Liverpool have had to endure a tough start to the new year. Jurgen Klopp’s side are winless in the Premier League since the turn of the year and have only won once in all competitions, when they beat Plymouth Argyle 1-0 in their FA Cup Third Round replay.
Summer signing Sadio Mane has been sorely missed in attack ever since his departure to represent Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations and with Coutinho just recovering from an injury, things haven’t been as smooth as in the past for the Reds in the final-third of the pitch. While Dejan Lovren has been impressive in recent weeks, his partner Ragnar Klavan has been a major disappointment, making high-profile errors against Sunderland and Swansea City in recent weeks.
So, it is no wonder that Klopp is in the market for reinforcements to his squad. While a new centre-back will be a welcome addition, additional cover for Nathaniel Clyne and James Milner at the full-back positions could come in handy too. Another pacy wide-man is said to be a priority for the German manager in the transfer window. With the January window set to shut in just about a week’s time, we give a list of three under-rated players Liverpool should target, in order to save their faltering season:
Steve Cook
The Bournemouth defender has been a rock at the back for Eddie Howe this season. Having featured in all their Premier League fixtures, Cook has been an ever-present personnel for the Cherries.
The 25-year old Englishman has made a whopping 217 clearances in the Premier League and averages 13 defensive actions per game. Excellent in the air, Cook has won 76 of his 117 attempted aerial duels and has also displayed good tenacity in his tackling winning 53% of his attempted tackles. He also has given a good account of himself in the way he can pick out a pass from the back and can play the ball out from deep as well, as indicated by his 79% success in attempts to take-on and get past an opponent.
Calm and composed at the back, strong physical presence and comfortable with the ball at his feet, Cook could add a lot to the Liverpool side and could be a cheap alternative to someone like a Virgil van Dijk.