5 playmakers Liverpool could consider to replace Philippe Coutinho
Liverpool has been having possibly its best season since the 2013-2014 season when the team nearly won the Premier League.
The Reds are currently third on the league table and into the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League where it will come up against Premier League champions-elect, Manchester City.
Despite the best efforts of Mo Salah among others, the club has faltered on various occasions in both the league and cup competitions.
A big reason for this has been the lack of creativity from midfield. Jurgen Klopp has assembled a number of hardworking, energetic midfielders(captain Jordan Henderson, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Georgino Wijnaldum amongst others), none of whom can produce the incisive passing and creativity of Philippe Coutinho.
The absence of the Brazilian genius has been especially felt in games against teams that sit deep (the game against Manchester United a prime example) as the gegenpressing, high energy attacking style is easily nullified by opponents who choke the areas around the midfield and in front of the centre-backs.
Klopp and the board will need to fix this issue in the summer transfer window, here are 5 potential candidates that the club should have an eye upon:
#5 Max Meyer (Schalke 04)
Another of the German wunderkids that the Royal Blues have produced, Meyer has been at the Gelsenkirchen based club since he joined the youth-set up in 2009.
The 22-year-old has been part of the German national set-up at all levels boasts of the ability to play either as a playmaker or anywhere behind the main striker which would be a boon for Liverpool as this means that if he signs, he will be able to dovetail nicely with the Fab Three (Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane & Mo Salah).
While not the greatest of goalscorers, his ability to set up chances for teammates as well as his passing range coupled with his low centre of gravity means that if he signs, the forwards will get plenty of service from this brilliant German.
Set to leave Schalke on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of the current season, he is already being scouted by major European clubs and Klopp would be wise to move in early.
Having captained Germany’s youth teams to win the Euros (U-21) last year & silver at the Rio Olympics in 2016, he is no stranger to responsibilities and his hardworking nature & team ethos would sit well with the prevailing philosophy at Liverpool of the team over the individual.