30 Mar 2017

Klopp to Sign? Liverpool Reps fly out to watch 'exceptional £20m midfield sensation; Klopp's orders

After signing Joel Matip, and pursuing Sead Koalsinac, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is reportedly tracking yet another Schalke player.

Liverpool are seemingly in the market for another central midfielder this summer, and according to The Mirror this week:

"Jurgen Klopp has had Leon Goretzka watched. The Liverpool boss rates Goretzka highly, and is running the rule over him"

Some info about £20m-rated Goretzka:

* 22-year old holding midfielder. Contract expires: 2018

* Schalke: 21 goals/assists in 108 apps (one every 344 mins). 3 apps for Germany.

* Positions: 62% of games in Central midfield. 38% as RM/LM/and AM.

* Scouting Report (Strengths): "Fine holding midfielder. Strong, calming presence. Constantly hassles opposition attackers for possession. Also accustomed to bursting into the final third".

* Scouting Report (Weaknesses): "Lack of flair. Good passing, but doesn’t have the ability to play the killer ball like Götze and Özil. Difficult to brand the youngster a match winner".

* May 2012: Captained Germany's U17 team to the European Championship final.

* July 2013: Youth coach Darius Wosz's assessment: "He [Goretzka] is an exceptional player. He has a clear head, he's mature, and nothing can distract him."

* Oct 2016: Schalke boss Markus Weinzierl enthused: "Our main concern is to bring stability to midfield, and Leon is very good at that".

Goretzka may be highly rated, but like recent midfield recruit Marko Grujic, he is also injury prone:

* 9 separate injuries in the last 3 seasons.

* 307 days on the sidelines (39 games missed).

Thanks, but no thanks. It's too risky spending big bucks on a regularly injured player. Plus, under Klopp's intense regime, there's a strong probability of further injuries.



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