OPINION
The key to a successful team is to always be strengthening, and that’s something that Liverpool did to huge effect this summer.
They should have that in mind when they look for a replacement for wantaway left back Alberto Moreno. Spanish publication Estadio Deportivo reported earlier this week that the former Sevilla man has told the Reds that he wants to leave the club when his contract expires this summer.
Moreno’s exit shouldn’t be viewed as a negative thing by any means. He is a back up player, and a long way behind first choice Andrew Robertson at that. He is a solid squad player, though, and replacing him will be important.
The key for Liverpool will be securing a player who is starting calibre for most Premier League teams, and Southampton’s Ryan Bertrand would be the ideal candidate in that respect.
The 29-year-old is vastly experienced with 185 Premier League appearances and counting, along with 19 caps for England. He is a fantastic left back who is good enough to start for all but the very best teams in England.
Having him come in and replace Moreno would ensure that Jurgen Klopp’s team continue to get better. Bertrand is far more capable of pushing Robertson than Moreno and would mean that Klopp can rest the Scotsman without worrying about the effect it will have on his team.
At 29 years of age and having endured injury troubles this season now might be the time for Bertrand to consider joining a big team like Liverpool in search of silverware.
Let’s face it, even the most ardent of Saints fans can admit that their team is going nowhere fast. And while the Southampton board would no doubt be resistant to Liverpool trying to poach yet another one of their players, we have seen that if enough money is put on the table they will wilt.
The one advantage that Liverpool’s title rivals Manchester City currently have over them is strength in depth. Securing someone of Bertrand’s quality would help the Reds close that gap.
If Liverpool want to continue challenging on multiple fronts then they need to bring in superior back up players. Bertrand would be a massive step towards achieving that aim.
