24 Apr 2016

Legend claims: There's a 'possibility' Klopp will sign €50m powerhouse who's 'like Drogba'

Liverpool are currently linked with Marseille star Michy Batshuayi, and Liverpool Steve Nicol believes that the €50m-rated goalscorer is heading to Anfield this summer.

On Tuesday, ESPN claimed that Liverpool 'lead the race' to sign Batshuayi, and when asked on Saturday about the possibility signing the coveted striker, Nicol told ESPN:

"Batshuayi is young, he has ability, and scores goals. There’s a good possibility he goes to Liverpool over Spurs".

Some info about Batshuayi, who, according to Marseille President Vincent Labrune, is 'like Didier Drogba':

* 22-year old centre-forward, who has also (occasionally) played on the right-wing. Current contract expires: 2020. Nicknamed 'The Batsman'.

* Marseille: 30 goals/10 assists in 70 apps (Goal every 160 mins. G/A every 120 mins). 2 goals in 3 games for the Belgium national team.

* This Season: 20 goals/10 assists (30) in 43 apps (Goal every 194 mins. G/A every 129 mins)

* Scouting Report (Strengths): "Deadly finishing. Excellent at running with the ball. Upper-body strength to win physical battles. Ability to bring others into play. Ideal focal point up-front".

* Feb 2016: Amid a barren spell in front of goal, Marseille boss Michel publicly criticised Batshuayi: "He [Batshuayi] lacked mobility and understanding of the game. We're working on it with him, but we must rely on his commitment. Now there is competition so he must improve".

Batshuayi's haul this season of 30 goals assists in 43 games is fairly good, but is it €50m good? With respect, Ligue One is a one-horse is one-horse race and is nowhere near as tough or competitive as the Premier League. Additionally, like with Benteke and Balotelli, there are question marks over Batshuayi's mobility and work-rate, two qualities that are non-negotiable under Jurgen Klopp.

For some reason, former Marseille boss Marcelo Bielsa is reportedly keen for Spurs to sign Batshuayi. According to L'Equipe this week:

"Marcelo Bielsa has sent Mauricio Pochettino numerous DVDs and reports on Batshuayi".

Spurs will finish in the Champions League places this season, so that may give Pocchettino the edge over Klopp for this particular deal.

Author: Jaimie K


0 Comments:

Post a Comment