Liverpool Transfers: Profiling 6 Rumoured Targets

2. Kevin Strootman

PSV Central midfielder 23 Netherlands Kevin Strootman appears to be the latest pin-up boy emerging from the Netherlands to follow in the footsteps of the ever depreciating Wesley Sneijder. Strootman is a real box to box midfielder and has many similar qualities to the Steven Gerrard of a the mid noughties. He is aggressive, strong and an excellent passer of the ball. He is left footed and a little slower than Gerrard but he does share many of the Captain's main traits. He enjoys both attacking and defending and would be very well suited to playing Steven Gerrard's role in Brendan Rodgers' 4-3-3 formation. With Lucas being the solid, defensive lynch pin, Allen playing slightly further forward (he isn't a defensive midfielder as he was playing this year during Lucas' injury spell) and Gerrard being the shuttle runner who moves backwards and forwards. At times Liverpool lacked a bit of midfield steel and grit last season and Strootman could add these qualities - too many times were Liverpool bullied out of games, for example, away at Stoke City and Southampton. Would he fit?Yes - Strootman is another player comfortable with the ball at his feet and he enjoys running games to his tempo. At the tender age of just 23, Strootman has already achieved a lot. The Dutchman has already collected 18 international caps and has at times captained the side in the recent FIFA World Cup qualifying matches. Captaining a team at just 22/23 is a great skill especially in the face of some much more experienced professionals who have won Champions Leagues and league titles - remind you of anyone? The transfer could be made more difficult - that is if Liverpool really are interested - because Manchester United apparently hold a great deal of admiration for the player. With Champions League football and major trophies on offer I'm guessing Strootman would choose United if the choice became reality. If the move was possible he'd certainly be welcomed by all Red supporters once they got a thorough look at this exceptional talent. One piece of advice would be to snap the player up early because in two or three seasons this player will be well out of Liverpool's price bracket - without immediate on pitch improvement.