Premier League giants Liverpool FC are reportedly ready to make a concrete offer for Fiorentina midfielder Josip Ilicic.
According to the Liverpool Echo, a number of top English sides are keeping tabs on Fiorentina playmaker Josep Ilicic. Premier League champions Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur also seem to be keen on signing the 28-year-old, but it is stated that Liverpool are the front-runners to land the midfielder.
The Fiorentina player tallied 13 goals and five assists last season, and would be a vital addition to the Liverpool roster. Predominantly a number 10, the Slovenian can also play either wings, and as the lone striker upfront, giving the manager a versatile option in midfield. His dribbling ability is also phenomenal, and just like Liverpool’s Coutinho, Ilicic too, fancies to have a go from long range.
For a side that has struggled with offensive set-pieces, the 28-year-old playmaker may just be the ideal option for Klopp’s Liverpool side. He is La Viola’s number one free-kick taker, and could take up the same role at Anfield. According to WhoScored, he averages 2.5 shots per game, and has an impressive pass accuracy of 81.7 per cent.
Is Ilicic an upgrade to Liverpool’s current crop of attacking midfielders?
As illustrated in the above graphic, Ilicic is a better finisher as compared to the Liverpool trio, averaging 0.61 goals per game. What is equally noteworthy is that, his accuracy is on the higher side as well, making him an adept passer of the ball. The Slovenian could play in-and-around the striker and prove to be a constant threat for the opposition defenders.
He also tops the chart for chances created and comes a close second when key passes are to be considered. On his day, the Slovenian looks like an in-form Philippe Coutinho. Both show similar attributes, given their tendency to drift in and whip a long-ranged effort with their right foot. Also, given Adam Lallana’s inconsistency rate, it may not be the worst of decisions for Liverpool to buy the versatile playmaker. According to Transfermarkt, Klopp could get his man for a price of €15 million – which in today’s standards would prove to be a bargain.
