REDS’ NEEDS FOR A NUMBER SIX

Encounters, like that which played out at Brighton at the weekend, will continue to show why Liverpool require a dominating defensive midfielder to allow the gaping holes to be plugged more effectively. The pre-season months saw Jörg Schmadtke take the odd moment away from his Ibiza retreat, in order to show some participation in the reds summer of change. Despite varying bids being made for the likes of Moisés Caicedo, Roméo Lavia, and Cheick Doucouré, the solitary signing of Wataru Endō was the only defensive reinforcement added during a largely successful middle-ground overhaul. The crazy antics of the obscene spending Chelsea, clearly paid a large part in the Anfield shortcomings, however, the lack of a prominent and permanent Sporting Director left the reds lacking in that one vital area of the pitch.

Cheick Doucouré

Soungoutou Magassa

André

Above are the players I would like to see targeted, with my ideal name at the top of the list and my preferences thereafter in descending order. I am doubtful that the huge money would be needed will be spent on either Cheick Doucouré or João Palhinha, therefore a move for either Lucas Gourna-Douath or Soungoutou Magassa would be more logical. This article will focus on the former of the two youngsters, with some details on the tenacious Frenchman shown below.

LUCAS GOURNA-DOUATH

Age – 20-years old (DOB 05/08/2003) Current Club – Red Bull Salzburg Playing Positions – CDM / CM Height – 6ft 2inches Weight – 81kg Appearances – 118 games Career Goals & Assists – 1 / 4 Total Minutes Played – 7,103 International Caps & Goals – 0 games / 0 goal Contract Expiry – June 30 – 2027 Transfermarkt Value – €12m