Jorrel Hato and Milos Kerkez have been linked with Liverpool but are different types of players. The left-back the Reds sign could prove very instructive.
Given our first choice left winger seems most likely to be Cody Gakpo next season, then the links to Hato at left back don’t really make sense.
Gakpo loves to cut inside and cross/shoot, so you need that overlapper to make space for him.
That’s Kerkez, he would will run all day to make that space, maximising the strengths of both players on the left, and potentially giving us a great, solid, dependable, left side for 5 years or so in tandem with Cody.
I would imagine we are scouting Hato as a long term VVD replacement, probably not for a transfer this summer but for a year or two down the line, depending on the length of deal that VVD hopefully signs.
I personally (based on nothing but putting two and two together), think a deal for Kerkez will be done quickly and easily in the summer. It just makes so much sense positionally, his age, his style, even his nationality given we have his international captain in the team to ease his adaptation off the pitch, not to mention Richard Hughes knowing all about him and his contract.
We might end up missing the boat for Hato if someone else gets him first, but you can’t win them all.
Andrew, the way you present this data is very entertaining. Usually, complex topics are discussed in a formal way. You writing is vibrating with sense of humor and wit and for that I am grateful.
I am not sure that Slot style gives priority to the backs as much as Klopp's. We may not spend big on a left back and Kerkez then would be out of question.
If Salah leaves we will need goals. Slot was very clear that he needs striker(s)for his system. Those two combined may shift our budget from defence to attack.
Kerkez profiles like Robbo when he joined the club - great attitude & motor with solid but not elite technical skills. Paying < or = £15 million for Kerkez at 22yo would make sense and similar to paying £8 million for Robbo at 23 back in summer 2017. Just can't see us paying anywhere near the £45 million that Bournemouth are asking. Cambiaso is probably the only available LB who would be worth that large a fee though I'd pay in that neighborhood to land Gutierrez.
As you say much here depends on Trent. If he stays we need a more defensively focused left back so Kerkez is probably out. I would choose Hincaple in that scenario.
If Trent leaves the state of the market will probably dictate a lot. If say Kounde was available at a reasonable price Kerkez re-enters the room as Hincaple and Kounde as full backs would be too defensive. But, assuming Bradley would be the rotation option, would we want a defensive first choice right back that alternates with Bradley? Probably not.
So that then takes us back to Hincaple (or a more defensive left back). So that's my money for now.
Given our first choice left winger seems most likely to be Cody Gakpo next season, then the links to Hato at left back don’t really make sense.
Gakpo loves to cut inside and cross/shoot, so you need that overlapper to make space for him.
That’s Kerkez, he would will run all day to make that space, maximising the strengths of both players on the left, and potentially giving us a great, solid, dependable, left side for 5 years or so in tandem with Cody.
I would imagine we are scouting Hato as a long term VVD replacement, probably not for a transfer this summer but for a year or two down the line, depending on the length of deal that VVD hopefully signs.
I personally (based on nothing but putting two and two together), think a deal for Kerkez will be done quickly and easily in the summer. It just makes so much sense positionally, his age, his style, even his nationality given we have his international captain in the team to ease his adaptation off the pitch, not to mention Richard Hughes knowing all about him and his contract.
We might end up missing the boat for Hato if someone else gets him first, but you can’t win them all.
Thanks for the lengthy post, I’m inclined to agree with what you’ve said. And I’ll be pleased if they get Kerkez.
Andrew, the way you present this data is very entertaining. Usually, complex topics are discussed in a formal way. You writing is vibrating with sense of humor and wit and for that I am grateful.
I am not sure that Slot style gives priority to the backs as much as Klopp's. We may not spend big on a left back and Kerkez then would be out of question.
If Salah leaves we will need goals. Slot was very clear that he needs striker(s)for his system. Those two combined may shift our budget from defence to attack.
Thanks, glad you like it.
Yes, we can merely speculate at this point. The futures of the contract three will determine so much of what follows.
Kerkez profiles like Robbo when he joined the club - great attitude & motor with solid but not elite technical skills. Paying < or = £15 million for Kerkez at 22yo would make sense and similar to paying £8 million for Robbo at 23 back in summer 2017. Just can't see us paying anywhere near the £45 million that Bournemouth are asking. Cambiaso is probably the only available LB who would be worth that large a fee though I'd pay in that neighborhood to land Gutierrez.
I wonder if Liverpool will offer, say, £20m and throw in a Ben Doak or similar as makeweight?
As you say much here depends on Trent. If he stays we need a more defensively focused left back so Kerkez is probably out. I would choose Hincaple in that scenario.
If Trent leaves the state of the market will probably dictate a lot. If say Kounde was available at a reasonable price Kerkez re-enters the room as Hincaple and Kounde as full backs would be too defensive. But, assuming Bradley would be the rotation option, would we want a defensive first choice right back that alternates with Bradley? Probably not.
So that then takes us back to Hincaple (or a more defensive left back). So that's my money for now.
Hincapie is a good shout.
Do you have a preference? What about Ait-Nouri?
Me? I like Kerkez a lot. But it depends how Slot would rather play...