With Simon Mignolet turning in an increasing amount of shaky performances for Liverpool this season, it is widely thought that The Reds will look to move for a first choice shot-stopper in this transfer window.
One player who has been earmarked by the transfer committee as a possible replacement is Fiorentina’s first choice goalkeeper, Neto. The 25-year-old Brazilian looks set to leave the Viola this month, after his club released a statement confirming that he will not be renewing his current deal, which ends in the summer. Naturally, they are keen to cash in on him to prevent him leaving for free when his contract expires.
Ironically, Neto has a skillset that isn’t too dissimilar to that of The Reds’ current number one; a good shot stopper who sometimes struggles with crosses and commanding his area. He’s no stranger to a mistake or two, either. The Fiorentina man has conceded 13 goals in 16 appearances this season, keeping 7 clean sheets in the process and, due to his current contract situation, could be available for as little as £5m.
One alternative that those behind the scenes at Anfield are looking at potentially bringing in is Mattia Perin from Genoa. After a loan spell with Pescara last season, which saw him keep 4 clean sheets in 29 matches in Serie A, the 22-year-old has returned to take the number one spot at his parent club. In 15 league appearances this season, the Italian has kept 6 clean sheets and his performances have lead to him being touted for a big money move in this window.
Perin would command a significantly higher fee than Neto, for a number of reasons. Statistically, Perin is very impressive, with only Manuel Neuer, Morgan de Sanctis and Yann Sommer having a higher save percentage in Europe’s top 5 leagues this season. What the stats do not show, however, is the complacency that sometimes sneaks into Perin’s game, although this is can be largely attributed to his lack of experience.
Publicised as Buffon’s potential successor in the Italian national side, in competition with highly rated youngster Simone Scuffet of Udinese, Perin not only has the ability to come straight into the Liverpool line up, but also has huge potential to grow into a top-class goalkeeper in the future.
It is well documented that Brendan Rodgers likes his goalkeeper to be comfortable with the ball at his feet, something that Mignolet has struggled to cope with in his relatively short time at the club. It is surprising, therefore, that, when compared to his potential replacements, he has the highest pass accuracy this season. Perin does, however, have a significantly higher average pass length, which, of course, can explain a lower accuracy percentage.
Perin has a higher number of saves per goal (3.67) than both Neto (2.17) and Mignolet (1.45), although this is a hard comparison to make based on not knowing the quality of the shots or where they were taken from, for example. Another area in which Mignolet has struggled throughout his entire career in England is his inability to command his area and claim crosses. This is considered a strongpoint of Perin’s, achieving 3.49 catches per 90 minutes he has completed this season, compared to Mignolet’s 2.36 and Neto’s 2.06.
Mattia Perin is already the most accomplished when you compare him to Mignolet and Neto, and is also the youngest. In Perin, Liverpool have the chance to sign a goalkeeper who can not only step in and make an impact right away, but can maintain a place in the starting line-up for the next ten years.
