In more than 400 minutes of football against Saints, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool have failed to breach their defence even once this season. The draw against Southampton recently has made it slightly difficult for Liverpool to qualify for the Champions League but they are still in with a decent shot. And Klopp is now making plans to help the club next season.
He has been looking at a few positions in the squad that need to be strengthened and according to Phil Thompson, a Sky Sports pundit, Liverpool should make a move for Southampton star Oriol Romeu this summer. Thompson believes Romeu is just the kind of a player Klopp has been missing this season so should Liverpool move for this Southampton man this summer?
The likes of Lucas Leiva may not be plying their trade at Anfield come the start of the next season and Liverpool definitely need a deep-lying midfielder to strengthen their midfield next season. While RB Leipzig’s Naby Keita will remain their first-choice next season, Romeu is not that bad an option.
Having joined the St Marys from Chelsea, who sent him out on loan more than they used him, Romeu has made 42 appearances in all competitions this season for Southampton. He spent the previous season out of the first team but is a definite starter for Claude Puel in the current campaign.
Known for his hard tackling and immense concentration, Romeu is a midfield workhorse who loves to put himself about. He is a genuine defensive midfielder who can sit back all day to keep his goal safe. He makes a number of crucial interceptions, even in dangerous areas of the field, thanks to his understanding of the game and awareness levels.
Playing in midfield for Southampton, Romeu has a pass completion rate of 84% which is up there with the best in his position in the league. He has won 46% of his aerial duels and 44% of his total duels, in what has been an impressive season at the St Marys.
78 interceptions and 11 blocks, two stats that are also among the best, show his true nature. He is a decent passer and with Liverpool looking for a player who can not only sit back and defender but also help in attack when needed, Romeu is a decent option.
A product of the La Masia academy, the Spanish U23 star has spent enough time in the Premier League to understand the workings of most clubs and that could make him an option this summer.
Liverpool have the likes of Emre Can and Jordan Henderson already fighting for this position. Keita is a more all-around player who might be a better option but Liverpool cannot ignore the value the 25-year old from the St Marys can add to the squad in the future. Do you think Oriol Romeu is the solution for Liverpool’s midfield problems?
Stats Courtesy: whoscored.com
