Richard Hughes ready to agree deal to sign NEXT Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho
That's because by all accounts, including Fabrizio Romano, the Reds are ready to agree a club record fee with Bayer Leverkusen in order to sign Florian Wirtz.
And the 22-year-old is someone who can replace both Coutinho and Firmino.
He has the ability to play as a no.10 and become Liverpool's Coutinho with his delicate touches, creative flair and ability to score long-range efforts from outside the opposition's box.
Out of his last 10 goals in all competitions, 40% of them were scored from outside the box.
Like Coutinho, he thrives in tight spaces and loves taking players on. He has completed the most take-ons (81) in the Bundesliga this season.
But he's not just a no.10. Wirtz is tactically flexible. He can play further forward in a false nine role as well - similar to Firmino.
Wirtz has the tactical intelligence to play in a false nine set-up. He's done it before at club, and international level.
His finishing ability combined with the way he can link-up with his teammates and provide assists would allow him to take-up a Firmino role in Slot's side.
On top of that he also provides the same infectious work-rate off the ball. Just as his former coach Markus Daun told Anfield Watch.
"He has incredibly good athletic ability, extreme endurance and good fitness. I think that's the basis of his ability and one of his strengths. One he performs week in, week out," Daun said.
The data backs this up as well. He has won the most possessions in the opposition's final third (71) in the Bundesliga this season.
And he also covered the third most distances in the Bundesliga (11.6km per 90) for Bayer Leverkusen.
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