Liverpool’s interest in Udinese owned Polish midfielder Piotr Zielinski is genuine according to the player himself, reports the Guardian.
The 21-year-old, who turns 22 in May, has shone on loan at Empoli this term, and Jurgen Klopp’s scouting team have chosen him as a potential summer acquisition as a result.
Zielinski has spoken about how much he’d like to work with Jurgen Klopp and how he’d love to line up alongside Coutinho in the future – admitting that the stories are not just speculation.
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“Some people say these are just the rumours. I know a little bit more about it,” Zielinski said. “But until now I just try to play as best as I can in Empoli to have a possible chance in June for such a big transfer move.
“I have spoken with Kuba [Blaszczykowski, who played under Klopp at Dortmund] who plays in Fiorentina now about Klopp. He told me about his personality, how is Klopp to the players, gave me some tips, but nothing is known yet. I constantly have to play well in Empoli to get the interest from the bigger clubs.
“Everyone knows [Philippe] Coutinho who is very technically gifted. He can shoot with either foot, no matter if it’s left of right. I think I have something in common with him. Definitely he is one of the best Liverpool players this season. I really like his style of play, I watch him closely
“It would be great to play alongside Coutinho. I am sure we could be a good duo on the pitch. We’ll see what will happen.”
We didn’t know too much about Zielinski before the links broke a few months back, but the youngster is a technically excellent midfielder who finds clever pockets of space and links defence and attack. In terms of our current batch, he’s most similar to Joe Allen – potentially worrying for the Welshman who’s yet to have his contract extended.
Zielinski looks to play more telling, through-balls though, and can dribble through the middle as well. Liverpool are already bringing in Marko Grujic, so it’s clear central midfield is an area Klopp’s looking to strengthen this summer.
This suggests that one of, if not two, of Jordan Henderson, Lucas, Joe Allen, Emre Can and James Milner might depart.
Zielinski’s name won’t excite Reds too much, but remember, the likes of Shinji Kagawa, Mats Hummels and Ilkay Gundogan were not household names when they arrived at Borussia Dortmund either.