Liverpool target Khéphren Thuram would be a Georginio Wijnaldum-esque addition to the midfield, claims Ben Bocsak.
Bocsak drew a comparison between the Reds target and the former fan-favourite amid a potential deal, but warned it might not be the kind of midfielder that they need.
At only 21, Thuram has been one of the most eye-catching midfielders this year, with him featuring 27 times already this season for Nice.
It was reported by Football Transfers that the Frenchman is on Jurgen Klopp’s list of targets as he looks to rejuvenate his team’s season.
Liverpool have suffered a tumultuous first half of the campaign with them currently three points behind Fulham in sixth – a far cry from where they’ve been challenging in previous seasons.
It now looks as though Klopp is set to revamp his side, with the Reds potentially in need of a midfield overhaul.
Speaking on the Blood Red podcast, Bocsak revealed his desire for Thuram to arrive at Anfield but warned he may not be the solution to their problems.
He said: “He isn’t necessarily that ball-winner that Liverpool are looking for at the moment.
“So again, it’s similar to the Cody Gakpo deal – it will be great if it happens, but is it actually what Liverpool need? I’m not 100% sure on that.
“Thuram is a bit like Wijnaldum, but Liverpool need someone more like Fabinho – for me, anyway. Someone who can deputise for Fabinho or even provide competition and win those challenges.
“Thuram would be a great addition, because, let’s be honest, Liverpool need midfielders and they don’t need just one, they probably need two or three.”
TIF Thoughts on Bocsak’s comments…
As Bocsak feared, Thuram’s arrival may not curb the vulnerabilities Liverpool are currently experiencing in midfield.
According to FBref, the Nice ace is in the top 14% for goals amongst midfielders over the past year and top 15% for dribbles completed.
Compare that to his defensive output, with him only in the top 50% for blocks per 90, which would suggest he is far from being in the Fabinho mould, with the Brazilian in the top 21%.
During Wijnaldum’s Champions League-winning campaign of 2018/19, he shared similar shooting statistics to Thuram, with the Dutchman’s 0.99 shots per 90 just topping Thuram’s 0.85 per 90 (via FBref).
Their defensive actions are also similar, with Thuram’s 1.09 tackles won slightly higher than Wijnaldum’s 0.92, showing that although he might be considered a defensive-minded man in the engine room, Thuram perhaps has the ability to echo the Dutchman’s previous role at Anfield.