'The best' - £17.8m ace could play for Liverpool and 'the top ten clubs', says former Red

Former Red Stephane Henchoz says that Swiss star and Borussia Dortmund ace, Manu Akanju, could one day play for Liverpool or any one of the "the top ten clubs one day."

When Switzerland beat France at the EUROs, he went under the radar but Akanji was fantastic and Henchoz noticed. It's no surprise as a former defender himself but he has now tipped the 26-year-old to one day play for a 'top 10' club - including his former side Liverpool.

“Everyone speaks of world champion [Raphael] Varane and PSG player [Presnel] Kimpembe but, against France [at Euro 2020], Akanji was the best,” says Henchoz, per Blick.

“He may be the only Swiss player who can play for one of the top ten clubs one day – Liverpool, Bayern, Manchester City or United, Barcelona, Real Madrid.

“I believe in him, he has all the qualities.”

Liverpool struggled with defensive depth last season due to injuries to just about each and every single player that played at centre back and it cost them dearly.

The Reds failed to defend their first Premier League title since it was rebranded but after Joe Gomez, Joel Matip and Virgil van Dijk returned from injury and Ibrahima Konate was signed from RB Leipzig, the last thing the Reds need is a new centre back.

Van Dijk has also signed a new contract which will keep him at the club until 2025 so it seems as though the Anfield outfit's long term future at centre-half is in good hands and Akanji won't be needed despite a glowing recommendation from Henchoz.

Liverpool are interested, however, in the Switzerland defender's teammates Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham although it's difficult to see either joining the Reds due to their prohibitive price tags.

It's well known that the Merseysiders shy away from completing marquee moves and there will be huge competition to sign both players next summer, with FSG unlikely to be able to win the financial battle for their signatures.