Liverpool Star Seals £2.5m Move To Champions League Giants

Bundesliga Champions Bayern Munich have agreed on a deal to sign Spanish goalkeeper Pepe Reina on a paltry sum of £2.5m from Liverpool. Reina spent the last season on loan to Italian side Napoli but returned to the Reds’ pre season tour to the United States to sort out his contract. A move back of Napoli was touted but the Partenopei weren’t willing to pay his hefty wage demands while nouveau riche French outfit Monaco were also interested.

However Pep Guardiola’s influence, the pair knew each other from their time in Barcelona, convinced Reina to join the Allianz Arena outfit. Reina will however be the back up to German World Cup winner Manuel Neuer and will have to be contended with a place on the bench while getting a chance to play in domestic cup matches.

The 31 year old Reina started his career from Barcelona’s youth team in 1999 before featuring in 30 appearances for the senior squad from 2000-02. He later joined Villarreal in 2002 before Rafa Benitez snapped up him up at Liverpool, where Reina grew in stature to become one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League.

The player had a fair share of medals winning the League Cup, FA Cup and a UEFA Super Cup during his playing time at Anfield. Reina was part of the Spanish sides who conquered the world with their domination in the International stage winning the 2008 and 2012 European Championships alongside the 2010 World Cup.

Moreover since his Premier League debut in August 2005, no goalkeeper has kept more clean sheets than him with 134 shutouts. Reina also made a name for himself last season at the Stadio Sao Paolo saving Mario Balotelli’s penalty against AC Milan, the Italian genius who earlier had a 100% success rate from the spot.

Bayern President Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said that Reina is just the kind of goalkeeper which the club was looking for. A medical is imminent for the official announcement is made. However it isn’t quite known yet if the Bundesliga Champions have agreed to pay the player’s hefty wages to bring him to Munich. 

End of Arsenal career in sight as Barcelona set to bid €12m for player

So is this the end of Thomas Vermaelen’s career at Arsenal? According to reports in Sky Sports Barcelon are about to make a bid in the range of €12m for the centre back. The Belgium has already entered the final year of his contract at the Emirates and isn’t assured of a starting eleven spot thanks to the partnership of Laurent Kocielny and Per Mertesacker at the heart of the defense.

Barcelona’s needs for a centre back is well documented after their recent summer spending spree, having already signed Luis Suarez, Ivan Rakitic and Jeremy Mathieu. New manager Luis Enrique believes his side needs to ably replace Carles Puyol, the Spanish legend who retired earlier this summer and the Blaugrana are hopeful of beating United to Vermaelen's signature.

Earlier Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had hinted that Vermaelen could leave the club, “I am very happy because I did what I wanted and I am still hoping to do more. It is just 1st of August and the transfer window closes on the 31st. It is a long time. We are a bit ahead of what we usually do because the availability on the market was bigger than before."

Vermaelen started just seven Premier League games last season and it seems the player is keen to move on to boost his reputation of a flourishing centre back who rub shoulder with best of opposition in the highest echelons of European football. Barcelona would provide Vermaelen his much wanted game time on the pitch. The Catalan club were previously interested in Liverpool’s Daniel Agger but with roumours with possible deal for the Dane not picking up pace in the past few weeks, the Blaugarana might have decided to go ahead and sign Vermaelen instead. 

It will be interesting to see United go ahead with a bid for the current Arsenal player as the Red Devils have been dealt with a stumbling block in their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund defender and World Champions Mats Hummels. Vermaelen has Premier League experience and moreover would suit in United’s 3-5-2 system under new manager Louis Van Gaal.  

Atletico Madrid preparing to offer €32m double assault on Manchester United

Louis Van Gaal is finally getting down to business as he looks to revamp the squad he has inherited from former Manchester United manger David Moyes. Certain players are set to leave the club, and now English newspaper Guardian have reported that Atletico Madrid are looking to take advantage of United’s situation by offering €32m for the pair of Shinji Kagawa and out of favour striker Javier Hernandez.

The Mexican has certainly fallen the pecking order with Rooney, Van Persie and Danny Welbeck being favoured ahead of the 26 year old who had a dry World Cup campaign with his country in Brazil. Van Gaal’s preferred 3-5-2 formation will mean he has no starting spot as Rooney and Van Persie are expected to lead the line. There was significant interest for Hernandez from Inter Milan while Juventus too enquired about the player on a loan deal with an option to buy. United are believed to have put an €11m price tag on the Mexican, as reported by Italian media outlet Tuttosport, one of the most respectable sources in Italy.

Kagawa wants to play in the number ten role but it can be surely expected that Juan Mata will don the role for the Red Devils. The Japanese’s future thus looks extremely bleak and should his former club Borussia Dortmund not stake deal to take his back, expect the player to leave Manchester by the time the summer window slams shut.  

It is sad to see that united hasn’t been able to use the player to the best of his quality but as the situation currently suggests Van Gaal is looking to cut short his out of favour players. The Dutch legend won the Guinness International Champions Cup beating Liverpool in the final in the USA in their build up to the brand new 2014-15 season. Van Gaal had earlier said, “I will make my judgments after the tour. I let all the players play and I know now more than before the tour. Now also it is a little bit soon to judge but in football you have to judge. You have to give a chance to the player to make a transfer when I see that his prospects to play are not so high. You have to say it in advance because it’s too late after 31 August. I will tell players after the tour but to them not to you [reporters].” 

(Picture) Arsenal Youngster Signs A New Contract & Is Delighted About It

Dreams do come true, don’t they? At least for 17 year old Daniel Crowley who has received a perfect birthday gift - his first professional contract with Arsenal, the world can’t be a more happier place. The teenager wasted no time to express his sheer delight taking to his Twitter account posing with his family and agent after confirming his deal with the London club.

Buzzing to have singed my first professional contract,thanks to my family and agent for helping me along the way! pic.twitter.com/jAUtpvaUEH

— Daniel crowley (@danielcrowley24) August 4, 2014

The midfielder turned 17 this past Sunday and perhaps his dream came true as he signed for the Gunners a day later. Crowley joined the London club from Aston Villa in 2013. So far he has featured in the Under-19 UEFA Youth League in which he made three appearances. Crowley had a successful debut season and is likened to Jack Wilshere. His moment to glory came when he scored a brace and provided four assists in the Gunners’ 6-0 victory over Peterborough United in the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup. Arsenal fans will certainly expect he turns out to be yet another fantastic acquisition for the future. 

Manchester United v Liverpool: Team News, Preview, Key Duels & Prediction

  

It is only a matter of hours before United play Liverpool in the Guinness International Champions Cup. The rivalry between both sides is the stuff of lore, and the fact that both sides are overcoming obstacles of differing proportions makes this game all about the rivalry, as both sides desire the title, but only one of these sides can get it.

 Last season saw a role reversal, as Liverpool jumped towards the top of the table, while Manchester United saw their worst finish in the Premier League-era. The fact that 7^th place was their worst finish in a long time speaks volumes about the consistency that had been maintained over various competitions at United under the watchful eyes of Sir Alex Ferguson. Liverpool, on the other hand, has not been triumphant in the Premier League-era, but they have come close on a number of occasions, and have won other tournaments. However, Liverpool was in a state of decline over the 3 seasons prior to the last season, while United were at the top.

Now, United have brought an accomplished manager in the form of Louis van Gaal, who has already started to make a mark on the club. United fans are looking at last season as an anomaly, as the players are adapting fantastically to the new 3-5-2 formation and are looking set to compete for trophies. Liverpool, on the other hand, have lost their main goal-scorer in the form of Luis Suarez, who has moved to FC Barcelona, but the other attackers have shown no signs of putting a full stop to relentlessly drubbing teams, by scoring goals continuously. This game will enable us to see the progress that both sides have made, even though it is a preseason game and both sides haven’t actually hit top gear, yet. This game cannot be taken as a precursor to any future fixtures, as both sides tend to push themselves to win against the other, in each and every game.

United’s defence seems to be wearing a confident look, but a strike-force of Sterling, Sturridge and Markovic could tear United’s defence apart. On the other hand, United have dominated possession and have moved into attacking areas quickly, as the impact of Ander Herrera and Juan Mata supplying the attack with key passes, and some Wayne Rooney master-performances have resulted in United’s wins so far.

Key duels:

Jordan Henderson v/s Ander Herrera: Both players are good on and off the ball, and occupy the same areas on the pitch, so expect them to contest for the ball while in midfield, each putting in tackles on the other to win possession and create chances for their own respective sides to score. Henderson is trying to establish himself as Gerrard’s true successor, while Herrera is trying to make his place in United’s first-team after his transfer, so expect this to be a fiery contest.

Daniel Sturridge v/s Jonny Evans: Daniel Sturridge proved last season that he could be consistent over the duration of an entire season, as he made the most of his chances and almost forced Wayne Rooney out of his favoured position as striker for England. On the other hand, Evans, if he has an injury-free season, could make this his breakthrough year, after failing to deceive so far, if he can put in consistent performances for his club.

Ashley Young v/s Martin Kelly/Glen Johnson: Ashley Young has never looked happier while in a United jersey, as he seems to have found a knack for getting into space and he looks menacing while taking on opposition defenders, in his new left wing-back role. Glen Johnson is susceptible to mistakes, for which he will be caught out if Young carries his impressive form into this game. Martin Kelly, on the other hand, is more defensively inclined, and could do a better job against Young, so he should start ahead of Glen Johnson.

How This Spanish Wonder Talent Will Fit Into Liverpool Setup This Season?

Suso made his debut on 20 September 2012 against Young Boys and featured in few Premier league games that year. Rodgers saw an obvious talent and decided to loan him to Almeria in the following season.

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Liverpool to table €23m bid for Chelsea target

English tabloid Independent has reported last night that Liverpool are looking out on a possible bid of €23m for PSG midfielder Ezequiel Lavezzi. It is believed that Angel Di Maria’s imminent arrival at the French Champions will surely mean that Lavezzi won’t be guaranteed a starting eleven spot under manager Laurent Blanc. The World Cup runner up would however prefer a move back to Italy where he earlier had featured for Napoli. Despite having said that Spanish reports suggest that the winger has been offered to the La Liga Champions Atletico Madrid.    

It is believed that the Rojiblancos CEO Miguel Ángel Gil was in Paris for a brief time before flying on to China as he met with PSG officials, who offered him the 29-year-old. However having recently signed Antoine Griezmann from Real Sociedad, Diego Simeone’s side have a dearth of cash in their transfer kitty. Liverpool are looking to take advantage of the situation and are prepared to table a €23m bid for the former Napoli player.

Lavezzi has won the French Ligue One titles in both the seasons he has been with the Parisians but hase been linked with a move to Chelsea as well with the Blues manager Jose Mourinho in hot pursuit of the player since the January transfer window. Liverpool are desperate to sign a striker after Loic Remy’s deal fell through thanks to a dialed medical and manager Brendan Rodgers’ transfer policy clearly shows he will go all out to find an apt replacement for Luis Suarez.  

Liverpool have already spent close to €100m this summer by acquiring the services of Rickie Lambert, Adam Lallana and Dejan Lovren (all Southampton), along with Emre Can (Bayer Leverkusen), Lazar Markovic (Benfica) and Divock Origi (Lille, who will spend a season long loan there in the 2014-15 season). With Alberto Moreno and Javier Manquillo also set to join, Rodgers has his eye to improve his overall squad ahead of the brand new season in which the Reds will also feature in the Champions League after a long absence of six years.

Moreover PSG have to sell by obliging to UEFA’s Financial Fear play regulations and with David Luiz and Di Maria coming in, they know that they will have to get rid of one of their top stars by shipping them out from the exit gates of the club.

Why This Super Winger From South America Can Bring Back The "Ronaldo Era" At Manchester United Again

Juan Guillermo Cuadrado shot to fame during the WC for his pace, his dribbling skills and his celebrations after scoring. He has played for some time now and has been noticed, but the upswing in his nation's fortunes in footballing terms means that he has moved into the buying lists of top clubs now. He played a role on the right-wing for Colombia, but he can play anywhere on the right, owing to the strength of his right foot. He was effective when deployed on the left last season, but versatility will not be frowned upon by Louis van Gaal, as Cuadrado will get more chances to play should he settle in quickly.

Manchester United has been in the market for replacements for most of their players, who seem to have lost the spark that had enabled them to shine under Sir Alex Ferguson. Their players seemed to have lost faith in their abilities as last season dragged on, sadly, and the wingers kept peppering the opposition box with crosses which couldn't be converted, until David Moyes nailed himself to one and ended this shoddy tenure of self-doubt and failure.

Nani has been linked with other clubs, and United fans have had no qualms about his possible departure, as he hasn't been able to live up to his initial promise. It was always a tough ask to follow in the footsteps of his fellow Portuguese teammate Cristiano Ronaldo and he veered inconsistently between remarkable and mediocre performances throughout his time at United. His replacement on the right wing, Valencia, was clearly out of his depth last season, as he didn't look good enough to be playing for United. Zaha, the young apprentice, wasn't given a look-in under Moyes (David, obviously), as United's right flank was susceptible to a number of opposition attacks last season.

This season, Louis van Gaal has opted to adopt a 3-5-2 formation in addition to the usual 4-4-2 formation, to add muscle to the midfield, as last season; the midfield was static and was overrun very easily. The 3-5-2 formation adds pressure to the role of the wing-back, who needs to be defensively and attackingly strong to handle the entire flank on his own. Plus, the player will need to have high stamina to maintain the same work rate throughout the duration of the game. Except for Rafael, who is still too defensive, no United right-sided midfielder seems to have defensive and attacking properties in the correct measure to be able to shunt up and down the flank with ease and shake up the opposition, which is where Cuadrado could be of most use, since he has the necessary work rate to perform in the highly physical Premier League.

He will have top players like Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney to support him and an easy style of play, which will help him adjust faster to the United style of play. Buying him would bring in a consistent player who will be hungry to perform and will be an asset to the club.

FC Barcelona is also competing to get Cuadrado, but for the player, a move to United would be a better choice, as he will get games for the first-team. We have seen a disillusioned Alexis Sanchez leave FC Barcelona owing to a lack of playing time, and Cuadrado would do well not to go down the same path. Plus, United need a versatile, pacy player like Cuadrado, who could bring back the "Ronaldo Era" at Manchester United again.

Arsenal to rival Manchester United for World Cup winner

If reports from English tabloid Mirror are to be believed, Arsenal are set to rival Manchester United for the signing of Borussia Dortmund defender and World Cup winner Mats Hummels. The report claims that the player is available for £30m despite Jurgen Klopp’s denials and Arsene Wenger is ready to battle Louis Van Gaal for the signature of the German.

Wenger wants to be kept known about Hummels’ availability as he believes that the 25-year-old would seamlessly fit into his side at the Emirates. The German was also linked with La Liga giants Barcelona but after the Catalan club signed Jeremy Mathieu from Valencia, it is believed that manager Luis Enrique now no longer wants the Dortmund star.

Hummels joined Dortmund in 2009 after coming through the ranks at his childhood club Bayern Munich. The center-back has since gone on to establish himself as one of the best young defenders in the World. His latest exploits in the International stage helped the Die Mannschaft to go on and lift the World Cup in Brazil.

Wenger is believed to be a long term admirer of the player and with Thomas Vermaelen’s future in doubts at the Emirates the French manager is keen to sign another center back as he looks to mount a serious title challenge in the coming 2014-15 season. The Independent has also reported that should Bareclona acquire the services of Tiago Ilori on loan, their interest in Hummels is set to die down. This would enable both Manchester United and Arsenal to compete for the defender.

The Guardian however at the end of July clearly cited Klopp who wasn’t even willing to hear offer his star defender, “I can assure everyone that there are no signs that those two players want to leave. Marco and Mats will play for us the next season. What are we talking about today? Mats to Manchester United? For how much? €20m (£15.8m)? With those kind of sums can you forget that straight away.”

Manchester United ready to include two players for landing €60m rated midfielder

It looks as if Manchester United’s pursuit for Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal is about to hit the rocks. According to the reputed Gianluca Di Marzio website, the Chilean has left with his Old Lady team mates for the club’s pre season trip to Jakarta. The Red Devils are confident that they can still the 27 year old but it now appears that they are running out of time.

Moreover Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini is "convinced" that Vidal will ignore Manchester United's interest to stay in Serie A. "I am convinced Arturo Vidal will stay with us. My contract is not formal, but I think it’s safe to say I will be a Juventus player for a long time yet."

Italian site Corriere Dello Sport reported yesterday that United manager Louis Van Gaal is holding cards close to his chest and is also ready to offer Portuguese winger Nani and out of favour striker Javier Hernandez if required to land the Chilean.

It is believed that Van Gaal has urged Club executive and Vice Chairman to speed up his transfer dealings which shows his desperation to acquire the services of Vidal.

Juventus have reaffirmed their desire to keep hold of the player stating they'll only listen to offers if the midfielder himself issues a transfer request. Sky Sports reported yesterday that new Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri revealed he has held talks with the player who has committed his future to the Serie A club. However Director General Giuseppe Marotta revealed they wouldn't stand in the Chilean's way if he did decide the time was right to move on.

“Vidal? We already said that he is not on the market, but the player's will is decisive,” said Marotta. “Vidal has never said he wants to leave, and Juventus will sell him only if he were unhappy to remain. Nowadays, however, there’s absolutely no reason to even be discussing this now.”

PHOTOS: Sanchez girlfriend spotted at Emirates as Arsenal fans welcome the Chilean with a huge roar

Alexis Sanchez’s girlfriend Laia Grassi was spotted in the crowd as Arsenal beat Benfica by 5-1 in their pre season preparations for the 2014-15 season in the Emirates Cup.

Grassi posted a picture on Instagram tagging, “with the team.”.

Sanchez made his Gunners debut playing 45 minutes of the 5-1 as young striker Yaya Sanogo thumped in four goals in what was an easy win for Arsene Wenger’s side.

As Sanchez graced his place coming off the bench, the Emirates faithful almost lifted the lid off to welcome their new acquistion. The fans welcome Sanchez onto the pitch with a giant roar.

The Emirates faithful welcomed the former Barcelona winger with a thunderous applause but failed to impress as manager Arsene Wenger said, “He is not fit yet but he showed with his runs he can be very dangerous. He will play for 45 minutes tomorrow.” 

The 25 year old is expected to thump in goals for the London club helping to take the pressure off Olivier Giroud up front. The Chilean scored 19 goals and grabbed 10 assists in 34 appearances for the Catalan outfit last season before a stunning display at the World Cup.

Champions League winner reveals he could join Manchester United

This would be nothing short of a post marriage honeymoon for Manchester United fans. Yes, it’s true, but not now at least. Cristiano Ronaldo has refused to rule out a move back to Old Trafford and the Ballon D’Or winner is confident that the Red Devils will certainly improve under new manager Louis Van Gaal.

The 29-year-old said in an interview, “It was one of my favourite clubs, Manchester. Everyone knows that every time when I speak about Real Madrid I should speak about Manchester United, I loved it there.”

Ronaldo claimed his appreciation from the United fans saying how well they treated him and also felt Iike a God in Manchester. Ronaldo also recalled his experience playing against United in the Champions League.

 “I remember when we played there against Manchester in the Champions League, they kill me, my heart was so happy. I had fantastic moments and I appreciate this club. For me, it’s one of the best clubs in the world and I have passion for this club.”

“Some players I am still in contact with because when I was there, I created a good relationship with everybody, not just the players, but all the staff around. It was like my second family there, so I’ll not forget that the people treat me good.”

“I love Manchester, and to be back, I never know, you never know. Football you never know. Of course, I’m happy at Real Madrid, it’s my home, it’s my club, but Manchester treated me unbelievable so we never know.”

It is believed that the Red Devils had tried to lure back Ronaldo in the past season when David Moyes in charge, but the move fell off and the Old Trafford capped off a disastrous Premier League campaign by finishing seventh in the standings. This led to David Moyes’ immediate removal from the managerial spot with Dutch legend Louis Van Gaal being handed over the duties.

United have so far looked like a well run unit in the pre season and Ronaldo believes his former club have secured the best possible manager in the Dutchman.

“It will be a better season for sure. My feeling is he is a fantastic coach, he showed them all the time for Holland, the team play unbelievable, good football and I hope that Manchester come back like the people know. A strong United, playing nice football, with a lot of goals.”

“I think Van Gaal is going to do a fantastic job, he’s experienced manager and I think he’s going to do well for Manchester.”

Arsenal manager drops huge hint on £23m rated target

Arsene Wenger dropped a huge hint by smiling at a journalist when asked whether he will pursue the signing of German World Cup winner and Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira. Wenger held a press conference following the Gunners’ ruthless 5-1 win over Portuguese Champions Benfica in the Emirates cup today.

Young French striker Yaya Sanogo scored four goals in the encounter which would certainly give Arsenal fans huge hope ahead of the 2014-15 season. The London club are desperate to mount a Premier League title challenge after their meek surrender last campaign having led the standings for a significant period of time.

Wenger however remained coy over Khedira’s interest.

Here is the full transcript of the press conference:

Journalist: Are you enquiring for Khedira?

Wenger: What is the meaning of enquire for you?

Journalist: On Khedira’s availablity

Wenger: I don’t know. If I read the newspapers, he is available.

Here is the video:

Youtube Video Courtesy: My Football Views – Where everybody has a view

Arsenal and Chelsea boosted as Madrid seeks to find replacement

This would come as a welcome boost for Arsenal and Chelsea. Reports from Spanish newspaper El Confidencial have reported that Champions League winners Real Madrid are on the look put of Wolfsburg’s Brazilian midfielder Luis Gustavo. This comes as a major development and would certainly hint at Sami Khedira’s contract situation at the Bernabeu. Both Chelsea and Arsenal are interested in the Wolf Cup winner but those rumours which had gathered pace in the middle of July broke off after neither of the English giants.

Khedira’s contract at the Spanish capital is set tend in the coming summer and with Bundesliga Champions Bayern Munich are also interested the Tunisian born is caught in transfer tussle between three clubs.  The 27-year-old Khedira would be an ideal signing for Arsenal with manager Arsene Wenger fully on the lookout to enhance his squad depth.

So why have Real moved early for Gustavo who did quite a good job for Brazil in the World Cup? There is no doubt that the player acts a true defensive midfielder screening his defense while his passing ability is second to none.  So with Khedira yet to sign a contract extension and the arrival of Toni Kroos at the Galacticos it appears Carlo Ancelotii has the frowns on his forehead and hence wants to sign a replacement before they are out of ‘depth.’ This in a different tilted angle certainly means Khedira’s time is well and truly over at the Spanish giants.

As far as Gustavo is concerned, the 26 year old joined Wolfsburg  at the beginning of the 2013-14 season when he was deemed surplus to requirements  at the Allianz Arena. La Liga winners who have endured a mass exodus of their players already to Chelsea are also contemplating a bid for Gustvao, the Rojiblancos who earlier failed to sign Gustavo as Wolfsburg offered the player a salary of €4.5m per season.  

Arsenal’s needs of a central defensive midfielder are well documented and with the Morgan Schneiderlin rumours dying down over the past weeks, who knows if the Khedira bid could just revive itself before the transfer window slams shut?

Dejan Lovren, " The Next Carragher" Can Be The Savior Of Liverpool's Defence

Earlier this week, Liverpool announced the signing of Dejan Lovren from Southampton for £20million. After spending just one season with Southampton, the Croatian international has left the club for European giants Liverpool. After prolonged negotiations Brendan Rodgers has finally got his man, but we have to wait to find out is he the solution to Liverpool's defensive blunders.

Jamie Carragher retired at the end of the 2012/13 season and Liverpool have failed to replace him at the back, there is no doubt the Reds need a leader at the back. Rodgers believes the Croatian international can emulate Carragher. Liverpool conceded 50 goals last season, more than any other side in the top 4. Mamadou Sakho has been injury prone and Kolo Toure has failed to impress. Long serving centre-back Daniel Agger future is still unclear and Rodgers feels Lovren might be the man to solve his defensive problems.

“I think he’s a really commanding centre-half,” said Rodgers, on the official club website.

“I’ve said since we lost Jamie Carragher that we needed that leadership. He’s a player that gives us that.

“He’s very strong, very commanding, but he can play. I’ve been really impressed with him.

“I watched him at Lyon, he came into the Premier League with Southampton and I know their players thought he was a big driving force for them and kept them defensively solid.

“He had a really good World Cup. I think he’s a player that can still improve, still develop as he’s in his mid-20s. He’s someone I’m really looking forward to working with.”

Dejan Lovren is a "modern centre-back" as he is confident on the ball, makes forward runs and can pass the ball well. Defensively, Lovren is quite consistent at the back. Martin Skrtel was a bit inconsistent last season as he made few defensive blunders and scored four own-goals last season. Lovren hardly makes such defensive blunders and his defensive stats are very impressive. He made more number of tackles than any centre-back from the top 4 sides and the number of interceptions are also impressive. That obviously will be less for a title challenging team defender, but its fair to say Liverpool need someone like him who can be solid at the back and contribute during attacks.

Stats Compared With Other Liverpool Defenders

Another interesting bit is, communication is a key aspect between defenders and the fact that Simon Mignolet, Dejan Lovren and Mamadou Sakho can all speak French might tempt Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers to pair Lovren with Sakho. Rodgers recently admitted he is ready to play Lovren with Sakho or Skrtel.

Liverpool conceded a lot of goals last season from set-pieces and crosses, Lovren doesn't help much in this situations. He is not strong aerially and his positioning is not too impressive either. His aerial prowess is not an upgrade on Daniel Agger and that's something Rodgers needs to address. Lastly, Lovren comes with a "£20million" price tag which is not an ideal thing for a defender. Rodgers expects him to be the leader of the defense, but the pressure of expectations after a big money move is never a good thing. But if everything goes well for the ex-Saints man at anfield, then he can be savior of Liverpool's defense which struggled throughout the last season