Liverpool should consider signing the ‘Hungarian Virgil Van Dijk’
By Bence Bocsak
This defender could save Liverpool millions.
Jurgen Klopp has always had a keen eye for a bargain. The German’s nifty transfer endeavours are well documented.
Klopp made a habit of finding gems for pennies at Dortmund bringing in stars like Subotic, Lewandowski, Hummels, Kagawa and Gundogan for less than £20 million. At Liverpool the arrivals of Andy Robertson and Joel Matip were also astute additions, the latter on a free, meanwhile the former was merely £8m.
Under the current climate, with the pandemic still causing financial havoc, Jurgen Klopp might be forced to return to his nifty ways.
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The club’s defensive crisis has been well documented, and with Virgil Van Dijk and Joe Gomez both expected to be out for the large part of the season, signing a centre-back in January is a necessity.
The Reds might not be able to spend the cash, but they could still find a hidden gem.
In Attila Szalai Klopp could target the perfect cheap candidate to fix his defensive woes.
The 22 year old is being called as the ‘Hungarian Virgil Van Dijk’ in his homeland after impressive and solid displays to help his nation qualify for the European Championships and earn a promotion to the A division in the Nations League.
Szalai played a key role in ensuring Hungary’s excellent defensive record in the 2020 calendar year
A rapid defender, Attila Szalai is commanding in the air at 1.92 metres. However he is also excellent on the ball and able to carry it forward to instigate attacks similar to Virgil Van Dijk.
At 22, he is still relatively young for a defender and while he only plies his trade in Cyprus, he is a standout performer for his club, Apollon Limassol. With an average Whoscored rating of 7.37 and 2 goals and 1 assist in 10 games for Apollon it is clear Szalai will not stay in Cyprus for long. Some of Europe’s elite clubs are already considering making a move for him including Bundesliga suitors RB Leipzig and Turkish giants Galatasaray according to Hungarian outlet Csakfoci.
Attila Szalai might not be the name the fans want, but his commanding playing style is eerily reminiscent to Van Dijk and he could certainly bolster the Reds’ depleted options. With a purportedly cheap fee demanded by Apollon, it could be the smart move we have come to expect from Michael Edwards and co.
Klopp was often clever to spot talent before they burst onto the scene during his days at Dortmund, he could now do the same at Liverpool.
Attila Szalai is a name to remember and a player to watch out for in the coming years.
He could be the star the Reds sign to replace Wijnaldum. dark. Next
Do you think Liverpool should target a cheap replacement for Van Dijk?