Three players Liverpool should be looking at in the AFC Asian Cup

The AFC Asian Cup emerges as a melting pot of talent, showcasing the prowess of players from diverse footballing landscapes. A lot of top clubs will start taking notes and put their scouting teams on the job, including Liverpool.

As the competition takes centre stage, the Reds’ scouting network should be on high alert, scouring the tournament for potential additions to bolster the squad. The competition, known for its competitive spirit and the emergence of breakthrough stars, offers a rich reservoir of talent that could seamlessly integrate into Jurgen Klopp’s dynamic system at Anfield.

With nations like Japan, South Korea, and Australia consistently producing top-tier talent, Liverpool should consider this continent for talents who could not only adapt seamlessly to the Premier League but also inject a fresh dynamic into the squad. Here are three players the Reds could scout from the AFC Asian Cup.

Ko Itakura

26-year-old Japanese centre-back Ko Itakura of Borussia Monchengladbach is certainly not a new name on the Reds’ transfer radar. Formerly on the books of Manchester City, the player moved to Germany in 2022 and has been top-class for them ever since.

Fabrizio Romano also revealed via Twitter at a point that the player was subject to scouting from the Reds on multiple occasions. He can play left centre-back, he can play right centre-back and he can also play defensive midfield. Very similar to his national team captain, Wataru Endo [LIVERPOOL REPRESENT]; just a few years younger.

His statistical prowess further solidifies his case, ranking highest in comparison to Liverpool’s defenders in blocking the ball by standing in its path per 90, according to Fbref. Perhaps the most eye-catching stat is his immaculate record – not a single error leading to an opposition shot on goal throughout his tenure at Monchengladbach.

Yet, every silver lining has its cloud, and for Itakura, it’s been his vulnerability to injuries in recent seasons, sidelining him for a considerable 22 games over the past two campaigns. The injury question looms large, a concern Liverpool, with their own share of fitness challenges, must carefully weigh. Irrespective of that, talent is talent.

Hidemasa Morita

Another Japanese international. Hidemasa Morita is a capable and versatile midfielder who can play as a central midfielder as well as a defensive midfielder. At 28 years of age, he is at the peak of his powers as a footballer.

He is an absolute no-nonsense player committing to tackles and more importantly, wins them more often than not. Morita is all action. Comparing his current season at Sporting to Fabinho’s time at Liverpool, Morita has a higher percentage of tackles won per 90 with 1.37 as opposed to Fab’s 1.28.

Where he shines is his rate of recovery and his tendency to get turn possession quickly from loose balls. 6.4 recoveries per 90 is a testament to how committed he is to the badge and securing the result at hand.

As Liverpool seek midfield reinforcements, Morita emerges as a compelling prospect. His no-nonsense approach, defensive tenacity, and knack for quick recoveries align seamlessly with the ethos of Anfield. At the pinnacle of his career, Morita’s potential arrival could inject a new dimension into Liverpool’s midfield dynamics, adding depth and dynamism to Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Harry Souttar

25-year-old Australian centre-back Harry Souttar is a famous name in the Midlands of England. He stands at a majestic 1.98 m. Recently moving from the West Midlands of Stoke City to Leicester, Souttar is a BIG SHOW pregen, to say the least. Souttar, with his slightly crouched playing style, presents a formidable figure on the pitch, showcasing not only technical prowess but also a robust ability to hold off opponents.

Now, when you dive into the stats, it’s a rollercoaster of comparisons. Tackles won per 90? Souttar reigns supreme at 0.91 [in comparison with Virgil van Dijk, William Saliba and Ruben Dias over the last two seasons], claiming the crown like a victorious gladiator. In aerial duels, he’s second only to big Virg. It’s like watching David take on Goliath, only this time Goliath has a fellow Aussie accent.

Drawing parallels with Harry Maguire during his Leicester days is inevitable, but let’s not jinx it. We all remember Maguire’s unexpected detour to the red side of Manchester. Souttar might have a similar playing style, but we’re hoping his potential Liverpool story takes a different turn – one with more silverware and fewer memes.

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As the AFC Asian Cup unfolds, the eyes of Liverpool’s scouting team should certainly be watchful, ready to spot the next footballing sensation who could grace Anfield. The competition holds the promise of unearthing players who could shine in the red of Liverpool.