Real Sociedad defender Diego Llorente celebrates after scoring. (Getty Images)
According to Spanish outlet AS (h/t Football.London), Liverpool are interested in Real Sociedad defender Diego Llórente.
The 26-year-old centre-back has been vital to Sociedad’s rise to fourth place in the rankings this season, making 19 league appearances before missing out a few games late in the season due to a muscle injury.
He has also contributed to his side with two assists and has five clean sheets to his name, playing a crucial role in manager Imanol Alguacil’s plans this term that may see them secure a Champions League spot next season.
A Real Madrid academy graduate, Llorente joined Sociedad in the summer of 2017 and has so far made 77 appearances across all competitions for them. Despite being a defender, he also has seven goals to his name for Sociedad, making him a vital player not just at the back but also in the opposition box.
With Llorente’s consistent displays on the pitch helping Sociedad earn a top-four spot in the La Liga, it is not a surprise that Liverpool have now shown an interest in him.
A veteran of 127 La Liga games, there is no questioning the Spaniard’s experience and potential – one of the many reasons that might have attracted the Premier League leaders.
Despite an injury to centre-back Joel Matip, Jurgen Klopp’s Reds have managed to dominate in the top-flight. They have conceded just 21 goals from 29 league outings.
Klopp has mostly relied on young defender Joe Gomez to partner main man Virgil van Dijk in the heart of their defence this season. Klopp also tested veteran centre-back Dejan Lovren earlier in the season. However, the 30-year-old Lovren sustained an injury that saw the door open for Englishman Gomez.
He soon established himself at the back after a string of rock-solid displays, pushing the more experienced Lovren further down the pecking order.
With Matip missing out almost a major part of this season due to injury and Gomez having a lot more to prove, Liverpool could really do with an experienced defender like Llorente in their ranks.
Thus, Liverpool’s pursuit of Llorente makes complete sense. They should try to bring the seasoned centre-back to Anfield as soon as possible if they wish to stay on top in the longer run.
With Lovren about to turn 31 this July and already a shadow of his former self, Llorente looks like a valuable addition for Liverpool if a deal works out. Moreover, his arrival will offer boss Klopp plenty of options at the back, with the side still in need of a consistent partner for main man Van Dijk.
