Jurgen Klopp has been a busy man this transfer window, bringing players that suit his playing style and more importantly offloading the deadwood. However, the Liverpool manager will be increasingly worried about not finding the right replacement/challenger to Alberto Moreno thus far in the window. While the Spaniard does bring a lot of attacking firepower, his defensive frailties have been on display on too many occasions to consider him a long-term option at Anfield.
The club has been linked with a number of left-backs in the recent times and in this segment, we bring to you 5 left-backs who could be an upgrade of the former Sevilla man.
#1 Jonas Hector
The FC Koln left-back has turned heads ever since he broke into the German national team towards the end of 2014. One club that has often been linked with Hector is Liverpool, who value his all round abilities and technical superiority.
The Saarbrücken born 26-year-old has the right mix of attacking and defensive attributes and would bring the right balance to the Liverpool line-up that can often go missing at either end of the pitch. He can operate in small spaces, has the pace to leave the opposition defenders clicking their heels and has shown a great ability at reading the game.
Considering the fact that he was an ever-present part of the German team in the recently concluded Euro’2016 as well as the well-documented notes on his abilities, Hector will not come cheap. Nevertheless, we believe Liverpool should pursue a deal for the left-back as he would instantly improve the starting 11.
#2 Ricardo Rodriguez
Ricardo Rodriguez is another left-back plying his trade in the Bundesliga, who has often been linked with a move away from his current club. Having finished a disappointing 8th in the league last season, it could prove to be a tough ask for Wolfsburg to hold on to their star player.
Rodriguez is a unit, who is tidy in possession, cannot be easily dispossessed or gotten past and has a sweet left foot, which can often create mayhem in the opposition’s box. The Swiss defender could prove to be an able ally for the creative forces at the club.
Additionally, he has showcased an ability to be consistent in his performance, something that has eluded the Liverpool faithful over the course of the recent years.
#3 Ryan Bertrand
While the mention of another Southampton player being linked with Liverpool might draw a lot of disappointing sighs, Ryan Bertrand is a Premier League proven left-back with a number of solid performances to show for his abilities.
The former Chelsea man is a rock solid presence to have in the back-4 with his combative instincts and abilities off the ball. He is not afraid to fly into tackles and can disrupt the rhythm of the opposition through well-timed interceptions and harmless fouls.
Statistics reveal that the Englishman might not be as effective as Moreno as an attacking option, his defensive abilities are far better than Moreno. With over 100 Premier League caps for clubs such as Chelsea, Aston Villa and Southampton, the player would bring experience and solidarity to the Liverpool line-up.
#4 Jordi Alba
The arrival of Lucas Digne at the Nou Camp has further raised speculation about the future of Spanish left-back Jordi Alba at Barcelona. His stock as one of the best left-backs in Europe has taken a downward stride over the last few years. While a move to one of the toughest leagues in the world might worsen his situation, he has the right ingredients to be a success in England.
His pace and acceleration can often leave the opposition bamboozled and he is very productive with the ball at his feet, splitting open defences with clever short passes and crosses. It’s time Alba tested his mettle in another faster, more physical league and a move to Liverpool, should it materialise, could be his chance to improve on his slowly yet steadily fading reputation.
#5 Faouzi Ghoulam
Faouzi Ghoulam has been an ever-present figure in the Napoli back line over the course of the last two seasons and played a critical role in his side finishing 2nd in Serie A and having an impressive defensive record last season.
He is a rugged defender with an impressive record on the ground as well as in the air and would add some muscle to the left-hand side of the Liverpool defence. His industriousness, pace and acceleration as well as ability to deliver quality crosses into the box make him a complete package that every top team in Europe should possess.
His current contract with Napoli expires at the end of the 2017-18 season and it would be in the best interests of both the mentioned clubs to eke out a deal.
