Arne Slot has done a great job with Liverpool this season.
Leading the club to the top of the Premier League, and a League Cup final is no mean feat. His first few months showed how he is the perfect successor to Jurgen Klopp. When the German decided to leave Anfield, a lot of pundits in the media ruled out Liverpool from competing for trophies. Especially with their current squad.
However, Slot has shown that what most of these players needed was a new system to thrive in. Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch look completely different to how the played under Klopp last season. Fans at Anfield have hope that there is a future under Slot, who could end this campaign with major silverware.
Quiz: Can you name the team Liverpool signed these players from?
Arne Slot makes former player a Liverpool transfer target
Credit: Imago Images
Liverpool have indicated that they will be very active in the transfer market this summer. Part of the decisions will be based on the future of some of the club’s best players. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil Van Dijk are yet to sign new deals at Anfield.
The reds seem to be preparing for the exit of Van Dijk, who hinted at leaving the club last week. Liverpool have offered a new deal to Ibrahima Konate to keep him long-term. Now, the reds are also seriously monitoring Feyenoord defender David Hancko. Caught Offside report that Liverpool see the defender as a possible replacement for Virgil Van Dijk. The Eredivisie side would reportedly demand around £42million.
However, there are major concerns about his stats. FBref statistics show that Hancko is in the worst percentile (1%) for Aerials Won per 90 and Tackles per 90. This makes him statistically one of the worst defenders in Europe when it comes to these categories.
Is David Hancko really that bad?
Calling a player with two league medals and 48 caps for his national team ”bad” is an exaggeration. Though it is true that Hancko ranks low when it comes to aerial duels won and tackles, it has more to do with his style of play. Virgil Van Dijk also ranks near the bottom percentile for tackles, yet is one of the best defenders in the Premier League.
Hancko being a transfer target for Liverpool is actually a good thing, it means Arne Slot and the club’s recruitment team have an eye on Van Dijk’s future. Looking at the defensive options at the club, none of them have that calm and composed style of the team captain. Bringing in a player like Hancko could be a bargain, especially at the fee being reported.
