Earlier this month, Liverpool scouts reportedly flew to Portugal to watch Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho, and it appears that the Reds are still tracking the allegedly 'extraordinary Portuguese midfielder.
Two weeks ago, Italian newspaper Tutto Mercato claimed:
"Liverpool are favourites to sign William Carvalho...who could continue his career in England ".
On Monday, TMW further claimed:
"Paris Saint Germain, Liverpool and Chelsea remain interested in the performances of William Carvalho".
This renewed speculation comes just three days after Lucas Leiva delivered a defensive-midfield masterclass against Aston Villa, and if the Brazilian continues to perform, Brendan Rodgers may feel that there's no need to sign another DM.
That thought process is arguably flawed, though. Lucas is a great player to have in the squad, but he is eminently upgradeable, and the brutal truth is that Liverpool can - and should - do better in his position.
Carvalho - who has a €47m buyout clause in his contract - definitely wants a move, and he's confirmed this on two separate occasions this year:
* Jan 2015: Carvalho reporters: "We all have ambitions and I hope one day to play in the best leagues in the world. If I continue to do my job as I have done so, it will certainly come sooner or later."
* June 2015: Carvalho confirmed that he wants to play in the Premier League: “My dream is to play in England. I know some clubs are interested, but my agent Jorge [Mendes] is looking after it and I am relaxed.”
If the Reds spend £30m+ on Carvalho, where does that leave Emre Can?
* Clubs don't spend that kind of money for a bench-warmer, and if LFC sign Carvalho, then Liverpool will have six senior midfielders fighting it out for two - or possibly three - places.
* It's possible that one of either Lucas or Allen may leave in January, but if not, I don't see how Rodgers can keep six first-team central midfielders happy. Henderson (when he returns) and Milner will almost certainly play most games, which leaves just ONE spot to share between four players.
If Liverpool sign Carvalho, then it will arguably be a vote of no-confidence in Can's ability to make a difference in central midfield. After all, why spend big bucks on yet another central midfielder if Can is the long-term solution?
A top-class DM is no guarantee of success, though. Just look at Chelsea; statistically, Nemanja Matic is one of Europe's best performing defensive-midfielders, but even he hasn't been able to stop Chelsea's downward spiral this season.
Is defensive midfield a priority position right now?
Author: Jaimie K
Two weeks ago, Italian newspaper Tutto Mercato claimed:
"Liverpool are favourites to sign William Carvalho...who could continue his career in England ".
On Monday, TMW further claimed:
"Paris Saint Germain, Liverpool and Chelsea remain interested in the performances of William Carvalho".
This renewed speculation comes just three days after Lucas Leiva delivered a defensive-midfield masterclass against Aston Villa, and if the Brazilian continues to perform, Brendan Rodgers may feel that there's no need to sign another DM.
That thought process is arguably flawed, though. Lucas is a great player to have in the squad, but he is eminently upgradeable, and the brutal truth is that Liverpool can - and should - do better in his position.
Carvalho - who has a €47m buyout clause in his contract - definitely wants a move, and he's confirmed this on two separate occasions this year:
* Jan 2015: Carvalho reporters: "We all have ambitions and I hope one day to play in the best leagues in the world. If I continue to do my job as I have done so, it will certainly come sooner or later."
* June 2015: Carvalho confirmed that he wants to play in the Premier League: “My dream is to play in England. I know some clubs are interested, but my agent Jorge [Mendes] is looking after it and I am relaxed.”
If the Reds spend £30m+ on Carvalho, where does that leave Emre Can?
* Clubs don't spend that kind of money for a bench-warmer, and if LFC sign Carvalho, then Liverpool will have six senior midfielders fighting it out for two - or possibly three - places.
* It's possible that one of either Lucas or Allen may leave in January, but if not, I don't see how Rodgers can keep six first-team central midfielders happy. Henderson (when he returns) and Milner will almost certainly play most games, which leaves just ONE spot to share between four players.
If Liverpool sign Carvalho, then it will arguably be a vote of no-confidence in Can's ability to make a difference in central midfield. After all, why spend big bucks on yet another central midfielder if Can is the long-term solution?
A top-class DM is no guarantee of success, though. Just look at Chelsea; statistically, Nemanja Matic is one of Europe's best performing defensive-midfielders, but even he hasn't been able to stop Chelsea's downward spiral this season.
Is defensive midfield a priority position right now?
Author: Jaimie K
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