January 14, 2021, Malaga, MALAGA, SPAIN: Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid -during the Spanish SuperCup Second Semifinal between Athletic Club Bilbao and Real Madrid Club de Futbol at La Rosaleda Stadium on January 14, 2021 in Malaga, Spain. Malaga SPAIN - ZUMAa181 20210114_zaa_a181_066 Copyright: xJoaquinxCorcherox
According to OkDario (h/t Express), Liverpool have shown interest in Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid. The 20-year-old Brazilian has struggled this season and Real Madrid could be tempted to let him go as they are in need of funds to sign other targets.
While one would think, given the vast number of defenders injured, Liverpool’s problems would lie at the back. However, that has not been the case. It is actually their forward line that has malfunctioned as they have struggled to create chances and put away the limited ones they have created.
The once fluid troika of Salah, Mane and Firmino have looked toothless this season. While Firmino was never the one to bag too many goals, the situation has not been helped by the other two also becoming goal shy. Their biggest threat this season was Diogo Jota, who was scoring goals at a rapid rate before getting injured.
The fringe players haven’t done anything to help the issue. The likes of Origi, Minamino and Shaqiri have not taken their chances when given. Thus, adding another attacker might actually be a priority for Jurgen Klopp.
For a player who was once seen as the brightest spot in the team, it surely has been a sharp fall for Vinicius. Despite arriving two years ago, Vinicius has never really established himself at the Santiago Bernabeu and has scored just 11 goals from 87 appearances across all competitions so far.
While he provides drive and energy in the side, his finishing is close to non-existent. He can carve out chances with his dribbling and trickery but can fluff his lines when it comes to scoring goals.
For a team that is struggling to put goals on the table or create enough chances, it surely does not look like a good decision bringing in a player who is perhaps not one of the better finishers.
At this point, Arsenal need a forward who just comes in and starts firing the goals or creating goals. Vinicius Jr. is a good talent but he is still not the finished product Liverpool so desperately need right now.
He may well add that youthful exuberance and liveliness to the side but Liverpool should be focusing on experienced goalscorers. There also remain questions about his attitude as Zinedine Zidane hasn’t been able to get the best out of him in the time he has managed the Brazilian. There does not look any visible upside to this transfer and Liverpool should pass up on Vinicius.