Arne Slot favourite passes European audition as Liverpool circle

Liverpool target Teun Koopmeiners achieves the Europa League success with Atalanta after playing a crucial role to beat Bayer Leverkusen

Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners played a pivotal role, beating Bayer Leverkusen to win the Europa League amid a Liverpool transfer link. Koopmeiners played a crucial role for Atalanta throughout this season as they finished fifth in the Serie A this season.

Koopmeiners joined Atalanta AZ Alkmaar in 2021 after enjoying a steep development under Arne Slot, playing under him as captain. During the 2019-20 season, AZ surprised the Eredivisie by going toe-to-toe with the dominant Ajax team for the league title.

Before the Coronavirus suspended the season, both teams shared the points with AZ trailing on goal difference. The suspension eventually took away AZ’s opportunity to shock the footballing world by beating Ajax for the Eredivisie.

Last night, Koopmeiners played a crucial role for Atalanta to beat Xabi Alonso’s unbeaten Leverkusen in the Europa League final. Atalanta won the game 3-0 with the help of an inspirational hattrick from Ademola Lookman, negating Leverkusen with their pressing.

The Italian club applied a man-to-man pressing system that kept Leverkusen frustrated throughout the game with Koopmeiners playing as a number-eight. The 26-year-old made three clearances, one interception and one tackle during the game, also winning three out of 10 ground duels.

Koopmeiners covered a lot of distance particularly at the right-hand side of Atalanta’s midfield, helping Zappacosta against Leverkusen’s threat. Leverkusen plays Alejandro Grimaldo and Florian Wirtz at the left side of their attack and the duo failed to perform.

According to Italian publication Tuttosport (via GIVEMESPORT), Liverpool wants to sign Koopmeiners to bolster their midfield during the summer window. Having played under Slot already, Koopmeiners understands the manager’s demand and style of play, helping him to adapt quickly.

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Slot is inheriting a formidable squad from Jurgen Klopp that has numerous talented young players. The Reds currently possess Harvey Elliott, Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones capable of playing in the advanced role.

Liverpool are only lacking in the natural defensive midfield options for the midfield department. Furthermore, Atalanta would not let one of their brightest performers leave for cheap during the summer transfer window. Despite the qualities of Koopmeiners, he is neither a necessity nor a player who would come for cheap.