Slot could make first dream signing for Liverpool “like Virgil”

Liverpool's season is torn apart in the final stages, the last point of Jurgen Klopp's reign, with high hopes in the Premier League, Europa League and FA Cup.

There is still hope that the Merseysiders will put together a late yellow card but it seems likely that Arsenal and Manchester City will face problems with a few games left to play this season.

Of course, the fact that Liverpool have risen to title contention in every respect is a testament to Klopp's exceptional tactical and interpersonal skills, having fallen by the wayside last year and missed out on Champions League football.

With Arne Slot arriving from Feyenoord to succeed the esteemed German, he will have a task on his hands in keeping Anfield in the lead and could go on to sign one of his current players to kick-start his career.

Liverpool could sign the favorite for Slot

Slot's high-pressing, electric style of play will suit Liverpool fans well, and while it doesn't differ too much from Klopp's style of football, there is no doubt that adjustment and play is a must.

Klopp succeeded in making radical changes to the midfield last summer, ridding Anfield of the rubble that plagued the 2022/23 campaign, but wasting forwards and weaknesses at the back have highlighted the urgency of new faces.

One such addition could come in the form of Slovakian defender David Hancko, who was on Liverpool's radar last year and was a central part of Slot's system at Feyenoord.

Hancko is a left-footed centre-back with high ball skills and technical qualities that would make him a dream team for Liverpool – especially if he knows the modus operandi of the Slot well.

The player's agent actually confirmed in January that Liverpool are interested in the 26-year-old and have made contact with him, and while much has changed at Anfield since then, Slot's imminent appointment could see Hancko join as the first addition of the new era. .

David Hancko's playing style

Feyenoord have signed Hancko from Sparta Prague on a four-year contract until 2022, for a fee of around €6m (£5m). He had previously failed to make a significant impact in Italy with Fiorentina but put it all together to enjoy a remarkable rise under Slot's wing.

Indeed, having completed 90 games for Feyenoord, Hancko has scored ten goals and provided eight assists, helping to win the Dutch Eredivisie title last season and the KNVB Cup this season – the equivalent of the FA Cup.

According to FBref, Hancko ranks among the top 17% of central defenders in divisions such as the Dutch Eredivisie for goals, top 16% for assists, top 15% for pass completions, top 1% for shooting actions, etc. passing and carrying percentage and a top 2% of 90 successful catches.

This means that Hancko is one of the most dynamic and interesting defenders in Europe, who is creative and improves both with and without the ball.

In addition, the 6 foot 2 titan is coming out on top in 61% of his duels 4.0 opponents per game in the Dutch top flight, according to Sofascore, suggesting that he really covers the full gamut in his playing style.

Having produced some impressive performances in the Eredivisie this season, Hancko could be ready for a shot at the Premier League, full of all the skills needed to succeed.

How David Hancko will fit into Liverpool

With such a strong style of play, strong in tackles, holding things and always keeping the shine in all his play, confident and composed in management, it is hard to believe that Hancko – who has been playing. recommended as “quality” by data analyst Ben Mattinson – he will not stand a good chance of cementing a more important role on Merseyside.

His choice on the left side will see captain Virgil van Dijk – who has also been linked with the Eredivisie following his spell at Groningen – switch to his preferred side, a position he has not seen for much of his Liverpool career, on the switch. that would increase the fluidity of Liverpool's backline.

Hancko would obviously relish the opportunity to form such a partnership, having previously admitted his “love” for the great captain, while explaining the potential similarities between the two:

“I love Virgil van Dijk. I don't want to compare myself to Virgil, but that feeling of invincibility he feels is something I felt strongly last season.

“Like Virgil, I fear no one. But that is different from disrespecting my opponent.”

Andy Robertson, undoubtedly a Liverpool legend but unable to shake his critics this year, is not performing with the same level of energy that has been his norm since joining Hull City for just £10m. 2017.

Robertson is still one of the most skilled defenders in Europe and with the likes of Hancko who covers incredible areas and constantly pushes the game forward, he can find comfort in going forward, bolstered by the presence of the Slovakian international.

Furthermore, Hancko could also dislodge Ibrahima Konate from his first-choice position in the Liverpool team, with the Frenchman recently under fire for his role in Liverpool's collapse, with James Pearce of The Athletic even calling him “terrible“When Liverpool lost at home against Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

The reporter also noted that Konate had “second best in the battle against Calvert-Lewin“When they lost to Everton in midweek – Hancko didn't make a single mistake that led to the Eredivisie promotion this season, while Konate is full of mistakes at the moment.

Discussing Konate's effort at Goodison Park, Ian Doyle of the Liverpool Echo gave him a 3/10 performance rating, writing: 'A terrible first half for the Frenchman, who was abused by Calvert-Lewin and got in the way of Everton's opener. He kicked the ball right at the start of the second half. It has been shown.'

With Joel Matip recovering from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament and out of contract at the end of the season, Konate can't be trusted to act as Van Dijk's defensive partner – not just with unheralded rising star Jarell Quansah to act as a minor.

Hancko would tick many boxes and could be the kind of multi-tasking signing to increase Liverpool's chances of success at the start of a new chapter.