Double Down On No Dutch Move for Koopmeiners | OneFootball

Rethinking Liverpool’s Interest in Teun Koopmeiners: A Misfit for Anfield?

Well the Dutch links are upon us eh. Liverpool’s search for new talent is always a topic ripe for speculation and fanfare. However, the recent buzz around Atalanta midfielder Teun Koopmeiners joining Liverpool deserves a more skeptical lens. Here’s why the Dutch international might not be the best fit for the Reds. In fact, you wouldn’t put much stock in this at all.

Tactical Fit and Formation Concerns

Atalanta’s Teun Koopmeiners, under the management spotlight with a suggested fee of £50 million according to The Daily Mail, is reportedly in the sights of incoming Liverpool manager Arne Slot. Despite the connection from their previous stint at AZ Alkmaar, Koopmeiners’ playing style and role at Atalanta raise questions about his compatibility with Liverpool’s tactical setup. Koopmeiners has thrived as a versatile midfielder, contributing significantly to Atalanta’s offence with 14 goals and 5 assists in the past season.

However, his offensive prowess isn’t what Liverpool currently requires. Slot’s system necessitates a more traditional holding midfielder — a role that Koopmeiners, with his forward-pushing play, may struggle to adapt to. His percentile rankings show a telling story: while his offensive metrics shine, his defensive actions like tackles (24th percentile) and blocks (48th percentile) are far from impressive.

Age and Financial Implications

Another point of contention is the financial aspect and his age. Koopmeiners, at 26, is older than typical FSG (Fenway Sports Group) targets, who usually opt for younger prospects they can develop. The £50 million fee, too, is steep, especially for a player who doesn’t exactly check the most critical box for Liverpool right now — defensive solidity in midfield.

Statistical Mismatch

Looking deeper into Koopmeiners’ statistical output solidifies the argument against his signing. His pass completion rate stands at a mere 75.2% (13th percentile), which could be a liability in Liverpool’s system that demands precise and efficient ball movement. Additionally, his low percentile ranks in tackles and interceptions highlight a defensive frailty not suited for the single pivot role in a midfield trio, a critical position in Slot’s expected formation.

Market Alternatives

Instead of opting for a high-profile signing like Koopmeiners, Liverpool could explore other talents who are a better match tactically and financially. The club needs a player who excels in defensive duties, ball recovery, and transitional play to truly bolster their midfield in the face of high-paced Premier League and European challenges.

Koopmeiners is undoubtedly talented, his skill set, tactical fit, age, and the financial outlay his signing would require make him a less than ideal candidate for Liverpool. As the transfer window buzzes with possibilities, the Reds might be better off scouting for a player whose attributes align more closely with the immediate needs of Arne Slot’s strategic vision for the team.