The World Cup is approaching its closing stages, and the shocks continue to transpire. Morocco were favourites to go out against 2010 champions Spain, but won a dramatic penalty shoot-out after a goalless 120 minutes.
One of the stars of Morocco’s deepest-ever run at the tournament has been Sofyan Amrabat. The 26-year-old midfielder is reportedly on Liverpool’s radar, with reports emerging from French publication Foot Mercato that Jürgen Klopp has held talks with an ‘entourage’ representing the player.
Goal.com’s Neil Jones has been keeping a keen eye on the World Cup, and on the latest episode of our Journo Insight show, we asked Neil for his opinion on Amrabat.
Neil said:
“There are a few things that don’t [make sense] as well: the age, another player who potentially you lose for a month in the middle of the season for AFCON. He plays for a good club in Fiorentina, but he’s not a Champions League experienced regular, that kind of thing. I think there are still questions. He’s playing in a team that are very much a backfoot team. Can he dictate the game? Can he play on the front foot, can he play that way? Can he do the things that Fabinho does when he’s at his best? I’m not 100% convinced from what I’ve seen of him.
But you’re right in the sense of the price tag, the type of club he’s at you would expect that he’s going to make a step forward. I think Tottenham have been linked. I think he’d be keen to come to the Premier League. He does look like a player that’s got a bit of personality about him. I think that’s a big plus. He reminds me a bit of a David Moyes-type player. Gnarly, awkward to play against, really fit and energetic. I think he is an interesting one to look at, I don’t know about Liverpool’s interest.”
Redmen Reacts
Amrabat is the latest in a long line of midfielders to be linked with a move to Liverpool. The Reds are in need of a reset in the middle of park, with Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner all out of contract at the end of the season. Amrabat at least has some European pedigree with Club Brugge, who have a history of bringing through players that go on to have good careers, and is playing at a good level for current club Fiorentina. Fabinho’s lack of form means that some direct competition for his place would be useful come the summer. Amrabat is perhaps not as skilled technically as some of the other players linked, but would certainly fit into the bracket of a cheaper midfield option if there is going to be significant outlay on a young man from the Midlands.
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