinac’s pursuit.
Standing at 6 feet, the Bosnian full-back is physically ideal for the rigours of Premier League and his aggression further adds to his suitability. A good reader of the game, Kolasinac is known for his intelligent defending and timely tackles. Kolasinac was the man of the match in Schalke’s last Bundesliga win over Mainz where he even got a goal.
Getting Kolasinac will also let Klopp move Milner into the central midfield, where he has only one good option in Jordan Henderson.
