Why signing Adrien Rabiot from PSG could work wonders for Liverpool
According to French publication L’Equipe, Liverpool, along with other elite European clubs like Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Juventus and Chelsea, are keeping tabs on PSG midfielder Adrien Rabiot. The Frenchman will be out of contract next summer.
Liverpool have made some good signings this summer, signing Fabinho and Naby Keita to bolster their midfield options. Meanwhile, Xherdan Shaqiri was added to increase the depth in the attacking department.
There have been claims that the Reds have already contacted Veronique Rabiot, Adrien’s mother and agent.
Although James Milner continues to supply age-defying performances in the Liverpool engine room, the injury-prone Adam Lallana, 32, will soon require a long-term replacement.
Looking from the outset, Rabiot fits the bill perfectly. The 23-year-old has scored 17 goals and provided 15 assists in over 180 appearances for PSG in the French Ligue 1 and Champions League. He is adept at controlling the ball in the midfield.
In addition to being a good dribbler, Rabiot is able to make key blocks and interceptions. His propensity to win the ball back and carry it forward with authority is impeccable. The 23-year-old is also a good reader of the game.
The Frenchman can supply the strikers as well, making him a threat in counter-attacking situations. His height allows him to be a genuine threat in the air. He is a boyhood Liverpool and Steven Gerrard fan, as a quick glance at his Instagram will reveal.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BNM88xrDQDR/?taken-by=adrienrabiot_25
Stats talk
Although he can play as a defensive midfielder, Rabiot prefers playing on the left side of the midfield. According to WhoScored, he started in 27 games last season, averaging 71 minutes per game.
The 23-year-old scored one goal and assisted five times. He completed an average of 61.5 passes, with a success rate of 92%. The Frenchman made one interception, 1.8 tackles and 0.6 clearances per game. He completed 1.2 dribbles per game with a 76% success rate. He also won 4.6 duels per game, doing so at an average of 55%. For the entire Ligue 1 season, Rabiot received two bookings and made only one error that led to a goal.
Read More: Why Klopp must ensure Liverpool beat Man City to sign this Serie A ace with £107m release clause
He could fit perfectly into Jurgen Klopp’s system. The German’s man-management skills should help Rabiot mature and become one of the best midfielders. Hence, the Reds should get a pre-contract agreement signed in January if possible.
