Liverpool They are flying high this semester, and look like serious favorites to win Premier League At this point. Arnie slot Men sit on top of the tree at Christmas, with… 39 points for their names And a toy in hand.
Their star this season was of course Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian star scored 18 goals and provided 15 assists to his name In 24 matches Across all competitions. It was exceptional. Ryan Gravenberch has also flourished this season, in a new role as a number six. Peter Crouch explained He was “top class all season” as a deeper midfielder.
To complement the Dutchman, Liverpool are eyeing a new addition in the midfield as they continue their title campaign.
Liverpool midfield goal
The player in question here is Porto midfielder Nico Gonzalez. It has been an impressive season so far for the Portugal midfielder, and he has now been linked with a move away from the club.
According to a report by Anfield WatchLiverpool scouts were “absolutely blown away” by the 22-year-old midfielder. The report states that the Reds were supposed to have gone to watch teammate Alan Varela, but Gonzalez caught the eye.
Originally a graduate of Barcelona's prestigious La Masia academy, there is a buy-back clause in his deal with the La Liga giants. That fee is believed to be around £50m, and could cost Liverpool a similar fee if they wish to prize him away from Porto themselves.
He is described as a “great talent” and “Busquets' heir.” Written by Spanish football expert Domagoy KostaniscakThe Reds are getting a crafty player here.
Why would Gonzalez be a good signing?
Hearing that Gonzalez is a La Masia graduate could spark Liverpool fans' interest in the player.
It's no secret that the talent coming out of Barcelona's academy is otherworldly. He also comes from a prominent football family. His father, Fran Gonzalez, is a Deportiva La Coruna legend. He played 559 times for the club In some of their best years.
Turning back to the 22-year-old, his talent is undeniable and he is having a fantastic season with Porto. He is a versatile midfielder Played 24 timesHe scored five goals and had a few assists as well.
Gonzalez is a high-energy player who can play in multiple positions as a midfielder. One of his best attributes is his ability to press. The Spaniard never stops running and putting pressure on opponents, which led to his goal against Aruka earlier in the season.
The midfield position was one Liverpool were hoping to strengthen in Slot's first summer transfer window. They were chasing another Spanish midfielder over the summer, Real Sociedad's Martin Zobemendi. However, the player decided to stay where he was and He declined the offer.
Now, the Reds appear to be turning their attention to compatriot Gonzalez. While the Porto player is more versatile and enjoys going forward more, they are not that different statistically. They are therefore referred to as “Similar Players” by FBref In the Champions League last season.
Numerical comparisons can be drawn from their numbers in that prestigious competition. Firstly, tackles and interceptions are something Zobimendi excels at slightly, at 3.16 per game compared to Gonzalez's 2.4.
The Real Sociedad player also made slightly more progressive passes per game on average, averaging 5.44 compared to 2.8 for Porto's No. 16. However, he created slightly more chances, averaging 1.6. In contrast, Zubimendi created 0.63 chances per match.
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GONZALEZ VS. Zobimendi key stats 2023/24 Champions League |
||
|---|---|---|
|
State (per 90) |
Gonzalez |
Zobemendi |
|
Interventions and objections |
2.4 |
3.16 |
|
Retrieve the ball |
3.6 |
6.71 |
|
Aerial duels won |
2 |
1.77 |
|
Progressive passes |
2.8 |
5.44 |
|
Created opportunities |
1.6 |
0.63 |
|
Statistics from FBref |
||
Certainly, similarities exist between the players. If the Reds make a move for Gonzalez, it would be reminiscent of their attempt to sign Zobimendi last summer and show their determination to strengthen their midfield.
However, you could argue given his versatility, he is actually a better signing for the Merseyside side. It would allow Slot to have much greater tactical flexibility, with Gonzalez, who thrives as an eighth, being able to play as a sixth or even a 10th position as well.
Regardless, for around £50m, this could be a great move for the Reds. Gonzalez has been described as “a pure joy to watch”. By football talent scout Jacek KuligThis move could be just the thing Liverpool need to help them get over the line in the title race.
