Liverpool transfer rumours: target ‘boasts the necessary attributes to succeed under Klopp’
Football statistics analysts WhoScored cast their eye over a centre-back being linked with a move to Liverpool. .
As fans and pundits alike continue to enthuse over Liverpool, many lauded Jose Mourinho for Manchester United’s ability to keep the Reds attack at bay on Monday. United came into the fixture as underdogs, with numerous football aficionados expecting Liverpool to blow their fierce rivals away given their form of late, only for Mourinho’s side to successfully secure a vital point. Indeed, the Reds’ attack is considered one of the best in the Premier League, with their 18 top-flight goals this term bettered only by Arsenal and Manchester City (both 19), reinforcing their statistically calculated WhoScored.com strength of ‘finishing scoring chances’.
However, while the frontline is potent, the defence is far from solid. Liverpool have conceded more goals (10) than any other Premier League side in the top seven, which for a team harbouring title aspirations, is a poor return. Jurgen Klopp has worked hard to bolster the backline, signing Joel Matip, Ragnar Klavan and Loris Karius over the summer, but it’s feasible to suggest further investment is required. It’s seen Swiss centre-back Fabian Schar linked with a Premier League switch to Merseyside as Klopp bids to improve his side’s defence.
The 24-year-old secured a move to Hoffenheim 18 months ago, yet has lost his place in the starting XI under young head coach Julian Nagelsmann, making just two Bundesliga starts this season. Nevertheless, Schar proved his worth at Euro 2016, with his WhoScored.com rating (7.51) enough to earn a spot in the team of the tournament as Switzerland crashed out at the last-16 stage. It was at the international competition where Schar really showed his potential.
He netted Switzerland’s only goal in the 1-0 win over Albania, whilst averaging three interceptions per game – the best of all Swiss players at the tournament – and boasting a pass success rate of 88.4% from 66.8 passes per game across his four appearances. Schar evidently boasts the necessary attributes to succeed in England, particularly under Klopp. Liverpool boast statistically calculated WhoScored.com styles of play of ‘short passes’ and ‘possession football’ and with a willingness to instigate attacks from the back, Schar has all the qualities required to adhere to the demands of the charismatic manager.
An impressive reading of the game means he can readily step forward before playing the ball to either the full-backs or into midfield and having played six accurate long balls per match - the second best return of all Switzerland players at Euro 2016 - he certainly plays passes forward with precision. Given the speed of the Liverpool attack, with Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane all starring in Klopp’s favoured 4-3-3 formation, Schar’s approach could benefit the trio, maximising their speed to play them in behind opponents’ defence.
Of course, his form for Hoffenheim has underwhelmed, but Schar was widely recognised as one of the hottest defensive prospects in Europe during his time at Basel. He’s been unable to replicate his best form for Hoffenheim, in part due to the Bundesliga side playing an open, expansive game, but with the right coaching, Schar could yet realise his potential. Klopp has rejuvenated Dejan Lovren, with the Croat rediscovering his best form under the German, and there’s no reason why he couldn’t do a similar job with Schar.
Having lost his place in the team, Hoffenheim could be open to offers for the Switzerland star, which would make Liverpool’s quest to sign him all the easier. If Schar can perform to the standards expected of him, replicating his Euro 2016 form in the process, the Reds’ defence would certainly benefit if they can secure his services.