Liverpool are eyeing summer signings with Arne Slot in mind, but the latest link sounds more like the perfect Xabi Alonso player.
Unless the Reds lift the Champions League in May, the calls for Alonso to replace Slot at Liverpool will ring on well into the summer. It’s what you’d expect at a club of this size.
FSG seem happy to stick it out with the Dutchman — at least that’s the public stance. Behind the scenes though, the players Liverpool are looking at feel more tailor-made to the Spaniard tipped to replace him. Jules Kounde is the best example yet.
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Arne Slot before Brighton and Hove Albion v Liverpool - Premier League. Enzo Maresca Manager on the sidelines during the Sky Bet Championship match between Stoke City and Leicester City.
Credit: Justin Setterfield/Neal Simpson/Sportsphoto/Allstar/Getty Images
Jules Kounde is the perfect Xabi Alonso signing
The Barcelona star is quite the talent. Liverpool are eyeing Kounde alongside Chelsea and Man City, with more top clubs sure to join the race should an exit become likely.
He is fast, strong, and decisive in defence. Lamine Yamal called his teammate the best right-back in the world. The attacking threat is also quite attractive, with three goals and four assists for the Catalan outfit this season.
But he’s more than a full-back. Kounde can play in the centre of the defence as well.
That’s where the Alonso fit becomes obvious. He values versatility even more than most, given the fluid nature of his 3-5-2 system. Kounde is maybe the best option in the sport for that right side of a back three.
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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
Alonso’s former player, Jeremie Frimpong, would be complemented by the Frenchman and allowed the freedom to bomb forward and do what he does best.
With Kounde’s ability going forward, he would also cover the wing-back position, with Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley constant injury risks.
As much as Slot retains backing at Liverpool, the decision to sign two elite strikers and two Leverkusen stars, paired with the focus on adding multiple versatile centre-backs, points to Alonso being the future.
If Liverpool do sign Kounde, he will surely be licking his lips at the prospect of building a title-winning side at Anfield.
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