Liverpool now have the most effective attacking trio in Europe and the most expensive defender in Europe in their squad and they are doing justice to their tags recently. But they do have a few issues in their midfield, that they need to solve this summer.
Having lost Philippe Coutinho in January, the Reds are in search of a creative midfield and they might also lose Emre Can on a free at the end of the season, pushing them into the market for more than one defender. One player, they are now looking at is Mario Lemina.
Playing their Southampton card again, the Reds are reportedly keeping a close eye on the Gabonese star for a move in the summer. He joined Southampton as a record transfer at the start of the current season and has been impressive in most games he has gotten a chance.
A product of the academy at Lorient, Lemina spent time at Marseille and Juventus before moving to England and is highly regarded as one of the most exciting midfielders in his country. He has 11 appearances for his national side and at just 24, is only going to get better.
He has been used as the deepest of the midfielders this season by Mauricio Pellegrino, who has handed him 15 league starts this season. He has a goal to his name in this time but has been one of the most effective CDMs in the league this season.
A defensive midfielder who loves to stay on the front foot, Lemina is a smart footballer, who loves to get stuck in and frustrate the opponents. He is not the best in shielding his backline but puts in a shift in every game, that allows players around him prosper in an attacking role.
He is at his best with the ball at his feet, quickly turning defence into the attack but is more than adept at sitting back and shutting shop when needed. He can dribble past opponents with ease, can hold up play and find space even under pressure and has already shown that he is ready for the English top flight.
The Reds have Naby Keita joining next season but have Jordan Henderson as the only option in the no.6 role, if Can decides to quit. They are looking at Serie A star Jorginho as an option for this role and Lemina only seems a backup at this stage.
He does have what it takes to excel in Klopp’s system and has age on his side and is a solid backup to have. But the Reds need to aim higher and look for readymade stars, who can help them compete with the best next season. Do you think Lemina is such an option for Jurgen Klopp?
