Given the sides seemingly unstoppable array of attacking talent, it almost seems a little odd that Jurgen Klopp has set his January transfer window focus on his forward line given his less than convincing backline.
According to various news outlets, the German’s main target has been revealed as FC Rostov’s attacking star Sardar Azmoun.
The Liverpool Echo have been quick to note that the Merseyside club have grown fond of the 21 year old recently dubbed ‘the Iranian Lionel Messi’, and are set to offer current his club a sizeable deal considering his considerable talent.
With Saudi Mane set to depart for the African Cup of Nations, not to mention the loss of pacey striker Danny Ings to a season ending injury, Klopp is keen to ensure his strike force isn’t short of options coming into the new year.
What will he bring to the side, you may ask?
The Reds boss as had difficulty implementing a central striker into his front three since his appointment. Not that the side have suffered of course.
Liverpool’s slippery yet deadly trio of Coutinho, Firmino and Mane have caused all manner of issues for opponents in recent matches, none of such players can be considered out and out forwards.
And…..neither is Azmoun.
A technically gifted player excellent at drawing defenders in, the Iranian international seems a perfect fit for an attacking side were speed of thought and speed of movement are paramount.
Not that he doesn’t score the odd goal
of course. Azmoun is considered the jewell on Irans national side, knocking in 16 goals in just 22 appearances.
At club level, the player has scored nine goals in the Russian Premier League in just 1,130 minutes, a decent ratio by the standards of any poacher.
Perhaps what really made the hair stand up the Klopp’s neck, or more accurately newly appointed sporting director, Michael Edwards, is the players seemingly limitless energy reserves, a quality that saw him score against the workhorse-like Atletico Madrid in Championship League recently.
Over the last couple of years, the likes of AC Milan, Barcelona and Juve have been connected with his signature and, whilst on the face of it the player seems like a potential bargain buy, could see Rosta ask a premium price for their most treasured possession.