Liverpool fans in the Transfer Tavern have been lamenting a tricky week for their side, which has seem them lose at Manchester City and draw at home to Sevilla.
Jurgen Klopp’s men thumped Arsenal 4-0 at Anfield just prior to the international break to give those Reds supporters lining up at the bar much optimism ahead of the campaign, yet they were thrashed 5-0 by Pep Guardiola’s City last weekend, likely influenced by Sadio Mane’s controversial first half red card.
And the Merseyside giants were unable to hit back in the Champions League on Wednesday evening, as they could only muster a 2-2 draw against La Liga side Sevilla, in what was the Reds’ first game back in Europe’s elite competition since they exited the group stages under Brendan Rodgers back in 2014.
And attentions are already turning to who Klopp and the Liverpool hierarchy could look to sign in the January transfer window, and one name that has been banded around the Tavern is Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland.
The 24-year-old has returned to the Potters side after a frustrating ankle injury in recent times, and he produced a wonderful display against Manchester United last weekend to further underline his incredible talent.
And with Liverpool’s goalkeeping options suspect to say the least, it’s a move Klopp could consider in the New Year, and thus here are FIVE reasons why it’s a deal he has to get done when the transfer window reopens…
Liverpool in dire need of shot-stopper
Quite simply, Liverpool’s current goalkeeping options aren’t good enough for what the Reds want to achieve, be it domestically or in Europe.
Simon Mignolet has had plenty of opportunities to nail down the number one jersey, yet you still sense that he has a major error in him, especially when it comes to claiming crosses or corners.
Loris Karius’ shot-stopping has been unconvincing during his short time at Anfield as well, while he was too often caught out with the ball at his feet against Arsenal the other week to perhaps suggest that concentration could also be an issue as well.
These two goalkeepers are too prone to errors to be trusted with a big European tie or top-of-the-table decider, whereas Butland has it all.
He is an excellent shot-stopper, has great command of his box, and is comfortable with the ball at his feet – which all combine to make him a ‘must-get’ for Liverpool in January.
Could be Liverpool’s number one for many years to come
At the tender age of 24, Butland has got several years ahead of him, and plenty of time to develop into an even better goalkeeper.
And for Liverpool, that could mean that he’s their number one for many years to come.
When you look at the best sides in recent times, Petr Cech was a Chelsea stalwart for many years, Edwin van der Sar was the same at Manchester United, with Thibaut Courtois, David de Gea, and Joe Hart other examples to a lesser extent in recent years.
That is what Liverpool could be getting in signing Butland – not only a top-class goalkeeper who will continue to improve, but also long-term stability in between the sticks.
Thus, it’s a deal they have to get done come the New Year.
Chance for him to make the step up
Stoke City are a well-established Premier League side that often hover around mid-table, yet aren’t likely to get the recognition or indeed the European football that Butland likely craves.
Yet earning a move to a big club like Liverpool would give him the chance to make the step up, and ultimately give himself the chance to prove his credentials on the big stage.
He’d get more chances to play on the biggest stages in the biggest competitions, and for one of the big clubs of English football in Liverpool.
From a personal point of view, it’s a move he is unlikely to turn down.
England’s next number one
The feeling among many around the country is that Butland is set to be England’s next number one goalkeeper after Joe Hart.
West Ham’s Hart has been relatively unchallenged since taking over the gloves back in 2010, but several high-profile errors for both club and country in recent years has called his selection into question, albeit he kept the starting role in England’s most recent qualifiers against Malta and Slovakia.
Yet it is Butland who many are pinning their hopes on in the future, as the 24-year-old has returned from a nasty ankle injury in fine form, with his efforts against Manchester United last week indicative of his enormous talent, and equally high potential.
And Liverpool must get in on the act – Butland has got all the hallmarks to be the next best England goalkeeper, and having that calibre of shot-stopper on their books can only aid in their own quests, as well as Butland’s.
One of Klopp’s missing pieces in the Liverpool jigsaw
Klopp has been in charge at Liverpool for almost two years now, yet they are still as defensively uncertain and fragile as they were when he arrived.
Yes, going forward they are as devastating as anyone in the league, but as the Reds themselves proved back in 2014 under Brendan Rodgers, winning the title without a strong defence is particularly difficult.
Yet bringing in a goalkeeper like Butland could be one of the missing pieces in the jigsaw, as having a goalkeeper as trustworthy and as dependable as him between the sticks will give everyone a boost, especially the back three or four in front of him.
Ultimately, it’s the defensive aspect which is letting Liverpool down, and it’s the defensive aspect which would be seriously enhanced by Butland should he arrive at Anfield in January.
