da bwin： Liverpool are being linked with a move for Wolves’ Adama Traore and if he were to join, it could add a completely different dynamic to Jurgen Klopp’s side.
da wazamba： According to Spanish news outlet Sport earlier this week, Liverpool, Manchester City and Leeds are all interested in signing the 24-year-old this month, despite him struggling for game time in Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.
It also suggests that the Old Gold would not be willing to let him leave for less than €40 million (£35.6 million), as his contract their is not set to expire until 2023.
Looking at the impact he could potentially make at Anfield, there is no doubt that Traore would offer something different in this Liverpool side. His searing pace caused Premier League sides all sorts of problems last season, with Andrew Robertson on the end of a difficult game against the winger when the Reds won 2-1 at Molineux.
After that game, Klopp was full of praise for Traore, saying:
“[Traore] is unplayable in moments, it’s unbelievable. What a player – it’s not only him but he’s so good.”
Therefore, the German manager is clearly a big fan of the former Barcelona academy prospect and would perhaps love to see Michael Edwards bring him to Anfield during the current transfer window.
The Wolves man’s form last season was spectacular at times, as he contributed four goals and nine assists in 37 top-flight appearances, resulting in a superb 7.47 average rating.
However, he has struggled for game time and goals this season, starting just 11 games in the top-flight and failing to make a single goal contribution, although his solid average rating of 6.97 suggests he is still performing well.
If he were to join Liverpool this month, he would not only potentially add incredible pace and power into Liverpool’s attack but could be utilised as a right-back for the Reds.
During his time with Wolves, Traore has featured as a right-wing back on a number of occasions and he could even potentially challenge the out-of-form Trent Alexander-Arnold for a spot in Klopp’s first-team.
Liverpool’s full-backs are often given the freedom to attack, as we have seen with Andrew Robertson and Alexander-Arnold providing so many assists in recent seasons, although Traore would add a different dynamic to Alexander-Arnold, as he could use his pace and physicality to beat defenders before crossing from the byeline, rather from deep.
Therefore, if Traore was unleashed as a right-back in Klopp’s side, he could push forward and get crosses into the box, in a similar vein to the 22-year-old defender, who has struggled for form so far this season, averaging a disappointing 6.71 rating for his performances in the top-flight.
So, if Liverpool can sign Traore, it could lead to Alexander-Arnold’s performances improving due to the added competition but if that doesn’t happen, then he could be worried that his spot in the first-team would be under real threat.
And, in other news… Klopp can sign LFC’s next Coutinho in £30m beast who “lacks absolutely nothing”