Why Liverpool should replace Alberto Moreno with Raphaël Guerreiro
Alberto Moreno has been the second choice left-back for Liverpool for quite some time now. Andy Robertson has cemented his position at left-back for the Reds since his £8million move from Hull City back in the summer of 2017. Moreno has started just two games in the Premier League this season and Liverpool should let the Spaniard move on at the end of the season.
By allowing Moreno to leave Anfield for free in summer, Jurgen Klopp should replace him with someone who can compete with Robertson for the left-back spot. That said, versatile Dortmund star and European champion Raphaël Guerreiro will fit in perfectly at Anfield.
Borussia Dortmund signed Raphaël Guerreiro in 2016 from French side Lorient. The Portuguese international spent 3 seasons with Lorient and made 101 appearances in the Ligue 1. Following his impressive performances in the French top flight, Raphael Guerreiro started 5 games for his nation in the European Championships in 2016 including the final where Eder’s extra-time goal crowned Portugal as champions.
In his debut season in the Bundesliga, Guerreiro appeared 24 times scoring 6 goals and setting up another 3. The defender struggled the following season with injuries, where he spent a long time on the treatment table. This season, Guerreiro has started 7 games for Dortmund and has an impressive 5 assists to his name.
Struggling for game time under Lucien Favre and with less than 18 months left on his contract, the 25-year-old should be on the radar for Liverpool.
Although primarily a left-back, the former Lorient man has also featured on the left wing and central midfield for Die Schwarzgelben. His versatility opens up a wide range of options for Klopp and Guerreiro’s addition will not only cover for Robertson but also provide back up to Sadio Mane on the left flank.
With just 7 starts this season compared to Robertson’s 22, the Portuguese has the same number of assists as his counterpart and has also found the net once, something the former Hull City man has failed to do so.
Guerreiro also averages 1.2 shots per game this season compared to Robertson’s 0.8 and also boasts of a better pass completion rate. Robertson, however, takes all the plaudits when it comes to defensive numbers with better tackles, interceptions and clearances than the Dortmund man. (WhoScored)
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If Liverpool do sign Guerreiro, Robertson’s undisputed spot in the first eleven will be under threat but that’s the sort of headache Klopp would prefer. Replacing Moreno with Raphaël Guerreiro will be a massive upgrade and its one that the Reds should complete after the transfer window re-opens in summer.
