The ideal man? Should Liverpool go for broke on signing Mateo Kovacic next summer…
We reported earlier today that Liverpool could sign Mateo Kovacic. The original story came via sources in Italy, but has now been picked up by the majority of the British Press.
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Liverpool transfer news
As always, we approached the rumour with a certain amount of disdain, but upon further investigation it’s easy to see why the 20-year-old Croatian would be an appealing option for Brendan Rodgers and co.
At the risk of raising expectations to inappropriately high levels, in the list below we count down eight reasons why he’d make a superb signing:
Potential…
The midfielder is only 20, and is already earning rave reviews. If he can continue to build on that potential and transfer his qualities to the English game, then his ability is virtually limitless. Brendan Rodgers is an excellent developer of young talent, as well all know.
Happy Hunting Ground…
It’s worth remembering that the last player we brought from Inter Milan was the one and only Philippe Coutinho. If Kovacic is able to reach a similar level, then he’ll be the perfect signing for us!
Value For Money…
According to the original report, Milan are desperate to fend off interest in top scorner Mauro Icardi, and that has seemingly left Kovacic available. Considering his age and potential, it’s hard to argue with the £21m price tag.
Steven Gerrard Replacement…
Liverpool are desperate for a midfielder with the quality to be a long-term successor to Steven Gerrard, who will of course leave us for LA Galaxy at the end of the season. Kovacic is big, powerful scores goals, assists and shares many of the other worldly attributes of our skipper – if not yet the refinement. Can you imagine him playing alongside Emre Can in five years time…?!
Versatility…
He’s been used as a playmaker, a winger, and even a holding midfielder. His plus points include both his physicality and technical prowess, making him an even more exciting prospect for the Reds. Rodgers loves players who can play anywhere, and Kovacic fits that bill.
Popular Choice…
The Liverpool fans have been making positive noises on social media, which is always a good start for a potential signing…
FSG’s and Brendan Rodgers’ transfer policy…
As a young and promising player, he fits in well with Rodgers’ preferred kind of signing. Having already added the likes of Daniel Sturridge, Philippe Coutinho, Emre Can, Alberto Moreno, Divock Origi and more in recent years, he’d just be another name on that list.
The numbers…
Football statistics website Who Scored rate Kovacic highly. He is given a rating of 7.52 for his twelve games as a central midfielder this season. He has pass success rate of almost 90%, while his other strengths are listed as dribbling and shooting. He’s also notched five Serie A goals, while his only claimed weakness is aerial.
