Ex-Dutch defender backs Eredivisie defender for Liverpool after his heroics against Belgium

Former Netherlands defender Tim de Cler backed Feyenoord defender David Hancko to play for Liverpool after his heroics against Belgium

Tim de Cler hyped Feyenoord defender David Hancko after his impressive heroics to help Slovakia beat Belgium amid interest from Liverpool. The 26-year-old played a crucial role to stop the impressive star-studded Belgium side and maintain a clean sheet for Slovakia.

Hancko was a first-team regular for Feyenoord last season under new Liverpool head coach Arne Slot, enjoying a rise in reputation. Standing at 1.88 metres, the Slovakia international is a left-footed centre-back with strength and athleticism to back his qualities.

Hancko is versatile enough to play as a left-back and in any role for his team as a central defender. The 26-year-old is strong on both aerial and ground duels but relies more on positioning and his game-reading abilities.

The Slovakian is brilliant on possession, making regular progressive carries to exploit spaces in front of him and distributing passes. He plays an important role under Slot in their possessional-based style of play where buildup comes from the backline.

Hancko’s ability to play in different styles of play is another good example of his mental abilities and adapting qualities. The 26-year-old plays in a possessional-based system for Feyenoord while his national team relies on less possession direct play.

Speaking to SoccerNews (via Liverpool Echo), De Cler highlighted the qualities of Hancko of playing at a club like Liverpool. He said:

“He is so stable and can basically do anything. I just think he is a top defender all-round. If he makes it to the next round, and that chance is quite high, his market value will also increase again. More and more clubs are becoming interested. And they were already there. I think he can easily handle a club just below the top six in Europe. Then I’m talking about a club like Atletico Madrid or Liverpool. He can certainly handle that.”

Liverpool wants a left-footed defender to compete with the defensive options that Slot has inherited from Klopp. Furthermore, they want someone who can eventually succeed current Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk as he grows older.

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Hancko is currently operating in his prime and has a long top-level career ahead while also possessing good experience under Slot. The Slovakian could be a top replacement for Joel Matip, who exited the Reds as a free agent.