After winning the Champions League, Super Cup, Club World Cup and, to top things off, the Premier League over the past two seasons, Liverpool are in dreamland. Reinforcements at left-back may still be needed this summer, however.
They have a generational manager, an imperious defence, a stellar attack and an incredible shot-stopper between the sticks. But, sometimes, even the richer desire to get richer; even those in the seemingly perfect position can improve. And that’s exactly what Liverpool will want to do.
This summer may not see unneeded mega deals, but it provides Jurgen Klopp with the chance to solve the little problems left in the Liverpool squad, starting with a backup for left-back Andy Robertson.
Jamal Lewis: The Perfect Candidate to Solve Liverpool’s Left-Back Cover Conundrum
A Left-Back For Both the Present And Future
Despite being apart of a relegated Norwich City side, Jamal Lewis was one of many players who impressed onlookers this season.
The 22-year-old, alongside fellow fullback Max Aarons, provided fans with a shining light in a fairly dim season for the Canaries. Going forward, Lewis looks more than capable with a famous win against Manchester City, providing viewers with an exciting highlights package.
Defensively, admittedly, improvement is there to be had. This shouldn’t dissuade Jurgen Klopp, though, who has played a huge part in transforming a similarly young fullback in Trent Alexander-Arnold. The German will be keen to mould Lewis into the same calibre of player.
After three years in the team and under Jurgen Klopp, Alexander-Arnold is one of the best players in the Premier League. Jamal Lewis, with plenty of time to improve, could undergo the same rise to the top.
Liverpool’s attacking, often a possession-based style of play would suit Jamal Lewis, too. The young fullback’s defensive weakness will be exploited and highlighted far less in a side that, for most of the game, is on the front foot. Instead, Lewis’ strength in attack should become apparent as he plays the modern role of a creator from the Liverpool left-back position.
Following in the Footsteps of Current Stars
If the rumours are to be believed, then Lewis will follow in the footsteps of some of the current Liverpool stars by bouncing back from relegation with an Anfield move.
The 22-year-old will follow in the footsteps of Gini Wijnaldum, who swapped Newcastle United for Liverpool in 2016; Xherdan Shaqiri, who joined from relegated Stoke City, and, most noticeably, Andy Robertson, who was relegated with Hull City, if a move is completed this summer.
And, if those similar transfers anything to go by, Jamal Lewis is almost guaranteed success at Liverpool, and could prove to be another smart piece of business for the Reds.
A Cheap Aland Much Needed Left-Back Alternative
Andy Robertson is undoubtedly world-class; he is Mr consistent in the Liverpool side; week in week out, a reliable, energetic performance is guaranteed. But, at some point, he will need a break; he cannot consistently be asked to play almost every game without the inevitability of injury.
Yet, without him, Liverpool are left with James Milner, naturally a midfielder, as the closest thing to left-back cover. Because of this, resting Andy Roberson almost becomes impossible.
If the services of Jamal Lewis are secured, however, then resting Robertson becomes far easier. Lewis provides a more than capable backup option to turn to, and ultimately improve the Liverpool squad for both the present and future.
The first bid of £10 million has reportedly been rejected by Norwich City, but it’s looking more and more likely that, eventually, Jamal Lewis will be a Liverpool player and the long-awaited deputy to Andy Robertson.
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