The Liverpool fans have hardly missed Philippe Coutinho since he departed for FC Barcelona in the January transfer window, but that has not prevented them from discussing the arrival of a new number ten this summer.
It seems that Coutinho’s departure from Anfield has allowed the front-three of Mane, Firmino and Salah to improve and reach the pinnacle of their game in recent months, and as such, plenty of The Reds faithful propping up our bar believe the decision to sell the Brazilian magician could prove to be an astute piece of business.
In recent weeks, Liverpool have climbed into the top-four and secured a quarter-final tie against Manchester City in the Champions League, so feelings of resentment and disappointment with regards to Coutinho’s departure have now become a distant memory. Despite this, the club are still without a recognisable number ten – a problem which the supporters are eager to see rectified this summer.
In light of this, discussions amongst our resident Kopites in the Tavern regarding a whole host of attacking midfielders can regularly be heard between our walls, and one player that is particularly tickling the fancy of the supporters is Real Madrid’s Isco (valued at £67.5 million by Transfermarkt).
The 25-year-old Spanish international is one of the best number tens in European football, so he’s certainly a player who should be on Klopp’s radar this summer. Isco has the ability to collect the ball in pockets of space between the midfield and attack before prising his opponents open with a combination of quick-footed dribbling and incisive passing.
His performances in La Liga suggest he should have no problem adapting to life in the Premier League, especially at a club like Liverpool where he would be surrounded by quality attacking players. Considering his importance to Los Blancos, it’s unlikely that Isco will come cheap, but the funds Liverpool have accumulated from the sale of Coutinho should be more than enough to secure his services and have plenty left over for further acquisitions.
Although Liverpool have coped with Coutinho’s departure remarkably well, it’s crucial that they finally replace him this summer to ensure they mount a title challenge next season, so Isco should be at the top of their shortlist of potential signings for the summer.
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