The Reds plot ambitious move for in-form Germany international.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has earmarked a January move for Bayer Leverkusen winger Sidney Sam, according to Italian publication Tuttomercato.
The 25-year-old has been in out standing form for the Bundesliga side this season, which has earned him a call up to Joachim Lowe’s star-studded Germany squad.
Despite Liverpool’s encouraging start to the season, Rodgers is desperate to strengthen his thin squad at the next opportunity.
Here’s what Sam could bring to the Reds should they pull off the impressive transfer coup…
Sam’s strengths:
Sam has everything a modern day inside forward should possess in an attacking sense, but completely neglects his defensive duties. He’s a luxury player most teams could afford to have however, as his wonderful dribbling ability helps stretch teams down the right flank, and his rifle of a long-shot is always dangerous.
He also can play intricate passes in the final third, but normally prefers to get to the byline and cross, or cut inside and shoot on goal. His directness is a strength, but the fact he can occasionally drop between the lines and link up play with clever flicks gives him an added dimension on the pitch.
Sam also takes a very good set-piece, although will do well to wrestle freekick duty from Steven Gerrard at Anfield.
How Sam could fit into a Liverpool lineup:
Sam would inject goals and dribbling ability into Liverpool’s final third. He would struggle to fit into the current 3-5-2 formation though, and would ideally play on the right of a 4-2-3-1.
The Reds could easily accommodate this though, with two of Gerrard, Lucas or Henderson holding, with Coutinho, Suarez and Sam combining and floating behind Sturridge. In reality, Sam would probably stay wide right to provide width, while Coutinho and Suarez would dovetail down the left and through the middle.
Sam’s vital statistics:
He’s quite simply having a ridiculously good season. From a wide position, he’s scored seven Bundesliga goals already, and added another in the Champions League. He’s also assisted a further four goals. This is as good as anything in Europe, and it’s no surprise he’s now being monitored by elite clubs.
For a player so direct, his 85% pass success rate is very impressive, and he attempts 4.2 dribbles per game. Only three players in Germany have attempted more this season.
Sam’s highlights:
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