Joel Matip's injury situation makes Liverpool eye a move for Lille centre-back Leny Yoro

Joel Matip’s injury situation makes Liverpool eye a move for Lille centre-back Leny Yoro

Liverpool are short on centre-backs. The unfortunate ACL injury to Joel Matip has somewhat forced the Reds into the market for a centre-half as they eye a move for Lille’s 18-year-old Leny Yoro.

The France U21 international is an extremely confident ball player with an extensive passing range. Excellent on the ball, Yoro fits the profile Liverpool are looking for. Come on now, if we are eyeing a move for a Joel Matip replacement, that player better be one of the best dribbles of a football in the team.

Let’s compare the stats of Yoro to Matip from two seasons ago when he was at his absolute best for the Reds and played a crucial role in Liverpool winning two trophies and reaching the finals of the UEFA Champions League.

Joel Matip's injury situation makes Liverpool eye a move for Lille centre-back Leny Yoro. — FBRef‘s comparison between Leny Yoro and Joel Matip.

As we can gather from this small sample size from the season until this point, Yoro does not have a lot of differences in the style of play in comparison with Matip. Given he’s only 18 now, it is safe to assume that the player will learn a lot and possibly contribute with greater numbers than that of Matip. Also, keep in mind we are drawing comparisons to a player who was in his prime two seasons ago.

Yoro to the Reds?

Le10Sport claim Liverpool’s interest in securing the services of Yoro. The timing of the move could be critical, especially with Matip’s injury creating a void in Liverpool’s defensive lineup. If the transfer materializes, Liverpool fans can anticipate the addition of a talented youngster who not only fits the team’s requirements but also aligns with the playing style that has been successful for the Reds.

While it is not entirely possible that Yoro, in case he makes the move over the January transfer window starts playing as soon as possible, we might get a glimpse of him in cup games here and there. Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah are in great touch at the moment, as is the case with club captain Virgil van Dijk.

As the transfer saga unfolds, Liverpool fans will be eager to see if Yoro can make a seamless transition to Anfield, providing the defensive solidity required in the absence of the influential Joel Matip.

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The pursuit of young and promising talents aligns with Liverpool’s strategy of building for the future while addressing immediate needs, and Yoro could prove to be a valuable addition to the squad.