The Xabi Alonso to Liverpool rumours won’t go away as long as he’s on the market and Arne Slot isn’t flourishing.
And fuel continues to be added to the fire. We are told Alonso is ready to join Liverpool should a managerial change occur.
Recruitment has long hinted at the Spaniard being the long-term choice at Anfield. Signing Florian Wirtz, his star player at Leverkusen, attacking wing-backs and two strikers, all fit his preferred system. Liverpool have now been linked with Maxence Lacroix, another player tailor-made for his style of play.
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Liverpool target Maxence Lacroix is a Xabi Alonso player
We still don’t know what will come of Ibrahima Konate’s expiring contract at Liverpool, but efforts are clearly being made to bring in at least one new centre-back.
An intriguing Premier League option has emerged in Crystal Palace star Maxence Lacroix, a tall, strong defender with blistering pace and, crucially, experience in a back-three.
The Frenchman plays mostly as the central centre-back in Oliver Glasner’s defensive line — a system similar to the one Alonso enjoyed so much success with at Leverkusen.
Palace’s league form has taken a significant step back this term, but Lacroix was a part of the side that won a historic first major trophy in the club’s history last season. Arriving at Selhurst Park for just £18 million, he has proved an excellent signing.
Maxence Lacroix of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Manchester City at Selhurst Park
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Chelsea and Liverpool are sniffing around, and the interest is yet another hint at Liverpool changing systems. That could be under Slot, or it could be Alonso who takes the reins.
In either scenario, Liverpool would have a choice of Virgil van Dijk, Lacroix, Konate (if he stays), Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni — more than enough cover. At 25, he’s the perfect age profile to add some experience to the back line while also leaving room for development.
We here at Rousing The Kop have spotted a trend in Liverpool’s recent signings.
Even when you look at the other clubs they are browsing through, Inter Milan are right at the top of that list. They are another team who set up in a 3-5-2, and Alessandro Bastoni and Denzel Dumfries have been linked to Anfield as recently as this week.
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Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes watching on during the Reds' Premier League match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge (Credit: Getty Images/Robin Jones).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Robin Jones
Slot has not performed well at Liverpool this season, and there is every chance he is replaced in the summer. Alonso would be the favourite to do so.
Even if he isn’t, don’t be surprised to see him try out a back three next season. The club are hinting that this is the direction of travel by how they are looking to build the squad.
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