Liverpool have made a superb start to the season, winning nine out of their 10 Premier League fixtures so far, but with the January transfer window not far away, Timo Werner is one man who could push Jurgen Klopp’s side on to a Premier League title.
Werner, who currently plays in Germany for RB Leipzig, has been heavily linked to a move to the Premier League leaders according to transfer expert Ian McGarry (via Express Sport). Liverpool’s front three of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino have been rather impressive in recent times, with the trio having scored 20 goals between them already this season. However, Werner would offer Jurgen Klopp’s side a more out-and-out striker option from the bench, with the 23-year-old having hit 8 goals in all competitions this season for club.
It seems as if Werner would perfectly fit Liverpool’s style of play, with the Leipzig man very adept at passing and finishing, whilst often using his lightning pace to get in behind opposition defences. This would offer Jurgen Klopp an alternative option in games in which he feels his side need to counter-attack more, as Werner would suit a team which needs to be effective on the break.
Klopp’s side places a high emphasis on all players knowing how to use the ball effectively, and Werner has proved that he is just as good on the ball as he is without it, with an impressive pass success rate of just below 80% so far this season. The 23-year-old has perhaps achieved all he can with Leipzig, helping the German side to three top-three finishes in the last four seasons, and what better place to make his next step than the current European champions.
In comparison to one of the Reds’ current three, Werner has averaged 2 key passes per game, 3.6 shots per game and 1.8 dribbles per game in the Bundesliga this season, which is better than Firmino’s stats in two of those areas in the Premier League as the Brazilian has managed 3, 1.7 and 1.3 respectively. So, perhaps the German could even provide added competition for Firmino, with five more goal to his name as well.
Should Jurgen Klopp feel he should make a move for Werner, he may need to splash the cash however, with the German International currently valued at £58.5 million by Transfermarkt. Werner is a proven goalscorer and also provides a longer-term option than their current front three, who whilst world-class, are all above 25, with the German set to turn 24 in March of next year.
Leipzig currently sit at the top of their Champions League group, so Liverpool may yet see a lot more of Werner should both sides progress. However, with Leipzig currently faltering in the league, it would not be a surprise to see Werner depart the German side in the near future, whether that be with Liverpool or another club.