Liverpool may have missed a trick by not signing Bruno Fernandes, but equally, there is an argument to say that he wouldn’t have been the right fit.
The Portuguese has made a flying start to life at Manchester United, winning the Premier League Player of the Month award for February.
He has already scored two goals and registered three assists for United in the league, highlighting the impact he has made.
Like all top players, Fernandes seems to have lifted those around him, much in the way Virgil van Dijk did when he joined Liverpool in January 2018.
Considering how superior the Reds currently are compared to their bitter rivals, some might have been left scratching their heads and wondering why they didn’t make a move for the 25-year-old.
While there is no guarantee that Fernandes would have opted for Anfield over Old Trafford, the last few years suggests most players may opt for the former, given the choice.
On the face of it, the attacking midfielder is precisely the player Liverpool have missed since Philippe Coutinho departed for Barcelona two years ago.
He possesses the guile, unpredictability and magic in the final third that the Reds’ midfielders currently lack, whether it be Fabinho, Jordan Henderson, Gini Wijnaldum, James Milner or anyone else.
Fernandes is already averaging 2.2 key passes per game in the Premier League, acclimatising to his new surroundings with consummate ease. In comparison, Henderson (1.0) is the closest out of all the Liverpool’s middle men, showing how much more creative the United man is.
On the flip side, however, there is a strong argument to say that Fernandes wouldn’t fit into Jurgen Klopp’s style, during a period in which his midfielders have become the unsung aspect of the team.
So much of the flamboyant side of Liverpool’s game is based around the full-backs and the front-three, with the midfield tasked with providing endless industry, grit and fitness levels.
Fernandes isn’t that player, even though he still covers ground and works hard, with the defensive side of his game not as strong as those mentioned.
Henderson and Fabinho both average more tackles per game, and his all-round style is that of a luxury player, even if that may be doing him a slight disservice.
I believe if Klopp really wanted Fernandes he could have got him, but I think he saw flaws in his game that wouldn’t necessarily aid his star-studded side.
There are times when more creativity is required in Liverpool’s midfield, without question – Kai Havertz could alleviate that issue in the summer – but I see why Fernandes didn’t become part of the Klopp revolution.
HIGHER OR LOWER QUIZ: CAN YOU GUESS WHICH OF THESE TWO STATS ARE CORRECT? CLICK HERE TO PLAY TODAY’S QUIZ.
Comments.
Loading comments…