An intimate look at what Adrien Rabiot could bring to Liverpool this summer
Liverpool FC have been linked with a move for French midfielder Adrien Rabiot as the Reds look at the soon-to-be out-of-contract midfielder to solve their vows in the middle of the park.
The Reds endured an exceptional final season under Jurgen Klopp at Anfield Stadium, only failing short at the business end of the season. While the team played an excellent campaign, Liverpool were dealing with their own monsters almost every game, although they came through them almost every time. This translated into high-intensity games where the opponents always feel there is a chance.
Putting it into perspective, a lack of physicality and control in the midfield was the cause and means of the majority of Liverpool’s problems offensively and defensively. So, Arne Slot is wasting no time in ensuring that the midfield is reinforced. This is where the links to Rabiot make sense.
Liverpool have ‘made contact’ with the Euro 2024 star, who was close to moving to arch-rivals Manchester United in 2022, per The Mirror.
What does Adrien Rabiot bring to Liverpool?
The left-footed 29-year-old central midfielder has a wealth of experience playing for some of the most elite sides in all of Europe. Owing to his enormous frame at 6 ft 2 inches (1.88 m), he can cover the ground swiftly and has been on the base of starting attacks for Juventus for a while now. Moreover, he possesses exceptional pressing abilities and is a strong presence in the air, which can come in handy in the Premier League.
It is his intelligence and technical understanding that makes him a great fit for Arne Slot’s style of play. His vision and ability to work in small spaces could churn him into exploiting defences effectively. He is also good at moving into wide spaces when attacking to give space to the wingers and full-backs while taking away players from the middle of the park.
The Frenchman does have a bit of an erratic and ill-disciplined reputation; however, his talent and potential are undeniable.
Where will Adrien Rabiot fit in at Liverpool?
He is a midfielder who can be used in a six-and-eight hybrid role; however, he cannot be given the sole duties of operating as a defensive midfielder. He could operate with the likes of Endo or Ryan Gravenberch, which can help the club play one offensive eight in a 4-3-3 formation or a ten in a 4-2-3-1.
The Frenchman has a very versatile profile and can operate anywhere along the midfield, and his intelligence aids him in predicting the next play.
He could be used in a counter press effectively off the ball, which can ensure that the club follows Jurgen Klopp’s philosophy of high-intensity pressing under Arne Slot. On the ball, the 29-year-old can be used in multiple ways. He could be used as a wide midfielder like Didier Deschamps uses him for France. He can also be used in an offensive eight role to support the attachment from the middle of the park. Slots can also use technical ability and passing quality to play in pockets.
More Liverpool News!
- Liverpool backed to take football global as ‘Super Day’ takes shape
- Serie A Bosman deal could see Liverpool plug a Thiago Alcantara sized hole at Anfield
- PL star who could succeed Robertson ready to make summer switch amidst Liverpool interest
Conclusion
It is rare to find such quality in the market these days, and Adrien Rabiot’s availability on a free transfer accelerates the potential that this signing possesses for Liverpool. Although the Reds will need to negotiate respectable wages to ensure that the books are kept in balance.
