Jürgen Klopp still needs a number six at Liverpool and an ideal option is available for a fixed sum of just $26m. Jörg Schmadtke should be taking a keen look.
It was always going to be a summer of change for Liverpool but few would have predicted that both Fabinho and Jordan Henderson would be out of the door by the
time of the final pre-season friendly.
Not only that, but Jürgen Klopp does not have a recognized senior number six to select for the first match of the new campaign away at Chelsea. But one possible
solution, currently drawing interest from Chelsea, should stand out as an instant fix.
While the results may not have come for Jesse Marsch, Javi Gracia and Sam Allardyce last season at Leeds United, it may come as a surprise that there is a wealth of
talent within the squad.
One player in particular that has earned many plaudits is New York-born defensive midfielder, Tyler Adams. The 24-year-old was a stand-out in a struggling side
and, according to 90min, was linked with a move to Liverpool earlier this summer.
Now, The Telegraph reports that Chelsea is preparing a bid in addition to continuing to chase Brighton’s Moisés Caicedo. Adams’ contract contains a clause that
says he can move for $26m (£20m/€23m) in the event of relegation for Leeds.
The Reds already looked to have strong competition in this area with Fabinho occupying the role when links with Adams first emerged, and 18-year-old Stefan
Bajčetić impressing when called upon before a season-ending injury. Even back then, Adams would have represented a shrewd move, but that now looks even more
the case with no proper holding midfielder for Klopp to call upon.
According to soccer statistics website FBref, Adams ranks in the 99th percentile for tackles made, and the 97th percentile for blocks. Fabinho on the other hand sits
below the 55th percentile for both, so in that regard, at least, he would be an upgrade.
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It can be argued that Fabinho will have had fewer chances to make these tackles in a better team, but it shows that Adams can be relied on when needed. A move
would also not break the bank despite Liverpool’s desperate need for new options.
Time will tell if Klopp sees this move as being worthwhile, but it’s relatively risk-free. With time ticking down until the new season begins, the argument is already
strong but also growing.
Liverpool.com says: Tyler Adams is definitely one of the players that were relegated that should get a move back to the first division and the American also
comes with the benefit of having a fixed clause in his contract, which has already aided the signings of both Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai in this
summer window.
It’s obvious that Klopp needs midfield reinforcements and a player with Adams’ quality ticks a lot of boxes. Adams is a player who provides cover for the
defenders, but can also play across the back when needed as well as further up the pitch. He gets stuck in, presses well and has the right attitude to play for the
badge.
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