Why Liverpool Should Sign Benjamin Mendy At All Costs
Benjamin Mendy is a Liverpool target as per numerous reports. The French defender could solve a lot of glaring problems in Liverpool’s defence. Jurgen Klopp has made Liverpool an attacking force to be reckoned with but they are culpable of mistakes at the back. While James Milner has performed admirably at left-back, he could be used far more effectively higher up the pitch should Liverpool sign a natural wing back in Mendy.
Milner has not adapted to the role as well as Victor Moses has for Chelsea and that leaves a lot of room for improvement. Mendy is a fierce tackler and a good player on the ball. The statistics support this too. The defender averages 2.1 tackles per game and 1.6 interceptions per game which is a very telling statistic. Without the ball, Liverpool often struggle at the back to recuperate from their gegenpressing tactics and Mendy could offer a stable solution for Klopp to opt for, should the German sign the player from Monaco. The left back is a no-nonsense defender as his clearances average is 2.4 per game which tells a lot about the way he addresses danger.
Mendy also has a lot to offer on the attacking front as well. The young full-back made 8 assists and scored 1 goal in all competitions last season and looks to be comfortable going forward as well. Additionally, he averages 1.1 key passes and 1.7 dribbles per game which tells you a lot about his ability on the ball.
The fullback was influential in Monaco’s Champions League run last season and Liverpool would immensely benefit from this. Mendy is only 22 years old and has a lot of room and time to improve his game. Jurgen Klopp could mould Mendy in the right way just like he did at Dortmund and just like he is doing at Liverpool.
In all, Mendy could ease the burden off Milner, who is much more suited to playing higher up the field. Mendy would also be an immense support to Nathaniel Clyne, who plays on the opposite flank. The Monaco fullback will not come for a cheap price as Monaco are keen on holding on to their best player. But should Liverpool complete the move, it could make them much more efficient at the back and in the final third of the pitch as well.