‘Pocket Rocket’ & ‘Real Organiser’ – European Expert On Potential Zubimendi Alternatives For Liverpool | OneFootball

Written by Priya Kaur

Despite the persistent links that surrounded Martin Zubimendi to Liverpool, breaking news has crushed the dream of the ideal number six target for the start of the Arne Slot era.

Zubimendi has rejected the Liverpool advancements and Real Sociedad are finalising a new deal to be ready soon. The player did the same with Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Manchester United as he carries unconditional love for his current club.

To find out more about potential alternatives, we spoke to experienced broadcaster and European football expert Kevin Hatchard.

Liverpool are reportedly not actively looking for a replacement as of yet, but as seen with Wataru Endo, anything can happen in the football market.

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One of the potential targets is the unsung hero, during Leverkusen’s success story last season, Exequiel Palacios.

On his style, Kevin mentioned his high energy, the capability of breaking up play as well as the potential to grow.

Another target is the stylish 25-year-old Hoffenheim midfielder Anton Stach who has a completely different way of play to Martin Zubimendi, however, Kevin believes that he is too early in his development and is not the right fit for the Reds.

Kevin sang Bundesliga and Stuttgart star’s praises labelling Angelo Stiller as a ‘pocket rocket’ and a ‘real organiser’ in midfield.

Although he is quite tenacious, Stiller has blossomed under one particular manager, Sebastian Hoeness, and a slight concern would be if he is able to adapt to a new coach at Liverpool.

Away from Germany, Hatchard then gave an insight into Porto man Alan Varela who has technical and passing quality, and the ability to bring the ball forward; similar to Zubimendi.

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Moving to defence options, on the tentative link to Italian centre-back, Alessandro Bastoni, Kevin mentioned how he brings the ball forward on his left foot and has matured as a player.

Following James Pearce’s article that highlighted the need for improvement in the defensive area, RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba perhaps fits that brief as he is a young, quality player who is good on the ball. The only apprehension for Kevin would be that, like Stach, it may be too early to bring him into this Liverpool side.

Addressing the breaking news that Liverpool are seriously considering signing goalkeeper, Giorgi Mamardashvili, from Valencia, Hatchard stated that the best choice would be to bring him in on loan on the provider that he will be number one for Liverpool in a couple of years.

After his excellent Euros performances for Georgia, Marmardashvili is now in high demand and is established as one of the top keepers in La Liga.

Redmen Reacts

Whilst at present little is known of Liverpool’s targets, it would appear we at least have a clearer idea of the type of player The Reds are looking for to suit Arne Slot’s system.

With that, there remains hope that between now and the end of the window a fresh defensive midfielder does come out of the woodwork and can potentially provide the solution to a long-standing issue at Anfield…