According to France Football, Liverpool are interested in buying Lens defender Jean-Kévin Duverne. They claim that Southampton, Tottenham, Newcastle, Sunderland, Liverpool and some Spanish clubs are interested in signing the player.
The 19-year-old operates as a centre-back, but can also play as a right-back. The talented defender plays for Ligue 2 side Lens. He is considered to be a budding star and has recently put on some fantastic performances which have now earned him the interest from several clubs.
Nicknamed the “new Varane”, the player has featured for the side six times this season, amassing 510 minutes. Duverne is comfortable with the ball at his feet – a feature Klopp likes – and possesses an excellent range of passing as well. He can participate in helping the transition from defence to attack, a very important aspect of modern football.
Liverpool have also been linked with the impressive Swedish defender Victor Lindelof, illustrating that Klopp wants to strengthen his back-line. Liverpool signed six players in the summer, but the defence has still been a concern for the side. While the Reds’ powerful attack means they can outscore an opposition, they struggle when the onus is on the defence to bring them points.
Sakho being shunned from the first team also adds to the woes. Joel Matip will be leaving for the Africa Cup of Nations in the winter leaving Dejan Lovren and Ragnar Klavan as the only centre-backs with Joe Gomez out with an injury. Lucas has been retained and can operate as a centre-back but the Brazilian is not an ideal choice for the position, and his error against Leicester City almost cost Liverpool the game.
The fact that Duverne can play as a full-back makes him an even more exciting prospect to bring in, considering Liverpool have specialist cover for Nathaniel Clyne and Alberto Moreno. With Moreno out of favour, Jame Milner has been playing as a left-back, and while the former Manchester City player hasn’t disappointed out of position, Liverpool do need the services of a specialist full-back.
His former U-17 coach, Christopher Raymond and team-mate Anthony Scaramozzino hailed Duverne’s skillset as well as the calmness he displays on the pitch. “He has great potential, but he must continue to progress as quickly as possible. He has the ability to improve, if he remains in this state of mind”.
The 19-year-old is also a keen learner and has a great attitude.
Adding Duverne to the ranks would certainly strengthen the Liverpool squad. With no European football, there are fewer games, and hence, it is probable that Duverne (if signed) will not get plenty of chances. The 19-year-old would be an investment for the future. However, in a season where the Reds aim to get back to the top 4, and possibly challenge for the league, they need more cover for the defence, which is why these links shouldn’t be dismissed for they might just have some substance in them.
