Liverpool’s recent form may be rollicking but that still isn’t going to prevent Klopp from enhancing his attacking oppositions. In light of that, the German is now considering bidding for the FC Rostov forward, Sardar Azmoun.
The forward dubbed as the “Iranian Messi” has been linked with several Premier League clubs which includes the likes of Merseyside neighbours, Everton as well as Stoke City. Azmoun has been a prolific goalscorer in the Russian league and has also been in form in the UEFA Champions League.
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The 21-year-old started out his career with Sepahan in the Iran Pro League but never made a senior appearance. His prolific form with the Sepahan youth team though caught the attention of the European clubs. However, it was Rubin Kazan which took the punt on him as he transferred to the Russian club in January 2013.
Attacking cover
Danny Ings suffered another injury last week. Very cruel to say the least as the forward had just returned from a seven-month layoff and had only made two appearances. His current injury means that the striker is set to miss the rest of the season.
Accordingly, Klopp has identified the Iranian youngster as an adequate replacement. Klopp is aware of the upcoming fixtures which will also see the unavailability of Sadio Mane. The Senegalese international is expected to make the squad for the African Cup of Nations.
Klopp did indicate his readiness for the departure of Mane which may see the African miss out on a minimum of 6 fixtures which includes ties against Manchester United and Chelsea. In a recent report in the Bleacher, Klopp spoke about the squad’s need to be prepared to play without Ings and Mane, stating, “When Sadio is away we will be without a winger, [and] we do not have many wingers.”
Adaptability
Although Liverpool has attacking options in the form of Sturridge and Origi, Klopp’s tactics which promote youngsters are sure to help the young forward. The Iranian can play out wide and through the centre as he does for his current club, FC Rostov.
With Klopp favouring roaming forwards, the addition of the talented youngster is sure to increase the club’s mobility. In fact, in an article by John Duerden for ESPN, the author believes that Azmoun has the potential to overshadow Iranian legend, Ali Daei.
Daei managed to score 109 times in 149 games for his country and the youngster with his current tally of 16 goals from 22 appearances does put him on track to overtake that particular record.
Iran Coach Carlos Queiroz thinks highly of the youngster and recently reposed his faith in the youngster stating, “He has all the qualities to succeed at the highest level. He is improving all the time. He has to keep his feet on the ground, work hard and make the right decisions. If so, he could be a real star of Iranian and Asian football for years to come.”
Klopp's work with youngsters such as Lewandowski and Aubameyang has already been noted and the Iranian will be well aware of the coach’s potential to nurture talent. If indeed the youngster does turn up at Anfield, Klopp does have the virtues to make Azmoun a world class player.
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