Cheick Doucoure: Is He The Right Fit For Liverpool?
Liverpool have been linked with a move for Crystal Palace midfielder Cheick Doucoure, but despite reports that the Reds will not sign another “specialist” defensive midfielder, that has not stopped fans from identifying the 23-year-old as the right fit.
The Reds addressed a midfield need with the signing of Wataru Endo, but his arrival was viewed as a shrewd move so long as he was joined by a younger, higher-calibre option. On Monday, The Athletic‘s James Pearce indicated that the Japan international will be not be joined by another No. 6 this summer, much to the fans’ chagrin.
On the same day, Doucoure played the full 90 minutes for Crystal Palace in their 1-0 defeat to Arsenal. According to FotMob, he made five recoveries, won two aerial duels – the second-most of any player – made six passes into the final third and had a passing accuracy of 86 percent.
Why Liverpool Fans Want Doucoure
With Jurgen Klopp wanting the ball to go from “A to B” in the position, Doucoure ticks the box and many more in the eyes of Liverpool fans. Joel Rabinowitz said he is “just so obviously exactly what Liverpool need” and Mizgan believes that “opting not to do that would be naivety.”
The Kop Watch said Doucoure is “like a better Michael Essien” and MrBoywunder believes it would be a mistake if Liverpool don’t try and sign him in the next 11 days. Highest Majesty said “Liverpool should not waste time on Doucoure anymore… get it done let’s seal the midfield” and Sam McGuire joked about his reaction when Doucoure wins a duel.
BKnowledge00 warned that if Liverpool don’t sign Doucoure they will be “stuck with Endo as our starting CDM which isn’t good business at all” and Steve Gorman said “Liverpool need to get this deal done.” LFC_Lucas_ suggested a midfield trio of Mac Allister, Doucouré and Szoboszlai has potential to be a title winning midfield and SeanDOlfc said Klopp needs to realise you don’t always need the perfect player.
Will Liverpool Make A Move?
With less than 10 days until the transfer window closes, Liverpool do not have a lot of time to mull over their next move – if there is going to be one. Palace will demand upwards of £60 million for Doucoure and they will need to find a replacement before they sign off on any deal.
It is obvious that Liverpool fans are hopeful the recent line about another ‘specialist’ midfielder being off the cards is not accurate. Though, the door remains open for a “multi-functional midfielder,” like Bayern Munich’s Ryan Gravenberch – but after tabling a £115 million offer for Moises Caicedo, there is clearly money to be spent on the right targets.
We won’t have to wait long to find out if Liverpool will make a move for Doucoure as the transfer window closes on October 5th. Until then, all we can do is speculate and wait for official news from Anfield.