Liverpool have identified a top target to bolster their defensive ranks, a player whose pace is staggering — even more so than Jeremie Frimpong.
There’s clearly a need for the Reds to get aggressive in their pursuit of defenders amid so much uncertainty.
Joe Gomez is past his prime, and Ibrahima Konate might not sign a contract to keep him at the club beyond this season.
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When you also factor in Liverpool missing out on Marc Guehi, defenders have to be the priority in terms of recruitment efforts.
Which missed centre-back transfer will Liverpool regret the most and why?
Jeremy Jacquet points and smiles at the crowd after Rennes' Ligue 1 match against Paris FC (Credit: Getty Images/Jean Catuffe).
Marc Guehi warms up ahead of Crystal Palace's Carabao Cup match against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium (Credit: Getty Images/Vince Mignott/MB Media).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Jean Catuffe/Vince Mignott/MB Media
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Brilliant then, that they are being linked with a top-class centre-back with pace to burn.
Liverpool ‘keen’ on rapid Micky van de Ven from Spurs
There have been rumblings about Micky van de Ven since it emerged that he was resisting advances from Tottenham over a new contract.
The 24-year-old has made a name for himself as the fastest player in the Premier League, clocking in at 37.38km/h two seasons ago. That feat has not been matched since..
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But he’s not just a pace merchant. The Dutchman is a solid defender, with the only real concern about his game being how frequently he gets injured. From a Liverpool fan perspective, breaking Alexander Isak’s leg doesn’t help his case.
Alexander Isak of Liverpool scores for 0-1 but suffers an injury during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images
It’s not turning Liverpool off though, and with Van de Ven fed up at Spurs, this could be the ‘market opportunity’ FSG love to mention.
The Daily Mail reports: “Liverpool are developing a keen interest in Micky van de Ven which will be a test of Spurs’ resolve in the summer. Van de Ven has resisted a new contract, and it will be a big decision for a Spurs executive tier who have vowed to be better at selling.
“He is 24 and his current deal expires in 2029 but if they cannot tie him down, do they sell? If so, how much can they command?”
Therein lies the problem with any potential approach. He will still have three years left on his contract come the end of the season, and Spurs may feel they can command a king’s ransom for a player everyone knows will only get better.
But Liverpool have a genuine interest in Van de Ven, and there are a number of reasons why breaking the bank might be the right call.
Who should be Liverpool’s top centre-back target after missing out on Marc Guehi?
Micky van de Ven pictured during Tottenham Hotspurs' Premier League match against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park (Credit: Getty Images/Sebastian Frej).
Alessandro Bastoni warms up ahead of the Serie A match between Inter Milan and Torino at San Siro Stadium (Credit: Getty Images/Marco Luzzani).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Sebastian Frej/Marco Luzzani
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Van de Ven’s profile could be what Liverpool are missing
The overarching problem that many have with Liverpool this season is that it’s a boring style to watch.
Van de Ven is far from boring. He regularly carries the ball up the length of the pitch, breezing past players as if they were statues and showing good decision-making in the final third.
Another of Arne Slot’s problems is that his side are too easily countered against. Again, Van de Ven’s physical superiority will help in that aspect.
As a final ingredient, add in the strong Dutch contingent at Anfield, and this move really starts to make sense.
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