Several reports ranging from the start of the year till now have linked German striker Timo Werner with a move to the impending Premier League champions Liverpool FC. Werner, who currently plays for Bundesliga club RB Leipzig, has set the German topflight league on fire with 24 goals and eight assists to his name. His attacking prowess has been a significant reason behind Leipzig’s terrific form this season which sees them sit at the third position in the Bundesliga table, just 3 points adrift of second-placed Borussia Dortmund with a game in hand.
However, many people have questioned Werner’s possible move to Anfield and where would he fit in the Merseyside club’s attacking plans, where Liverpool FC Manager Jürgen Klopp has created a formidable and feared attacking trio in the form of Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, and Mohammad Salah.
The three forwards are an integral part of Klopp’s ‘gene press’ system and have contributed immensely to Liverpool FC’s recent success in years, particularly their UEFA Champions League victory last season. However, if the transfer of Werner goes through, Klopp would have a callous decision regarding his team lineup, especially how he manages to accommodate Werner without dislodging The Reds current number 9 Roberto Firmino, whom Klopp has described as the team’s engine on many occasions.
One of the few tinkerings that Klopp could do to seamlessly accommodate Werner in his team without disturbing the stability of the current attacking trio would be to play Werner as a traditional striker upfront flanked by both Mane and Salah on either wing. The German striker has an excellent record of playing in a team that employs the counter-attacking method of play, as witnessed by his record while playing for Leipzig.
Werner’s superb speed allows him to run in behind the opposing defenses and cause trouble for the opposing team. Moreover, he is also known for his defensive pressing, which is similar to Firmino’s style of play. Incidentally, Werner’s best season at Leipzig came during Julian Nagelsmann’s first season in charge of the German club.
Nagelsmann is known for employing tactical game plans which are primarily influenced by fellow German Klopp’s ideals, who currently manage the Reds. This is one of the significant reasons behind Werner wanting to play for the English club and his fondness of Klopp’s routine.
While playing Werner upfront as a striker in the attacking trio of Liverpool FC, Klopp would most likely play Roberto Firmino as a number 10 for the team. The Brazilian’s value to the functioning of the Liverpool FC team is highly regarded by Klopp and football pundits alike. This means that a decision to bench Firmino in favor of Werner would be an impossible scenario. Playing as an attacking midfielder will not be something new for Firmino, having played that position on numerous occasions for German club TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, where he played for four years before joining the Reds.
Moreover, even while playing for Liverpool FC, Firmino often drops back from his striking role to function as a creative midfielder. The signing of Werner would allow Firmino to operate more as a creator to the new front three, without shouldering the responsibility of scoring many goals, something which is often spoken about him in the media. Renowned for his impressive defensive work rate, he would not have any difficulties managing the defensive balance of the team if he were to replace one of the central midfielders of the present Liverpool FC squad in the starting lineup.
The above analysis of the plausible situation of Werner signing for the Reds in the coming time and what his arrival would mean for Roberto Firmino proves that both the players would not have any hassles in co-existing in the present Liverpool FC squad. Moreover, it would only mean a much-enriched attacking depth at Jürgen Klopp’s disposal at a time where he strives to win as many trophies as possible as the manager of the Reds and cement the position of the current Liverpool FC team as one of the greatest teams in footballing history.
