Liverpool have recently been linked with ACF Fiorentina striker Dušan Vlahović (Source Sports Witness).

I wouldn’t be surprised if Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is on the lookout for a young hitman to bolster his forward ranks. The trio of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino haven’t been quite as prolific in the Premier League this season.

As I mention on this website last month, this summer could spell the end of Divock Origi’s time at Anfield. The Belgian striker hasn’t reached his full potential on Merseyside and he’s no longer a viable back up either.

Dušan could be a player that would offer Klopp a different dynamic up-top.

The twenty-one year old has enjoyed a breakout year in Serie A this term, scoring thirteen league goals in his twenty-eight appearances. He has also broken into the Serbian national team, scoring twice whilst winning his first seven caps.

The Serbian is very competent in the air. According to Whoscored, the attacker on average wins 2.6 aerial battles per games and that’s far superior than what any Liverpool forward can manage. That ability in the air would provide The Reds with a different threat in the final third, it could become invaluable when you consider the balls that full-backs Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold can hit into the penalty area.

There’s more to Vlahović’s game though!

He has no issues in working hard for the team. The strong Serbian can come deep and receive the ball to feet while holding off opponents and he can also run into the channels. This can help in keeping the ball in sticky situations but it also creates space which would once again galvanise the likes of Salah and Mane.

A very instinctive finisher. Dušan will often score with first time finishes, which shows he can remain calm inside the box. He’ll also head straight for the penalty spot area whenever another forward has the ball and is pushing forward in the final phase of play.

The international striker would certainly add strength to the Reds attack, if he signed. A new added physical presence would give Liverpool something different to focus on, they’ve missed that during this campaign when their fluid front three haven’t been at the races.

I think that the hitman would be well suited to the Premier League style. I also believe that working under Jurgen Klopp would do a lot to improve him as a player. Vlahović shouldn’t expect to walk into the first eleven if he joined the Anfield club. He would have to wait for his opportunities and then grab them when they arrived. That’s the same method Klopp used with Robertson and Fabinho, they learned the Liverpool way and starred regularly when they got acclimatised to their new surroundings.

I’m guessing The Viola wouldn’t be in a rush to sell the young marksman but it might be out of their hands if they want a premium price. Dušan’s current deal runs out in 2023 and Goal.com have reported that he has turned down a new offer.

Dušan Vlahović might have been more inclined to sign those new terms had coach Cesar Prandelli stayed on at the Stadio Artemio Franchi. After the Italian manager departed the Florence side, the young striker stated:

‘ (I) cannot describe with words what I owe Cesare Prandelli’

Via Football Italia

Fiorentina won’t get a better deal for the goalscorer if they can’t tie him down to a new contract. That current contract standoff will alert potential suitors, who are willing to pounce this summer.

That could open the door for Liverpool to swoop in and buy the striker who has vast potential and would instantly compete with the current crop of forwards already at Anfield.

Posted on April 8th, 2021 by scott
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