Sadio Mane scored twice to steer Liverpool into the Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday after a 3-1 win at Bayern Munich dumped out the German champions. Mane made absolutely sure of Liverpool’s place in the quarter-final draw as he turned on the heat and scored twice at the Allianz Arena.
The Senegalese has been an integral part of Liverpool‘s attack since joining them from Southampton in 2016. Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino have often attracted more praise in Liverpool’s front three, but Mane has become an indispensable member of Jurgen Klopp’s starting XI this season.
Even though the Senegalese has stepped up this campaign, the Reds have lacked a creative midfielder in their ranks who can provide the spark and little bit of magic in the final third. Klopp is yet to replace Philippe Coutinho, who left Anfield for Barcelona last January.
This summer transfer window could be the perfect time for Klopp to bring in Coutinho’s replacement and the Liverpool manager should target PSV Eindhoven star Gaston Pereiro.
Gaston Pereiro, 23, has been one of the most promising players in the Eredivisie for some time and smashing for PSV Eindhoven this season, managing 10 goals and five assists in 23 league games. He is one of the most underrated playmakers in Europe despite being a regular source of assists and goals for the Dutch giants since the past couple of seasons.
The four-cap Uruguay international is generally classified as a wide-man but the he is also comfortable playing through the middle as a no.10. Pereiro is a technically blessed player capable of beating players with his pace, agility and body control. He uses his good vision to link up play and has the ability to finish off chances presented in front of him.
The 23-year-old boasts of technical skills and natural athleticism and can make penetrative runs with the ball behind the opposition defence. He can score himself or help facilitate plays for others around him. His unselfish nature and magical feet make him one of the most exciting players in the Eredivisie.
Furthermore, Pereiro could provide guide and creativity in the attacking third of the pitch for Klopp’s side which could allow players such as Mane, Salah and Firmino to be more productive inside the opposition penalty box. The Uruguayan’s movement in and around the box coupled with his energy and work rate make him an ideal fit for Klopp’s Liverpool.
Pereiro’s potential is huge as at just 23, he is already proving his quality in the Eredivisie for PSV Eindhoven. He isn’t a household but has the right balance strength, speed and creativity to excel in the Premier League.
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Hence, Klopp should not hesitate to splash the cash and sign Pereiro in the summer to add a much-needed cutting edge to his attack.