Liverpool plot move for £66m Szoboszlai upgrade who Slot loves

Liverpool have an immensely proficient group, and Arne Slot‘s tactical implementation over the previous few months has allowed the thought to hatch that the Reds may very well be in line for nice issues this season.

But it surely hasn’t, in fact, been good, and although the Dutch head coach, Jurgen Klopp‘s successor, has been billed as a extra control-focused supervisor than Liverpool’s former boss, there’s one thing missing from the center of the park.

Ryan Gravenberch has been a revelation at quantity six, putting considerations over failed summer time switch exercise firmly into the background, whereas Alexis Mac Allister has continued to ply his industrious commerce as an all-influencing companion, each inventive and combative.

The Anfield facet could be lacking a bit, and experiences recommend that FSG are prepared to implement some heavy funding on a dynamic new star.

Liverpool switch information

Based on Portuguese newspaper Record, Liverpool are sizzling on the path of SL Benfica star Orkun Kökçü, having despatched scouts to look at the midfielder in motion throughout his previous two matches.

Although there’s believed to be rising curiosity from additional suitors, Kökçü’s father has already expressed his want to see his son performing underneath the Anfield lights and, furthermore, Slot is aware of him nicely from his time at Feyenoord.

Kökçü has a €150m (£122m) launch clause in his Eagles contract, however this is not reasonable and separate reports believe that Liverpool might engineer a deal to the tune of €80m (£66m).

Why Arne Slot loves Orkun Kökçü

Kökçü was a core a part of the Feyenoord group – Slot’s Feyenoord group – that won the 2022/23 Eredivisie title, beating off the likes of Ajax and PSV Eindhoven.

It appears like he is been across the block, however the Turkey worldwide continues to be solely 23 years outdated and has already been hailed as one in every of Europe’s most enjoyable playmaking skills, with an all-encompassing strategy to the midfield craft permitting him to attain targets, create possibilities and break up strains, superlatively so.

Although he struggled to adapt in Liga Portugal with Benfica, joining in a deal that could rise to €40m (£34m), Kökçü has nonetheless been a powerful attacking outlet for Bruno Lage’s facet, scoring 11 goals and adding 14 assists throughout 54 matches.

Moreover, he is averaged 2.1 key passes per sport within the league this season whereas additionally maintaining it crisp with an 88% move completion fee, as per Sofascore.

It is likely to be one thing of a threat to signal the proficient midfielder, who’s positionally versatile and has the tactical nous to make a great impression (once more) underneath Slot’s wing.

Who is aware of, maybe he’d additionally earn a beginning berth on the highest level of Liverpool’s midfield, displacing Dominik Szoboszlai.

Why Kökçü may very well be an improve on Szoboszlai

Liverpool signed Szoboszlai final summer time, with the Hungary captain arriving on Merseyside after his £60m release clause at RB Leipzig was met. It was a part of Klopp’s last flourish, restoring the Reds’ engine room after it systematically malfunctioned throughout the 2022/23 marketing campaign.

He is been chosen with regularity by his new Liverpool head coach, however Szoboszlai was benched for Curtis Jones within the latest Premier League fixture towards Arsenal and has been described as “frustrating to watch” by Liverpool-focused creator Abigail Rudkin.

Although it does not appear seemingly that the 23-year-old shall be enjoying his soccer away from the membership any time quickly, there is a compelling case that Kokcu may very well be introduced in to jockey for energy at quantity ten and strengthen the depth and dynamism of Slot’s midfield.

Champions League 24/25: Dominik Szoboszlai vs Orkun Kökçü
Match Stats*	Szoboszlai	Kökçü
Matches (begins)	9 (7)	8 (6)
Targets	0	2
Assists	1	3
Touches*	50.9	67.1
Pictures (heading in the right direction)*	1.3 (0.3)	2.1 (0.6)
Move completion	87%	88%
Key passes*	1.3	2.1
Dribbles*	0.7	0.8
Ball recoveries*	4.0	4.5
Tackles + interceptions*	0.7	0.5
Whole duels received*	2.6 (45%)	5.0 (63%)
Stats through Sofascore ( = per sport)*

The Portuguese high flight may carry much less high quality than that of the Premier League, however Kokcu is succeeding in showcasing his superior output for these within the last third, whereas additionally scoring two targets to Szoboszlai’s one having performed one fewer fixture.

Szoboszlai’s numbers for Liverpool actually depart one thing to be desired, having posted just eight goals and seven assists throughout 57 fixtures for the Reds.

However he’s, in equity, an intrinsic a part of Slot’s success, a veritable workhorse, rating among the many high 2% of midfielders throughout Europe’s high 5 leagues over the previous yr for progressive carries, the highest 8% for shot-creating actions and the highest 17% for ball recoveries per 90, as per FBref.

A ball restoration is outlined by the variety of free balls claimed and retained by a participant.

Kokcu, nevertheless, additionally boasts many of those traits, rating among the many high 1% of midfielders throughout divisions much like Liga Portugal for targets scored and assists made, the highest 2% for shot-creating actions, the highest 8% for passes tried, the highest 4% for progressive passes and the highest 9% for progressive carries per 90 (FBref).

He is an all-action midfielder of the identical vein as Szoboszlai, having been a talismanic power underneath Slot’s wing, the jewel in Feyenoord’s crown, working with the gusto and verve of a seasoned veteran, and never a comparatively new prospect with many thrilling seasons nonetheless forward.

Kokcu’s vitality and enthusiasm on the pitch make him tailored for a outstanding place in Slot’s Liverpool group, with the efficiency and technical prowess to rival Szoboszlai for the highest spot and maybe even declare it.