Who is reported Chelsea and Liverpool target Max Kruse?

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German newspaper Bild today claim that both Liverpool and Chelsea are monitoring Werder Bremen striker Max Kruse ahead of a potential £16 million move. However, he is little known in the Premier League, so who exactly is Kruse?

Who is Max Kruse?

A 29-year-old striker, Kruse has become something of a journeyman forward in the Bundesliga in recent years. Usually an out-and-out centre forward, he is capable of playing just off another striker or on either flank. Kruse has 14 caps to his name playing for the German national team but has not been picked since 2015 despite registering four goals and seven assists in those appearances.

Where has he been?

Kruse began his professional career at current club Werder Bremen but made just one appearance for the first team before moving on to second division FC St. Pauli to ignite his career. The side won promotion in his debut season, with Kruse scoring seven, but the striker failed to adapt. He managed just two goals in 33 games in the top flight as his side were relegated. Back in the second tier, Kruse stepped up with an impressive return of 13 goals in 34 games, earning him a move to Freiburg.

After one impressive season there, he was on the move again, this time for £2.5 million, as he joined Borussia Monchengladbach. Kruse was involved in at least 20 goals in all three seasons there and then joined Wolfsburg in a £12 million switch. Despite being a regular, nine goals and 12 assists was not enough to convince there and he rejoined Werder Bremen for £8 million last summer, scoring 15 goals in just 23 games.

What is his style of play?

Kruse is a creative forward who likes to drop off the front line into space to create opportunities. He boasts great vision and a superb range of passing, with his through balls often setting up chances and goals for his fellow forwards and team-mates.

The German also likes to drift out wide and rarely plays in one fixed position, preferring to move around in a front three when playing in a side with that system.

However, he is not particularly adept at tracking back and helping his team out defensively. Often seen wandering back to his own half with his own side under pressure, that side of his game may not appeal to Jurgen Klopp or Antonio Conte.

What would his arrival mean for either club?

For Liverpool, questions would immediately be asked over the likes of Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi and Danny Ings. A move would be a surprise given that Dominic Solanke has already joined this summer, but Kruse may be the most similar in style to Roberto Firmino.

In Chelsea’s case, he could replace Michy Batshuayi as second choice with Alvaro Morata set to be confirmed. Batshuayi clearly failed to impress Conte in his debut season and may want to try a loan move to prove himself. Kruse’s arrival may allow him to do that.