Liverpool have been monitoring the progress of Sheffield United starlet David Brooks, as per reports from English media. However, the Reds will face stern competition from Premier League Arsenal in the race to sign the highly talented Welshman. David Brooks has been a key part of the Sheffield United midfield this season.
Reds coach Jurgen Klopp is keen on bringing in the 20-year-old to Anfield in the upcoming January window as he prepares for life without Philipe Coutinho. While Arsenal are also looking for a long-term replacement for wantaway star Mesut Ozil.
Here’s a detailed SWOT report on Liverpool and Arsenal target David Brooks.
Strengths
Versatility is the main weapon for David Brooks. The midfielder can play anywhere from holding midfield to attacking midfield. He mainly featured as an attacking midfielder for Sheffield this season, however.
Good on the ball, David Brooks likes to set up the tempo of the game, with some neat passing and fluidic movements. Much like Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil, Brooks can easily facilitate the central areas of the pitch by using his exceptional passing range. He is someone, who likes to drill passes into the dangerous zones but also has an awareness of not being too predictable.
Brooks’ agility allows him to skip past challenges, which can be very handy in the top flight football.
Put simply, David Brooks is the hybrid version of two talented German midfielders in Mesut Ozil and Julian Weigl.
Weaknesses
Lack of physicality is one significant weakness for David Brooks. The 20-year-old is certainly not the bulkiest of midfielders around, and he can surely be muscled off the ball rather easily. He definitely needs to work on his fitness, if he is to thrive in the English top flight.
Aerial duels are also not his area of expertise. Brooks often seems to struggle in the aerial battles, which is not a good sign at all.
Opportunity
Liverpool have lacked the service of a proper creative midfielder, with a defensive nous. Players like Coutinho or Adam Lallana are too offensive minded, to be instilled in the midfield positions. Therefore, David Brooks can be a rare component in the Liverpool squad, especially with the Brazilian, Coutinho, largely expected to leave the Anfield sooner rather than later.
Threats
Lack of experience can be a worry for any top flight club interested in the services of the 20-year-old. Before breaking through to the Sheffield first team, Brooks didn’t really have a wealth of experience. Furthermore, his lack of physicality can be a real cause for concern, especially under the physical nature of the English game.
