Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has assessed what Liverpool are missing in their team. The centre-back feels Liverpool should try and sign Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante this summer. Kante has been with Chelsea for six seasons now, establishing himself as the core of the Blues. However, the midfielder’s future at Stamford Bridge faces uncertainties amidst rumors of an exit. Moreover, with just a year left on his current deal, no talks of extension have been heard. As a result, this has put a lot of elite clubs on alert who are keeping tabs on the situations. But Ferdinand feels Liverpool should grab the midfielder at the very first opportunity.
Kante has tasted immense success since joining Chelsea. The midfielder has played a crucial part in the club lifting a Premier League title, a Champions League, a Europa League, a FA Cup, a Super Cup, and a first-ever Club World Cup in his tenure. However, Kante’s 2021/22 season marred by persistent injuries affected Chelsea’s performances. Thomas Tuchel couldn’t count on his crucial player as the club struggled in the league to finish third. And therefore, talks of Kante’s time at Chelsea is over have quickly gained pace. Now, Ferdinand feels Jurgen Klopp should welcome Kante to Liverpool is there’s a possibility.
Ferdinand feels Liverpool “need” Kante
Chelsea are tipped to overhaul their midfield in the upcoming transfer window. N’Golo Kante and his partner in the midfield Jorginho, both could be sold according to multiple reports. Moreover, Italian giants Juventus have even held talks with Jorginho’s agents for a move. Furthermore, Manchester United have show concrete interest in signing Kante. However, this is not the first time that United wants to sign the Frenchman. The Red Devils have approached Chelsea for Kante earlier as well. On the other hand, Rio Ferdinand feels that Liverpool should beat his former club to Kante’s signing.
“I feel like they lack in the real engine room, or they lack being able to push that defence or overload that defence like they would against a team with a back four,” said Ferdinand’s compatriot Stephen Hawson about Liverpool while talking on the defender’s YouTube channel. Ferdinand was quick to respond saying, “That’s where they need a Kante. A fit Kante and he’s given the license to get on and jump out of a defensive block, he’s the one player who could cause them problems.”
Ferdinand might have a point here given the lack of a Kante-like player in the Liverpool midfield. Jordan Henderson has a commendable work-rate, but not as high as Kante. Naby Keita seems to be injury-plagued and could not be trusted with the role. Moreover, Keita as evident is more of an attacking player as compared to Kante. Thiago too cannot offer the discipline of Kante’s calibre. Fabinho comes closer, but he is not a “runner” as such the French midfielder.
Nonetheless, Klopp has still set his team up fiercely without a player like Kante in the team. But the German would definitely give a thought of having Kante in his squad. However, Kante at 31-years-old may not be what Klopp needs. The market could offer young players in that position with Aurelien Tchouameni one of the hottest prospects.
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