Premier League giants, Liverpool, were in a hunt for a new Central Midfielder since the start of the summer transfer window and now it looks like they have found what they want. Several English media outlets have reported that Liverpool are in talks with Real Madrid Midfielder, Mateo Kovacic. The reports say that Liverpool have identified the Croatian as the solution for their Midfield problems. It is said that Real Madrid want about 25-30 Million for the former Inter Milan player.
Mateo Kovacic joined Real Madrid from Inter Milan for a fee of 31 Million Euros last summer. The 22 year old was extensively targeted by Liverpool last season too, but the Croatian decided to go to Santiago Bernabeu. Kovacic was a very important player for Inter Milan, but after joining Real Madrid he was not in the plans of either Rafa Benitez or Zinedine Zidane. He only made 25 appearances in the La Liga, majority of them as a substitute. Overall, he made 34 appearances for the last season’s Champions League winners, but only was able to score a single goal and assist two.
Now, the Central Midfielder is looking to leave Real Madrid and also the Spanish misfits are looking to sell him in order to make space for Paul Pogba. A decent bid of 25 Million will be enough for Liverpool to bring him to Anfield. But is he what Liverpool need?
The Croatian was identified as the perfect replacement for Steven Gerrard by Liverpool former boss, Brendan Rodgers. Kovacic is known for his excellent dribbling and passing. He has the ability to deliver perfect through balls that are certain to split the opposition defense. He is also a maestro on the ball. It will hard to find him give away the ball. Kovacic also has some power in his legs that makes him shoot some fierce shots from outside the box.
As we all know attacking is not the only task a Central Midfielder has to do. A good Central Midfielder is also expected to drop back and defend. Mateo Kovacic does that too and it makes him a perfect Central Midfielder. Despite not having the physical looks of a ‘engine’ Central Midfielder, Kovacic really controls the game and could become the pivotal point of any team.
If we look at the Liverpool squad last season, it is easy to understand that Liverpool really lacked a central midfielder like Kovacic. James Milner and Jordan Henderson were not able to create goals from Midfield which really restricted Liverpool from scoring. In big games, goals have to come from the mdifield and Liverpool really lacked it last season.
Kovacic is a good presser and that qualifies him to be a ‘Klopp player’. He likes to intensely press the opposition, forcing them to give away the ball and pass backwards. Kovacic has often won the ball for his team through his high pressing. He has also made crucial interceptions for his team. Kovacic, like his fellow countryman Ivan Rakitic, is a very intelligent player on and off the ball. His vision is also very good for a 22 year old.
Kovacic has lots of potential in him and he is already a top Midfielder. If we look at his game, we can clearly see why Klopp wants him. He has all the ‘ingredients’ that Klopp wants in his players. The arrival of Kovacic will be a bad sign for Milner, Henderson, Allen and Lucas. Kovacic is talented enough to start ahead of all these Central Midfielders.
With all these being said, we can come to the conclusion that Kovacic will be a very good buy for Liverpool. If Liverpool can get him for about 22-25 Million, it will be a perfect steal for the Merseyside club.
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