Layvin Kurzawa Would Be Liverpool’s Perfect Signing For The Upcoming Season

Layvin Kurzawa would be a great fit for Liverpool – Credit: Goal.com

Liverpool made several strides this past season. They clinched a return to the UEFA Champions League, and re-established themselves as a respectable team in the Premier League. That’s a massive step forward considering where the team was only a few years ago. However, the road to recovery has just begun for The Reds. Now the club needs to move wisely in the upcoming transfer market window, because a bad signing could be the difference between becoming an European contender, or returning back to mediocrity.

With that in mind, there are several areas in which Liverpool could improve. They need depth on defence and midfield, perhaps another striker, and another playmaker would not hurt them either. But the defensive end should be their primary area of focus. Rumors have indicated a centre back is at the top of their shopping list, but Liverpool also needs a left back. And the name of Layvin Kurzawa would fit perfectly in Anfield.

Who is Kurzawa?

In case you don’t know him, Layvin Kurzawa is the starting left back for PSG – arguably one of the top teams in Europe. Even though he lost his spot in the lineup due to injuries towards the end of the season, he was the top choice when fit. He is relatively young – only 24 years old – but has a lot of experience under his belt since he also plays for the France National Team. And while Kurzawa didn’t make the cut for the European Championship last year, but he should become the team’s starting left back sooner than later. He currently has seven caps and one goal.

More importantly, Kurzawa already knows what it is to play for a top team. He used to play for Monaco prior to his arrival to PSG, so he’s been in two of the top three teams in the Ligue 1 in recent years. And while the English Premier League is a big jump in terms of quality, his game is tailor-made for England.

Playing style

We could say Kurzawa is an old-school fullback, because he looks like a player carved out of the 1990s. As any top fullback, he’s good defensively because he is fast, but also quite strong on the tackle. However, his biggest strength lies on his attacking ability.  He constantly overlaps on the flank, and crosses the ball beautifully. He can also score, although that is not one of his biggest traits – certainly not one Liverpool would be looking to add from him. But for what is worth, he scored twice in 18 Ligue 1 matches this past season.

More importantly, the potential arrival of Kurzawa would give Liverpool stability on the defensive zone. If we remember, Jurgen Klopp used James Milner as a left back most of this past season. And while the England international did a good job on that role, it is not a secret that he is better suited to play on a more attacking role. He is a winger and can even feature as a midfielder. The arrival of a competent left back such as Kurzawa would allow him to return to the role where he performs better.

Potential transfer fee

It is hard to determine a potential fee for a player like Kurzawa. First of all, PSG are reportedly reluctant to let him go, because they feel he’s an important piece of the club’s future. After all, players such as him are the ones you build a team around. But he is not untouchable as, for example, Edinson Cavani. So if Liverpool – or any other top team – want him, they might be able to get him. If they are willing to overpay, of course.

Per TransferMarkt, Kurzawa is valued at €22M. That means any team that enquires about him would have to offer around €25M or €30M just to start negotiations. That might seem a steep price for a defender. But it does not sound crazy if we analyse the current market. For instance, Victor Lindelöf has been linked with Manchester United with a €50M price tag. And he plays for Benfica, a lesser club in Europe.

Liverpool needs to do something in the transfer market. And adding a left back seems like a priority considering their needs. In that department, Kurzawa would be one of the top options available. The Reds need to do everything in their power to sign him, because he might be the piece that has been missing on their defensive puzzle.