Introduction
Another summer transfer window makes for more changes for Jurgen Klopp and co. with new arrivals to welcome. Julian Ward, the new sporting director, has plenty on his plate. Liverpool looks to get their affairs in order from across the first team and into the academy. With the transfer window open until September 1, there is plenty of time for deals to get over the line, and here is how it has unfolded so far for Liverpool.
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1. Darwin Nunez from Benfica
Núñez came through Peñarol’s youth academy, being promoted to the first team in 2017. In August 2019, he joined Spanish Segundo División’s side, Almeria, for a club-record fee. Benfica signed him in 2020 for a club-record transfer worth €24 million, the most expensive signing in Portuguese football history. In his second season, he won the top scorer in the Primeira Liga with 26 goals in 28 games. He was named in the Primeira Liga Team of the Year and Primeira Liga Player of the Year. The Reds had already wrapped up a deal for Nunez for a fee of 65 million + 25 million add-ons in a bidding war against Manchester United. The 22-year-old on the back of netting 34 goals in 41 games for Benfica last season attracted many top clubs.
What does Darwin Nunez bring on board for Liverpool?
- Natural position – He is at his best in and around the opposition penalty area as a target man, thriving in pockets of space and making things happen when it is most important.
- Movement and Link up – From one attack to another, he optimizes different channels as a strategic ploy to play off the defender best suited to be his prey, and though he may not always find the ball at his feet, his movement so often creates successful attacking actions for his team.
- Attributes – In footballing terms at least; tall, aerially shrewd, limited skills, acceleration, and a rocket of a right foot.
There is much speculation about the price tag as it may end up being too much of a burden on him but time will tell whether he is worth that price. It is now upto him to show Liverpool fans that selling Mane was not actually the worst decision and to the world that he actually handle the pressure of the price tag without having an effect on him on the pitch.
2. Fabio Carvalho from Fulham
Fabio Carvalho’s journey to becoming one of the hottest prospects in English football started in his native Portugal. He signed for the Benfica youth team at just 10 years of age. At the age of 12, he caught the eyes of Manchester United whilst playing for Balham. But the youngster opted for a club close to home in The Cottagers. Ever since getting into the Fulham first team, he has been a permanent feature under the guidance of Marco Silva, a key figure in turning Fulham into a relentless juggernaut last season in the championship. He now arrives at Liverpool with a fee of £5.3m/$6.5m. At Anfield, he will be under the guidance of Klopp who has proven his worth by developing players with a young profile.
What does Fabio Carvalho bring on board for Liverpool?
- Position – At CAM or wing he possesses silky feet and the ability to score crucial goals and provide assists
- Movement – He has the ability to make late runs from midfield
- Attitude – The youngster always looks fearless in whatever he does on the football pitch making him an unpredictable asset.
3. Calvin Ramsay from Aberdeen
Scotland’s ability to produce world-class fullbacks in recent years has rightfully been well commended with Kieran Tierney and Andrew Robertson becoming two of the best in Europe. However, that has not translated to the right-back position. Motherwell’s Stephen O’Donnell has tended to be the number one choice in recent years. A new generation of fullbacks is coming to the fore in the form, of Aberdeen right back Calvin Ramsay. Ramsay, still only 18, had been a pivotal figure in the revolution under progressive head coach Stephen Glass.
He now arrives at Liverpool with a fee of 4.2 million. He will be back up to one best right back in the world right now, Trent Alexander Arnold. Ramsay will get to learn from TAA and the German tactician Jurgen Klopp. Another reason for Liverpool signing a new right-back is Joe Gomez has been injury prone of late and Liverpool can’t rely on his fill-in vacant right-back spot in times of trouble. Will Ramsay will be worth backup to Trent Arnold or can fill in his boots in his absence will be proved in due course.
Let us take a look at what he brings to the table
a) Positional Adaptability
Although a natural full-back on the right he had early central midfield experience that has served him well with composure on the ball and the ability to play in tight areas.
b) Reading of the game
Despite his relatively fragile physique, his positional sense, and reading of the game mean that he rarely has to go into difficult duels, he tends to favor interceptions or recoveries higher up the park when forcing turnovers.
c) Aggressiveness
He is aggressive in his off-the-ball work and this can sometimes mean he is dragged towards the ball too often losing a runner.
d) Crossing
His ability to cut inside and loft crosses from his weaker foot is just as good as driving to the byline and cutting the ball back across the edge of the area.
The verdict from Klopp to the press
Klopp thinks that Liverpool has a good chance of winning more silverware with this team. He also believes that his new signing would fire up competition inside the team. According to him which in a way is good for the overall growth of the squad as it would help them evaluate their mistakes and perform well in every game. He has no doubts about the quality of his new signings. He hopes to give a ‘good season’ with the help of these new additions.
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