All eyes will be on Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool this January as they look to make any necessary tweaks to their squad in their quest for a Premier League title.
It seems inconceivable that Liverpool, once the dominant force in European football, should be without a title win in a generation, but they’ve not tasted domestic glory since 1990. Whilst European trophies have continued to arrive at Anfield, the one they covet the most still eludes them.
Heading into the Christmas period they’d built up a healthy lead over Manchester City, with Talksport explaining how a big win against Pep Guardiola’s side at Anfield helped build up a nearly unassailable gap.
They’re also still battling in Europe as well, hoping to defend the Champions League title they won against Spurs in May. A recent Champions League match preview by bwin News reported that Liverpool scraped through the group stages needing a win in Salzburg to secure passage, but they’re now looking ahead to the knockout stage as one of the favourites.
That impressive form may need new recruits in order to be maintained. There has been talk of Klopp eyeing a move for Brazilian superstar Neymar, but that seems like the sort of move that might be born out of vanity rather than necessity. With Sadio Mane and Mo Salah providing effective width in a front three, the area that the Reds need to improve isn’t either flank; it’s through the middle.
Whilst Neymar would perhaps be better somewhere like Chelsea who have had their transfer ban overturned, Liverpool must look for a player to attack through the centre. Robert Firmino’s goal return isn’t as impressive as you’d expect with Mane and Salah as providers, but a link with 20-year-old Evanilson might be the catalyst for further success on Merseyside.
The youngster has been labelled as one for the future and has already caught the eye of Liverpool scouts. His two goals for Fluminense on his first start marked his potential, but he was already on the lips of Klopp’s recruitment team.
Signing a youngster from a foreign country is not always a route to success. They can struggle to settle, with different climates and cultures setting them back. However, with a strong Brazilian contingent at Liverpool that wouldn’t be as much of an issue. Fabinho, Firmino and keeper Allison are all from the home of Samba soccer and that would help Evanilson integrate easier.
His unpredictable talent and untapped potential could be exactly what Liverpool need to take them to the next level. You only have to look at Barcelona’s success with Lionel Messi, a young player plucked from another continent, to see what can be achieved if the situation is right.
Liverpool are not just on the cusp of a Premier League title; they’re about to create a legacy that will outlast their years without a title. Jürgen Klopp has elevated them from hopefuls to serious world beaters and in order to progress that, they need to have a philosophy of developing players from across the world.
Evanilson might just be the figurehead they need to move up to the very top of not just English football, but world football.
