Liverpool are reportedly in talks with Shakhtar Donetsk about attacking midfielder Alex Teixieira
According to Sky Sports, Liverpool are in negotiations to sign highly-rated Brazilian attacking midfielder Alex Teixeira from Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk.
The reports suggest that Liverpool’s managing director travelled to meet Shakhtar representatives in Florida, where the Ukrainian club are enjoying warm-weather training. Teixeira has been in hot form this season, scoring 22 goals in 15 league games for Shakhtar.
The 26-year-old looks to be a highly-talented player, who would add something to the Reds team, but the Reds were reportedly looking to add a striker to their squad that fits into Klopp’s style of play.
Liverpool’s striking options not the best
Liverpool striking options are not the greatest at the moment. Belgian striker Christian Benteke is a good Premier League striker, when a team plays to his strength. However, at times he makes statues look lively, as his movement is not the best in the world.
The striker does not fit into Klopp’s style of play, despite Klopp claiming the Belgian striker is in his long-term plans.
We all know about Daniel Sturridge and his injury problems. He may well fit into Klopp’s style, but we are very unlikely to find out because the England international star is hardly ever fit enough to get on the field.
Belgian youngster Divock Origi came to the attention of most people during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, but according to reports was actually on the Reds radar before his appearances at the World Cup.
The former-Lyon youngster was used as an alternative to Romelu Lukaku, who struggled to have an impact on the competition. Ironically the two are experiencing very contrasting campaigns this season, with Lukaku thriving across Stanley Park for Everton.
Origi has struggled with injury this season and has been unable to make much of an impression at Anfield. He still has time to make an impact on Merseyside, but the Reds cannot wait for the youngster to fulfil his potential.
Former-Burnley star Danny Ings could just prove a very useful player for the Reds in the future, but unfortunately he has been ruled out for the rest of the campaign.
Badly in need of new attacking options
Liverpool have scored just 25 Premier League goals this season, just three more than their prospective new signing has scored this season. The Reds have at time lacked a clinical touch in front of goal and have had a lot of possession without finishing their chances off.
At times Klopp has opted to play Brazilian international Roberto Firmino up front, despite the fact that the former-Hoffenheim star has played much of his career either as an attacking midfielder or a winger.
Firmino has played up front before, but it seems he thrives when playing off a central striker. He has scored a few goals from his current position, although often he has looked slightly isolated, as he is more accustomed to playing a deeper role.
Liverpool boss Klopp will know that the Reds are in need of a main central striker, but it seems the German has moved in a different direction in attempting to fix the Reds attacking problems.
With Liverpool lacking forward options, it seems strange that the Reds are making a move for Teixeira, who despite being versatile has spent the majority of the season playing as an attacking midfielder.
Maybe Klopp is considering playing with a false number nine more often, rather than playing with a central forward at all. It brought him success at Dortmund at times, but on the occasions he has played it with Liverpool it has brought mixed results.
Teixeira is certainly mobile enough to play alongside countrymen Firmino and Philippe Coutinho, when the latter is fully-fit again, but whether it will bring the Reds enough goals or not is unknown. All three are no doubt talented, though all three are likely to want to play in the same space.
Team in need of improvement
Liverpool were expected to be challenging for the Champions League spots this season, but are currently odds of 4/1 to finish in the top four. Liverpool is certainly a team that is in major need of improvement in January.
Whether Teixeira is the answer to Liverpool’s attacking problems this season is highly debatable, but I for one do not believe the Reds can achieve success with their current attacking options.
Is Alex Teixeira the answer to Liverpool’s attacking problems?
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