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Is Tottenham’s Victor Wanyama the final piece to Liverpool’s midfield puzzle?
Limited to only six league starts for Spurs this season and after a dismal 90-minute display against relegation-threatened West Brom Albion on Saturday, the 2017/18 Premier League season has been nothing short of a disaster for Kenyan midfielder Victor Wanyama.
The former Southampton star was reunited with his former Saints manager Mauricio Pochettino in the summer of 2016 for a fee after he managed the 24-year-old Kenya captain during his spell as manager in the south-coast.
The central defensive midfielder had a blistering impact in his debut season for Spurs, featuring in 47 matches across all competitions and scoring five goals as well as helping the club finish a record 2nd place in the Premier League.
However, this season has shown no reflection of Wanyama’s former self and despite being stricken by injuries for large periods of the season it seems the former Celtic player could be falling out of favour in north London.
Reports from the previously suggested that, despite only limited appearances this season, Wanyama could represent a top transfer prospect for Champions League finalists Liverpool.
However, as we know in a post-Neymar era, every club has their selling price. If the Reds were to make a bid in the region of £40 million, it would be difficult for Daniel Levy to say no to such a fee, especially for a player who has spent more of the season on the bench rather than on the pitch.
With Emre Can looking set to leave Merseyside this summer as a free agent, Wanyama, on paper. seems the perfect addition. After all, it was against Liverpool where the Kenyan international reminded onlookers he’s still one of the most talented midfielders in the league.
With his Tottenham side trailing to their top-four rivals, Wanyama struck one of the goals of the season at the Kop end when a Loris Karius punch fell to the midfielder with a point to prove.
The ball dropped to the Kenyan from 30 yards on the half-volley and was cannoned into the top corner, leaving the entirety of Merseyside in pure disbelief. They had just witnessed one of the great Anfield goals, from an opposition player nonetheless, and they couldn’t help but stand and applaud.
For a starting spot, a move to Anfield will undoubtedly be a good proposition for both Liverpool and Wanyama. The question is, will he automatically become a starter at Liverpool?
In Jordan Henderson and James Milner, the pair are demonstrating that English clubs still have a role to play in Europe. The midfield duo have helped fire the Reds all the way to Kiev, with Milner also as the Champions League all-time record assister for a single season.
Liverpool have two players who play the same role as Wanyama. As captain, it’s a certainty Henderson, if fit, would start. However, the 27-year-old’s fitness is not guaranteed and Milner’s age could open the gap for a long-term replacement for the Englishman’s services.
With the Reds’ midfield options getting thinner by the week, a gamble on a big name is needed. If the price is right, the Reds should test Tottenham’s resolve and see if they can tempt the Kenyan midfielder to Merseyside.