Incoming manager Arne Slot asked Liverpool to sign Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio as he fits the Dutchman’s tactical requirement
Arne Slot wants Liverpool to sign Sporting Lisbon defender Goncalo Inacio as he fits the profile that the Dutchman desires. The Portugal international has played a pivotal role for Sporting CP in their hunt for domestic titles throughout this season.
The Portuguese club are at the top of the Liga Portugal table with an eight-point lead over their title rivals Benfica. Inacio has regularly played at the left side of the three-man defence under Ruben Amorim, important to their possessional philosophy.
Standing at 1.86 metres, Inacio has the athletic prowess and balance to adapt to any physically demanding league and thrive. The 22-year-old enjoys playing in the high-line possessional system where he aggressively hunts for possession in the advance area.
Nevertheless, the Portuguese uses good positioning and timing to make his tackles and interceptions rather than lunging onto the opponent. Despite his age, he has immense senior team experience that is because of his maturity, good decision-making and strong composure.
Inacio is a modern-day defender with the ability to dictate the tempo from the backline and distribute passes. His close control, shielding of the ball and long stride help to cover large distances with the ball quickly.
The 22-year-old is very important for Sporting CP to dictate the play and build attacks from the backline. As a left-footed centre-back with immense quality on the ball, there are not many players like Inacio in Europe.
Fichajes reported that Slot wants Liverpool to sign Inacio as they are actively seeking defensive reinforcement during the upcoming summer. Joel Matip is leaving the club as a free agent after his contract expires at the end of this season.
Furthermore, Virgil van Dijk will be 33 years of age before the next season begins and needs a long-term replacement. Ibrahima Konate’s injury issues throughout his tenure at the club make him unreliable for the whole campaign. This leaves only Jarell Quansah and Joe Gomez as a defensive option alongside Van Dijk and Konate.
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Inacio fits the profile that Slot would prefer in the system that has earned him success at Feyenoord. The 45-year-old likes to play a possessional-based system that emphasizes the influence of centre-backs while building the attack.
