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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
Speaking to bwin, former Liverpool man Danny Murphy has revealed Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele would be a “fantastic signing” for the Reds this summer.
What did he say?
After the euphoria of laying their hands on yet another Champions League title, the summer transfer window has been a rather low-key affair for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Reports in recent weeks and months had linked Dembele with a move to Anfield following a rather underwhelming time at the Camp Nou, and now Murphy has now suggested a potential move for the winger could be inspired.
He said: “Dembele would be a fantastic signing for Liverpool. He’s not had the best time at Barcelona, but clearly has an abundance of talent and the ability to win games by himself. If he can recapture his belief in his ability then Liverpool would have a formidable front three with him, Mane and Salah.
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“When playing to his potential, I think he would edge Firmino out of the first team. Firmino is the type of player that would raise his own game and everyone’s around him if Dembele came into the team. He’ll fight for his place week in week out and if you’re not giving your all on the pitch, then Firmino will be right there to take it.”
A wise move?
Despite all their successes last season, Liverpool continued to be heavily reliant on their famed front three to score the bulk of their goals – they netted 56 times in the top flight last season. Off the bench, whilst Divock Origi etched himself into folklore with his goals against Barcelona and Tottenham in the Champions League, the Belgian and his fellow substitute options represented a significant downgrade in quality.
A move for Dembele therefore could be a real game-changer in terms of depth. The France international’s electric pace and dribbling skills could see him add a bit of spark to the Reds’ attack. However, there is an argument to be made that the 22-year-old’s arrival would simply upset the balance and cohesion Klopp has built up.
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Indeed, would Dembele buy into the off-the-ball work the German demands? Would he be prepared to play second fiddle to the likes of Firmino, Salah and Mane if he doesn’t earn an instant first team place? Whilst Murphy’s suggestion certainly has its merits, it’s difficult to see how and why swooping for Dembele would be worth it when there is a great likelihood he would just be sitting on the bench.
Likewise, having had his attitude questioned at Barcelona, there’s no guarantee he would acclimatise to the industrious aspects of Klopp’s football either, or embrace the collective spirit that has been so prominent at Anfield during the German’s time there.
