Is Bastoni Liverpool’s Perfect Transfer Target?
As I write this, I sit with the unwavering belief that Liverpool will have signed sealed and delivered Martín Zubimendi to an expectant support, by the time this article is published. The summer inactivity of the reds has been agonizing some, however, the process was delayed by international tournaments and the fact that an entirely new hierarchy was put in place, following the departure of former manager, Jürgen Klopp. The month of August represents the most critical part of the transfer window, as the new Sporting Director, Richard Hughes, looks to flex his executive powers.
After Zubimendi, Who Next?
The two most apparent flaws in the new Arne Slot system, appear to be in the defensive midfield position and at left back. Though it is not entirely due to the skillset of the players commonly tasked in those roles, it is more the bespoke skillset required to undertake the intricacies demanded. A ball playing ‘Rodri type’ number six was always likely, with an ability to control as well as destroy. The reported arrival of Real Sociedad’s star midfielder, Martín Zubimendi, means that one area of desire is nearly boxed off, whereas the second is something that should be targeted in the coming weeks.
Photo: IMAGO
In Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas, Liverpool has two conventional left backs that can offer good support to the attacking third, whilst undertaking a typical fullback’s defensive chores. The new 4-2-3-1 system, however, is looking likely to adjust into an on ball 3-3-3-1 formation, that will allow either Trent Alexander Arnold or Conor Bradley to push on and into a more advanced position from the opposite flank. Given that the midfield double pivot will control central areas, it does seem that the left back (within Slot’s regeneration) will be tasked into a back three and offer better coverage of the rearguard. Too often last season, we saw two central defenders left on an island, as teams countered Jürgen Klopp’s team whenever possession was given up. Ultimately, this is why Levi Colwill became a player of interest last summer, which was an inevitable failure that must be corrected during this window of change.
Recent reports have linked Liverpool with a move for Italy international, Alessandro Bastoni, someone who could become the perfect defensive addition.
Alessandro Bastoni
Club – Inter Milan
Nationality – Italy
Age – 25-years-old DOB – 13/04/1999
Playing Positions – LCB / LB
Height – 6ft 3inch
Weight – 75kg
Career Appearances – 290 games
Career Minutes – 22’807 minutes
Contract Expiry – June 30 2028
Transfermarkt Value – €70m
Projected Cost of Deal – €60m
After writing some words on Federico Chiesa earlier in the week, this next piece continues my Italian wants and presents a world class specimen that could align as the bedrock of this project for years to come. As a powerful yet elegant left sided defender, he is someone that is perhaps comparable to the former Liverpool legend, Daniel Agger. With a more reliable and robust nature than the beloved Dane, he would represent a signing from the very top table. As a brilliant defender that can progress the ball, he would offer that hybrid ability that is evidently being sought for that side of the pitch. The world class talent has always seemed intent on staying with Inter Milan, though financial problems with their own ownership group have created an avenue that may well be explored by Michael Edwards and co before the close of the window.
Liverpool’s Alternatives
The listed players of interest for that specific left sided role are as follows.
Piero Hincapié
Gonçalo Inácio
Castello Lukeba
Willian Pacho
Those four listed assets are all wonderfully gifted and younger than the Italian. The key upside with adding Alessandro Bastoni to that list, would be his immediate brilliance being almost assured, as well as the potential to succeed Virgil van Dijk as the left sided centre back and team leader. If there is an opportunity to sign the 27-cap international, then I suspect it would be too tempting to ignore.
