Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is looking to bolster his squad to go into battle as they prepare for their first title defence, and one man could be crucial to that.
What’s the word?
The Reds had a sensational Premier League campaign last season and encountered some difficulties on the way. One of them was through the Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Adama Traore.
The Spanish forward has been a crucial figure in Nuno Espirito Santo’s side over the past 12 months and was a significant factor in the club finishing seventh in the standings last season.
Amazingly, Traore is still not a regular starter for Wolves and scored just four times and provided nine assists in 27 starts during their league campaign (as per Whoscored), two of those coming in a shock 2-0 victory against Manchester City.
Is Traore one of the key ingredients to our title defence?
Yes, 100%
No
This led to a report from the Daily Mail claiming that the West Midlands outfit would be willing to consider offers for the 24-year-old, who value him at £70m.
The report adds that Wolves are not under pressure to sell the Spain international as he currently has three years left on his contract, but are not willing to let him go cheaply.
Key ingredient
With the likes of Adam Lallana and Dejan Lovren leaving Liverpool, Klopp has only brought in the Olympiakos left-back Kostas Tsimikas as of Thursday.
The German tactician spoke openly about his admiration for the player, following his side’s 2-1 victory over Wolves back in January. He described him as “unbelievable in moments” and was mightily impressed with his showing.
While he does have an extraordinarily steep price tag, it illustrates how important Traore is to his club. But he could be a key ingredient to Liverpool’s title defence.
Traore’s unorthodox style of play is what catches defences out. A man of huge physical presence but also offers explosive pace. Two characteristics that athletes, shouldn’t possess.
This will provide a different dimension and a possible plan B to Liverpool’s play, and could be a huge factor in defending their Premier League crown.
That being said, with the club having struggled through last season’s temporary suspension, let’s hope the club aren’t put off by his high price.