On paper, Liverpool have at least two players who can provide cover for Andy Robertson, veteran James Milner and youngster Yasser Larouci.
Both are great players but the only problem is James isn't getting any younger while Yasser might be not ready to play in the Premier League on a regular basis. So, if Liverpool decide to make a move for a left-back, that would hardly be surprising.
Our user Christian Kull suggests the Reds scouts should take a look at AZ Alkmaar where 20-year-old full-back Owen Wijndal is currently plying his trade. Interestingly, media already name the Dutchman 'new Andy Robertson'. And Christian believes it is for a reason.
"It's very interesting when we take a look at how he plays at AZ because he has a special connection with left-winger Idrissi," the Tribuna.com user writes in his blog.
"Idrissi reminds a lot of our own Mane and the connection Robbo and Mane have is something Owen and Idrissi also have. A slight difference is maybe that Owen drives to the centre a little more often than Robbo to take a shot himself but other than that, those 2 duos work in similar ways.
"AZ's manager Arne Slot trusts Owen a lot in the build-up play. Owen is exceptionally calm and good in finding ways to make a pass to his teammates."
This sounds nice but is Wijndal really good enough to even be considered? This season, the Dutchman has registered 8 assists and 1 goal in 39 games in all competitions - those numbers are really close to Robbo's.
Owen has been at the club since 2010. Coming through the ranks, he has been constantly progressing:
- AZ Alkmaar U19s: 10 games, 0 goals, 2 assists
- AZ Alkmaar U21s: 59 games, 2 goals, 5 assists
- AZ Alkmaar senior team: 57 games, 1 goal, 9 assists
You might say it's stupid to compare the Premier League and the Eredivisie but let's be honest: the Dutch league is not the worst in Europe and a lot of bright talents have come to England from the Netherlands. And Wijndal's stats are quite impressive for any full-back in any decent league.
Moreover, some of his numbers are actually better than Andy Robertson's!
"Even though AZ play a lot thru him, he is actually so good that he loses the ball only 8,2 times per game while Robbo is on 11 times per game," Christian adds.
"He measures with the best there but indeed the league is different. When we look at how he defends there can't be too much complaining either. He wins 65% of his defensive duels which are good numbers."
The left-back's contract expires in the summer of 2023. He is currently valued at around £10m by Transfemarkt but the asking price for him is expected to be at least twice as high.
Still, it's not £100m, so no wonder fans from various Premier League clubs have been discussing him for a while already on social media.
Perhaps, we should give the young Dutch talent a closer look, Reds? Meanwhile, check out Christian's full blog on Owen Wijndal and feel free to ask him any question on the AZ Alkmaar prospect!
