Why Liverpool would be wise to sign Sam McCallum
Liverpool have been linked with a move for Coventry City defender Sam McCallum, as per Daily Mail.
McCallum has been linked with a host of Premier League clubs as a result of his good performances this season. Leicester City, Aston Villa, Chelsea and Manchester City are also interested in the 19-year-old.
With Jurgen Klopp attempting to balance one of the most complete and star-studded squads in the game today, the Reds have turned their focus on signing exciting young talents rather than established superstars since lifting the Champions League trophy in Madrid.
Sepp Van der Berg was the closest Liverpool came to a marquee summer signing while Red Bull Salzburg schemer Takumi Minamino, looks like one for the future, even if he is 24.
McCallum, 19, has been a revelation on the left-hand side for Coventry, catching the eye with his superb crossing ability and establishing himself as a key player for Mark Robins’s promotion-chasing side.
Since letting Alberto Moreno leave for Villarreal over the summer, the Merseyside giants have been rather short of options at left-back with Andy Robertson the only natural option at Klopp’s disposal, despite the best efforts of James Milner. And McCallum shouldn’t be short of game-time at Anfield with Liverpool’s already overworked squad competing on so many fronts this season.
One of the decisive factors in Jürgen Klopp’s men maintaining a presence at the top of the table is the strength in depth. Ample squad depth would be key to ensuring players perform well and are fully fit.
The 19-year-old has established himself as a core part of Coventry’s side this season. In his 12 League One appearances since the start of the campaign, he has proven to be one of the most exciting talents outside of the top-flight.
He is predominantly a left-back but is also comfortable further up the field as a wing-back. He has even played on the right-side of Coventry’s defence this season, with his versatility working in his favour.
Verdict
By adding a rotation option for left-back, Liverpool would ensure that Andy Robertson is fit for the most important games of the season. McCallum is capable of slotting somewhere in between the senior side and the Under-23 team.
He would be a great player to use on the bench as cover for the latter half of the Premier League season and signing him would be shrewd business from Liverpool.
