Back in 2013, Liverpool were linked with a move for 'fantastic' ex-Tottenham star Steven Caulker, and it appears that Jurgen Klopp is also a fan of the 24-year old 'leader'.
Earlier today, Liverpool confirmed:
"Liverpool have completed the signing of Steven Caulker on loan for the season. Paperwork has been completed in time for selection [against] Arsenal".
After the announcement, Jurgen Klopp explained why Caulker is the 'best solution' for Liverpool:
"He has Premier League experience, and is a good header of the ball. We want to press the opponent and so they have to play long balls [and] you need people who can help you with headers".
The confirmation of Liverpool's main tactical approach notwithstanding (!), Klopp's reasoning makes sense:
* Caulker is Premier League experienced, and given the downturn in his career, he won't mind being relegated to the bench when Sakho et al return.
* Caulker - who cost QPR £8m - will also be desperate to prove himself, and perhaps, earn a permanent deal, so it's arguably a no-lose situation.
That said, Caulker played the full 90 minutes of Southampton's recent 6-1 hammering by Liverpool, and despite his abject performance in that game, Klopp still seems to think he's the 'best solution' to LFC's current defensive issues.
Maybe it's just me, but that just doesn't compute (!)
Additionally, Klopp lauds Caulker's alleged aerial prowess, but over the last 18 months, he's won only 54% of overall aerial duels, which is lower than Lovren (78%), Sakhho (64%), and Skrtel (66%).
On the plus side Caulker has never had a serious and/or long-term injury, which is impressive for a 24-year old Premier League player, and with a squad of perpetual sicknotes, Liverpool desperately need that level of robustness.
Overall, I don't see a major issue with this deal. Caulker has the height, strength, experience, and potential to be a rock solid centre-back; he proved that in the past, and maybe now he'll prove it again for Liverpool.
Author: Jaimie K
Earlier today, Liverpool confirmed:
"Liverpool have completed the signing of Steven Caulker on loan for the season. Paperwork has been completed in time for selection [against] Arsenal".
After the announcement, Jurgen Klopp explained why Caulker is the 'best solution' for Liverpool:
"He has Premier League experience, and is a good header of the ball. We want to press the opponent and so they have to play long balls [and] you need people who can help you with headers".
The confirmation of Liverpool's main tactical approach notwithstanding (!), Klopp's reasoning makes sense:
* Caulker is Premier League experienced, and given the downturn in his career, he won't mind being relegated to the bench when Sakho et al return.
* Caulker - who cost QPR £8m - will also be desperate to prove himself, and perhaps, earn a permanent deal, so it's arguably a no-lose situation.
That said, Caulker played the full 90 minutes of Southampton's recent 6-1 hammering by Liverpool, and despite his abject performance in that game, Klopp still seems to think he's the 'best solution' to LFC's current defensive issues.
Maybe it's just me, but that just doesn't compute (!)
Additionally, Klopp lauds Caulker's alleged aerial prowess, but over the last 18 months, he's won only 54% of overall aerial duels, which is lower than Lovren (78%), Sakhho (64%), and Skrtel (66%).
On the plus side Caulker has never had a serious and/or long-term injury, which is impressive for a 24-year old Premier League player, and with a squad of perpetual sicknotes, Liverpool desperately need that level of robustness.
Overall, I don't see a major issue with this deal. Caulker has the height, strength, experience, and potential to be a rock solid centre-back; he proved that in the past, and maybe now he'll prove it again for Liverpool.
Author: Jaimie K
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