Liverpool ended the season with a respectful 1-1 draw against the Baggies considering Klopp made 11 changes for the last League game of the season. As Klopp stated after the game, when players have their mind set on the big final they can’t be made to be ready for a rather pointless game. The reds have finished eighth on the table which means it will either be no European competition next campaign or if Sevilla is beaten, Champions League football beckons the reds.
The transfer season has arrived and Liverpool are expected to be busy in the transfer window considering it is Jurgen Klopp’s first summer transfer period for Liverpool. The one area where the reds lacked some firepower was on the wings where only Jordan Ibe was the specialist winger and Sheyi Ojo played in the latter parts of the league. Philippe Coutinho played on the left hand side but his best moments have come when he has drifted inside behind the striker.
With Ousmane Dembele going to Dortmund, who was a reported target, the other name who has come up in the recent days is of Hoffenheim’s talisman, Kevin Volland. The 23 year old is a perfect Klopp player who has all the attributes to succeed under the German. He has blistering pace and has the ability to take on defenders and beat them with pace and also has an eye for goal. Worth mentioning is his defensive contribution as he tracks back whenever needed and has almost two tackles per game which is almost double of what Coutinho and Lallana offer to the reds.
Volland has scored some spectacular long range goals in his time with the German side and has also impressed for the U-21 German national team in the European Championship. Hoffenheim just survived the relegation this season, but undoubtedly, Volland has been their best player with eight goals and seven assists. He had an amazing partnership with Roberto Firmino and the duo wrecked havoc in the Bundesliga with 15 goals and 17 seasons between them in the last season. This could work for Liverpool if Klopp tries to sign the talented 23 year old.
Kevin Volland has his weaknesses with a meagre passing percentage of 58 this season and he also lacks the skill to hold on to the ball for longer period of time. He commits some unnecessary fouls but all this can be improved with age. Volland has a great potential but the reds should not hurry in signing him and should do only if the pursuit of Mario Gotze fails. Liverpool have too many players in their squad and if both Gotze and Volland both are signed, that can hinder with the progress of Volland. Liverpool should be patient in the transfer window and should sign the 23 year old as one of the last resorts.
