Why Liverpool made a big mistake by not signing Patrick van Aanholt

According to a report from The Sun, Liverpool turned down a chance to sign Patrick van Aanholt from Crystal Palace during the summer transfer window.

The Netherlands international, 28, was offered to Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp as cover for first-choice left-back Andy Robertson. However, Klopp didn’t make a move for Patrick van Aanholt, as the left-footed defender did not fit his criteria, the report adds.

Andrew Robertson has established himself as the best left-back in the Premier League. After a slow start to his Anfield career, the Scotsman is currently a pivotal part of Klopp’s team that won the Champions League and came tantalizingly close to breaking their league title drought last season.

He has added extreme levels of consistency to his game—just two years after arriving for what can now be viewed as an £8m bargain buy from relegated Hull City.

Liverpool remarkably went through the vast majority of a hugely successful 2018/19 season without suffering a serious, long-term injury to any of their star performers. But they have taken a big risk by going into the new season with Andrew Robertson as the only recognised left-back.

Klopp released Alberto Moreno at the end of last season which leaves Robertson with no real competition and cover in his position. All it takes one serious injury and the Scotland international is on the sidelines.

There’s no natural replacement as Moreno is gone and James Milner hardly a specialist in that position.

Liverpool academy starlet Yasser Larouci did make an impression during the pre-season but he is just 18-years old and cannot be trusted to replace Robertson in the first team. That’s why the Reds have made a mistake by not signing Patrick van Aanholt.

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Van Aanholt is a very experienced left-back and the Dutchman has been on the books of Crystal Palace since 2017.

The 28-year-old, who can also play further forward, has a phenomenal left foot, possesses great crossing skill and isn’t afraid to bomb forward. He is used to the pace and power of the Premier League and could have been a solid deputy to Robertson at Liverpool.

Verdict

However, as things stand, Klopp and the Liverpool fans will pray that Robertson stays injury-free for the entire campaign because turning down the chance to sign Van Aanholt already looks like a wrong decision taken by the Merseysiders.