Liverpool’s recent defeats against Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United must have served as a wake-up call to the chiefs at Anfield that as brilliant a side are the Reds are, they are far from flawless.
Arne Slot could well have won multiple trophies this season but perhaps a key factor behind Liverpool’s decline in recent weeks might be down to their lack of qualitative squad depth in certain positions.
In the forward areas especially, it is clear to see that if Mohamed Salah is not firing on all cylinders, the other attackers at Liverpool perhaps cannot be relied on to step up at all times.
Similarly, in midfield, Arne Slot lacks a creator who can produce a moment of magic. Dominik Szoboszlai has fared well as a number 10 this season but the Hungarian’s standout feature is that he is a workhorse while Alexis Mac Allister perhaps play in far too deep a role to impact proceedings in the final third.
One player who could transform Liverpool from an offensive perspective is Xavi Simons, with a latest update emerging around his future.
Liverpool should be all over Xavi Simons signing
Simons could leave RB Leipzig in the summer, according to journalist Philipp Hinze.
While staying at Leipzig is not “ruled out” for the Dutchman, the German side have set a price tag of €80 million (£67.3 million) if the 21-year-old does decide to leave.
From Liverpool’s perspective, they should all over the prospect of signing Simons, who could be their most transformative signing since Virgil van Dijk.
Simons rejected a move to Liverpool in the summer but the English giants should re-ignite their interest in the youngster’s signature as there are not many more complete profiles across world football than him — capable of creating and scoring goals, playing in the hole behind the striker and defending as part of a double pivot.
The former Paris Saint-Germain technician has 18 goals and 19 assists to his name across all competitions since last season, making him far more productive of a presence in the middle of the park than either Szoboszlai or Mac Allister.
Liverpool will re-open contract talks with Mohamed Salah during the international break but in the event that he stays, there is enough evidence to suggest that Simons could become the Egyptian’s partner-in-crime in and around the final third.
But even defensively, Simons is no slouch, known for winning duels at will, timing his challenges perfectly and being a nuisance to play against — with the La Masia graduate’s all-action display in RB Leipzig’s 2-2 draw against Bayer Leverkusen last season serving as the perfect example of his doggedness in midfield.
It could be argued that Liverpool have lacked a midfielder who has as much of a complete package since Steven Gerrard like the Amsterdam-born wonderkid.
Xavi Simons’ record alongside Liverpool’s Dutch contingent
A few months ago as well, it was reported that joining Liverpool attracted Simons due to Arne Slot and his presence.
If the silky creator did make a move to Merseyside, settling in would be no trouble for him due to the club’s Dutch contingent.
Simons has played alongside the likes of Van Dijk, Cody Gakpo, Ryan Gravenberch for the Netherlands on several instances.
| RECORD WITH XAVI SIMONS | |||
| LIVERPOOL PLAYER | VIRGIL VAN DIJK | CODY GAKPO | RYAN GRAVENBERCH |
| APPEARANCES | 22 | 42 | 5 |
| WINS | 12 | 25 | 2 |
| DRAWS | 3 | 5 | 2 |
| LOSSES | 7 | 12 | 1 |
Simons has played 25, 42 and five times with Van Dijk, Gakpo and Gravenberch for the Dutch national team.
The RB Leipzig ace has won (25) and lost (12) the most number of games alongside Gakpo but due to the pair having been on the same side on several instances, perhaps the latter could help the form ease into life at Liverpool if a move came to fruition.
