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Scouting for Klopp: Who Is This Record Breaking Bundesliga Winger Targeted By Liverpool?

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By Sumedh Pande

Rumours are coming thick and fast related to Liverpool these days and as it is Klopp’s first summer transfer window a lot of changes are expected in the squad with many new additions incoming for sure. Bundesliga is the centre of all rumours concerning Liverpool with the German targeting talents from the league in which he has worked and has succeeded much.

The one position which has lacked a real thrust this season is one the wings. Apart from James Milner, there is no other winger who has played for the reds. Hence, a lot has been said about the crossing ability of this squad. It was a baffling decision to let Lazar Markovic go on loan when the squad was crying out for an out and out traditional winger.

Jurgen Klopp has himself stated about buying a winger in the summer and the one name that has been associated with a move to Anfield is Serbian Filip Kostic. The 23-year-old has impressed this season for Stuttgart and it is rumoured that Klopp is a fan of the winger.

Background :

Kostic was born in Kragujevac, Serbia and joined Radnicki 1923’s youth academy. The youngster impressed a lot during his early days and his performances earned him a place in the first team squad in the 2010-11 season when the team achieved promotion to the Serbian SuperLiga. He made his debut in 2010 for his first club and made 30 appearances in his first campaign.

Next season’s exploits earned him a move to FC Groningen, the club famous for developing talents like Arjen Robben, Luis Suarez and Virgil Van Dijk. He endured a torrid time in his start in his career at the club but in the 2013-14 season, the Serb showed what he is capable of and became a mainstay of the team. The 13-14 season was the best of his career and he scored 9 goals and provided 8 assists which were instrumental in getting a move to Stuttgart in the 2014-15 season.

The 23-year old has become one of Bundesliga’s upcoming star at the Mercedes-Benz Arena and has five goals and four assists in 23 apps this season. If Liverpool comes calling, it will be very difficult for the Serb sensation to turn down the chance to play under Klopp.

Strengths :

Kostic is a traditional winger who can play on both the flanks but has played on the left wing during his time in Germany. The Serb has frightening pace and is a nightmare for the fullbacks. He had recorded the highest number of crosses for the past two seasons in the league and it is one attribute which is missing in the Reds squad.

Apart from his attacking abilities, he contributes a lot in defence which is a must in a Jurgen Klopp team. Klopp is a fan and it will be interesting to see where would the youngster fit at Liverpool.

Weakness :

Like a typical winger, Kostic is guilty of losing possession a lot and has a passing accuracy of just 64%. But with age by his side, he can improve this aspect and can become a star in the Premier League.