The 2014 World Cup draws to a conclusion today but which players may have caught the eye of Liverpool manager, Brendan Rodgers?
The transfer market is in full swing as this years World Cup fades out, many players have caught the eye over the course of the tournaments, so if you had to choose three players for Liverpool FC to target based on the World Cup who would they be? I'm sure many fans of clubs across the world are clamouring for mega money to be spent on James Rodriguez, Thomas Müller or Matts Hummels - in the interest of realism those players have been filtered out of this piece, a look at three (possibly) realistic targets for LFC to chase.
1. Axel Witsel
Defensive midfield has been a position discussed a million times over by Liverpool fans across the land - perhaps this World Cup star is the answer to the issue?
At the age of twenty-five, Witsel could be the long term successor to Gerrard and provide the screen for the back four that LFC have been looking for.
Witsel, however, is not your typical 'hulking' defensive midfielder. The Belgian would be more than capable of playing a possession based system, boasting a pass accuracy of 91% at 2014 World Cup.
As well as having clear ability on the ball, Witsel is defensively solid, the midfielder made 4 defensive actions in his four World Cup appearances and conceded no defensive mistakes. Witsel is also strong in the air, winning 73% of his headed duels at the tournament - the Belgian's height would be a welcome addition to the Reds set piece defending. Not only is he a metronomic 'pace setter', Axel Witsel can also provide strong protection for the defenders he plays ahead of. It seems pretty clear that Witsel would be a top addition for the club!
The attainability of the Belgian is a topic of debate, earning a hefty salary in Russia could prohibit a move abroad. However, as recently as January, Witsel publicly discussed his desire to one day test himself in the Premier League; with LFC returning to the Champions League & circa 210k being wiped off the wage book this week, perhaps now is the perfect time to attain Gerrard's long-term successor.
2. Serge Aurier
Second on the list of potentials is Ivory Coast and Toulouse right-back, Serge Aurier.
Another position that was problematic for LFC in the 2013-14 terms was right-back. Glen Johnson was uninspiring and while Jon Flanagan had a break through season at left-back, most Reds would agree that fresh legs in the fullback positions could sure-up the ever shaky Liverpool back line - enter, Aurier.
The Ivorian had a fantastic World Cup both going forward and at the back, creating four chances in three matches - 2 of which were converted into goals. Good fullbacks can change the dynamic of a team, one can't help but think that top quality fullback performances against the likes of Chelsea's low block could have been the difference last season.
Aurier is neat and tidy on the ball and this is demonstrated by an 86% pass completion rate in Brazil. The Ivorian fullback is also defensively strong, completing 7 defensive actions in his 3 appearances with no errors. The type of defensive movements Aurier made at the World Cup tells you all you need to know about how well he reads the game, 45% of all actions were interceptions and 50% clearances (the remaining 5% made up in blocking the ball) - Serge Aurier would prefer to stop an attack happening that break one down reactively.
With Arsenal moving on to Debuchy of Newcastle for their right-back spot and Aurier, like Witsel, openly discussing his desire to play in England this deal could very well happen should LFC choose to pursue it.
3. Memphis Depay
After the sale of Luis Suarez to Barcelona, Liverpool need some attackers!
The purchase of Lazar Markovic doesn't seem too far off, with the young Serbian posting a goodbye message to Benfica on his Facebook page today (13th July), but with a Suarez shaped hole left in the squad more forwards are needed. Whether the Merseyside club look to bring in another striker and maintain a two up top system or move for a wide-man and revert to a more traditional 433 remains to be seen - should LFC look to the latter, Memphis Depay is an exciting prospect.
The Dutchman's direct style can be seen when looking at his World Cup stats. In four appearances Depay scored twice, created two chances and possessed a 100% shot accuracy... Yes, 100%! With a goal scoring forward being needed, these numbers could have the LFC hierarchy's ears twitching.
Depay is however raw, this is best demonstrated when observing his 78% pass accuracy, attackers in Rodgers system need to have the ability to move the ball around at ease in order to fulfil quick transition of play - so this is a concern.
The young attacker could prove to be a shrewd addition to the Reds, raw or otherwise there's lots of natural ability there - this maybe a situation in which it's best to give the player another year to grow and then contemplate a move.
There have been many eye catching performances at the 2014 World Cup, the aforementioned three are only a snapshot of the talent available! With Rodgers being snapped boarding a plane to Brazil this week, just as preseason begins, a surprise may be in store for Reds.