It’s evident that Liverpool is looking to strengthen their squad in this window. The signings of Naby Keita and Fabinho have got the window off to a good start but there are still positions to be filled. The World Cup is in effect a giant shop window for clubs to scout players and see how they perform under the bright lights.
Here are five 2018 World Cup stars that Liverpool could sign.
5 Ahmed Musa
Can you believe this is the same Ahmed Musa that couldn’t get a game at Leicester City? No, me neither. Although still contractually a Leicester City player, Musa is currently weighing his options as the world continues to lust over his dazzling performances.
Against a resolute low-block Iceland defence, Musa showcased blistering pace, wizardry dribbling and brilliant composure in front of goal. That’s what the Nigerian is capable of and at Anfield, Jürgen Klopp could extract the best out of him.
4 Juan Fernando Quintero
The 2018 World Cup has revitalised the career of Juan Fernando Quintero. Since 2015, the 25-year-old has been sent out on loan three times by FC Porto. Put quite frankly, he was at a tethers end, going nowhere in his career. But things have changed in Russia because the Colombian has single-handedly transformed his nations’ fortunes at this tournament.
With James Rodriguez not fully fit, Quintero has stepped up to the mark. One goal and two assists in 222 minutes of World Cup football have established him as the best playmaker at the tournament. Liverpool would do well to sign this world-class playmaker and bring that flare to Merseyside.
3 Aleksandr Golovin
Russia’s golden boy has gone a long way in securing himself a move to the Premier League. In a Russia team that mainly focuses on defending without the ball, Golovin has done exceptionally well to make his few moments on the ball extra special. So far this tournament, the 22-year-old has directly contributed to three goals, averaged a 76.4% passing accuracy and created 1.7 chances per game.
The true hallmark of a star is being able to carry teammates of lesser quality to victory. Aleksandr Golovin would be the replacement for Philippe Coutinho that Liverpool fans have been waiting for. Seeing as the Nabil Fekir deal has fallen through, Golovin is a more than a viable option with CSKA Moscow only demanding £27million.
2 Yann Sommer
The Swiss keeper is the reason Switzerland conceded just five goals at the World Cup before crashing out at the hands of Sweden. In four appearances, Sommer averaged 3 saves per game. Such form cannot be sniffed at and Liverpool must look to acquiring the services of the Swiss keeper. It’s no secret that the Reds currently own two sub-par keepers in Loris Karius and Simon Mignolet. Sommer is better than both those keepers and would significantly enhance Liverpool’s defensive solidity.
1 Hirving Lozano
Funnily enough, the PSV winger had been making waves throughout the whole of last season. A campaign which saw him score 17 goals and provide eight assists in 29 Eredivisie starts. That electrifying form has put him on most scouting networks, however, his World Cup performances have put him on the top of everyone’s shortlist.
The 22-year-old would perfectly compliment Jürgen Klopp’s high-octane gegenpressing style of football. As he works hard off the ball and when he’s on the ball, he loves to take on players.
