Liverpool are monitoring a move for Monaco’s star midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni. The French International has caught the eyes of many after his impressive form in Ligue 1. Recently, Tchouameni was seen featuring for France in UEFA Nations League final win against Spain.
Liverpool opted not to replace Wijnaldum in the summer following his departure to PSG. But looks favourites to sign Tchouameni and bring him to Anfield the next summer.
According to the Spanish newspaper Marca, Monaco are demanding at least £50.1m for Tchouameni.
Should Liverpool go for Tchouameni ?
Signing an impressive midfielder is a priority for Liverpool, who can replace the void left behind by Wijnaldum.
Instead, Klopp insisted that the likes of Naby Keita, Harvey Elliot, and Curtis Jones could replace Wijnaldum’s void. But Keita has struggled to maintain consistency and Elliot’s injuries would suggest Liverpool still needs a necessary addition.
Tchouameni is in superb form for Monaco and showing a near-perfect all-around performance on the pitch. If Tchouameni arrives in Liverpool, he could be demonstrating the type of qualities that Wijnaldum brought to Anfield.
He wins the ball with incredible efficiency. And he has the ability to move on with one or two touches. Moreover, when he does hold onto the ball, he can bursts through midfield with impressive strength and pace.
However, the ‘problem’ here is that Liverpool doesn’t really need an out-and-out defensive midfielder. With Fabinho in the squad, who is 27 years old and one of the best defensive midfielders in the world.
Moreover, Liverpool’s style of play suggests to start with only one central defensive midfielder in the midfield trio, the other two being dynamic and not defensive specialists.
But the French International represents a long-term midfield option for Liverpool. With Henderson, Thiago, and Milner in their thirties.
If Tchoumeni comes in, it would be interesting to see whether Klopp makes any tactical change to move from 4-3-3 to 4-2-3-1. Both Fabinho and Tchoumeni playing defensive midfield positions will allow another midfielder to go all-out attack.
With recent success for Liverpool in 4-3-3 formation, Klopp has to be very careful with the decisions he makes tactically.
And paying 50 million for Tchouameni could be a risk but he may well prove worth it in the long run for Liverpool.
