PREMIER LEAGUE

Liverpool set their eyes on underrated playmaker

March Brighton Liverpool

Liverpool are the only team in Europe yet to register any signings for the summer transfer window. New head coach Arne Slot has taken his time to assess the current value of the existing players and their potential.

Liverpool’s departures have seen key players leave in important positions. Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara have left vacating the centre-back and midfield positions.

The Reds have started their rebuild a year ago under Jurgen Klopp. They have brought in Mac Allister and Dominic Szoboszlai for their midfield.

The last missing piece to complete their midfield is a silky technician like Thiago. They might have landed on a potential playmaker of that kind hailing from Spain who has a history with Manchester United.

Brais Mendez is a Spanish international who plays for Real Sociedad. He might be the most slept on playmaker of Europe. His exploits at the Spanish League have mostly gone unnoticed. His numbers are staggering and have justly attracted several European teams including Liverpool.

Mendez scored against United in a group stage fixture in the UEFA Europa League. He scored a penalty in the 59th minute to claim all 3 points and had scored on his European debut. 5 years prior, he featured in the Celta Vigo team who lost to United in the Europa League semifinals.

https://x.com/FOXSoccer/status/1567979917027209218?t=t22PLPyxaJwzDCdfLFwSNw&s=19

He said in an interview,”The goal at Old Trafford was a personal revenge.” Liverpool fans will certainly appreciate the player’s words against their rivals and will want him at Anfield. However, there are better reasons for the Spanish midfielder to feature at Liverpool.

Brais Mendez: how good is he?

Mendez rose through youth ranks at Celta Vigo. He joined La real in the 2022/23 season and has become an integral part of the squad. He operates at the heart of the team and strings passes to the final third to find forwards. His strength lies in his positional awareness and ability to beat the press with intelligent movements and a feather-like touch.

In the 2022-23 season he lead the charts for most chances created among his peers at Real Sociedad. He attempted the most number of crosses as well.

Mendez has made 91 appearances for Real Sociedad. He has scored 19 times and provided 17 assists during his two year tenure at the club.

He helped Sociedad reach the Champions league round of 16 for a second time in their entire history. His exploits led them to top a group consisting of Inter Milan, Rb Salzburg and Benfica. He scored three goals in each of their fixtures against the aforementioned teams.

He is adept at scoring goals and can play multiple positions in the field. His versatility and adaptability will be valuable to Liverpool.

Mostly playing as an attacking midfielder for La real, his defensive capabilities are quite decent as well. He ranked second in terms of attempted tackles during the 2022-23 season. Mikel Merino and Brais Mendez were the creators for the team and ran the midfield.

https://x.com/LaLigaExtra/status/1810335037524435229?t=Q3jThpA_0VkdWSD7enS7rA&s=19

Can Liverpool land the Spanish midfielder?

Mendez has expressed his desire to play for the Premier League in one of his interviews. He has recieved offers from England previously during and even before his senior level appearance at Celta. So it is expected that he will be open to a move to Anfield this summer.

Liverpool will look to sign the 27yo left footed playmaker. He is currently in the peak of his career and will contribute immensely to Arne Slot’s system.

Real Sociedad have been aware of the growing interest from different clubs across Europe for their key player. According to LIVERPOOL.COM the Spanish club will ask for €50 million if they are to let go of him this summer. Liverpool can certainly afford this deal and he might be the first signing of Liverpool under the Arne Slot era.

As featured on WalkOn.com

For more football updates, make sure to follow us on:



To Top