Since Virgil Van Dijk has sat on the throne as the best defender in the world. There have been many iterations of players deemed his successor or the next in the line. There have been an abundant amount of comparisons too about the Liverpool defender. Some have been far-fetched others have however made at least a slight bit of sense.
Attila Szalai of Fenerbahce falls into the latter category. Of course there are very few defenders who could ever compare to Virgil Van Dijk. Attila Szalai does not deserve that crown yet. However the 23 year old centre-back does possess traits that are similar to the Dutchman.
Szalai has the same level of dominance on the field as Van Dijk. He exudes this aura of confidence around him. On top of that he has the pace to make recoveries and the astute ball playing ability to instigate attacks.
Liverpool need a new Virgil Van Dijk.
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Just take a look at this brilliant analysis of Attila Szalai made by FTF.
⚽️📊 Attila Szalai has been a revelation since arriving at Fenerbahce in January.
— First Time Finish (@firsttimefinish) March 13, 2021
And his stats are proof.
🇭🇺 The Hungarian could be an integral figure at the European Championships this summer.
For just £1.8m the Turkish giants got themselves a bargain.
(📷 @NinadB_06 ) pic.twitter.com/zuUm9GAoeZ
In the summer, the Reds will no doubt be looking to make another defensive acquisition in order to fix the club’s frailties.
With the club’s struggling financially, Michael Edwards will probably not be able to splurge the cash.
Szalai could be a cheap but sound option.
Yes it will be a big step-up for the Hungarian from the Turkish league however Szalai has made significant leaps in the past, from Hungary to the Cypriot League and European football to Turkey.
Throughout it all the 23 year old has taken everything in his stride.
At international level he has become the linchpin of a much improved Hungarian side who beat the likes of Russia, Serbia and Turkey for qualification to the Nations League A Group.
At Fenerbahce he is a fan favourite and adored by the club. The Turkish giants signed him for just £1.8m in January, so they will probably be looking to make a profit on him, however there is room for negotiation there as even a cheap sum like £10m would give them a huge profit margin.
And crucially it would be cheaper than signing Ozan Kabak who has had a shaky start to life at Anfield and lacks the pace and ball playing ability which Attila Szalai offers.
Would you take Attila Szalai at Liverpool?