Is Bayern Munich’s Mario Götze worth the wait for Liverpool?

Add as preferred source on Google

Mario Götze has been a long-term transfer target for Liverpool for a number of seasons, ever since the departure of their talismanic figure, Luis Suarez, during the summer of 2014.

It is clear that the Reds have lacked that cutting edge in their attack since the Uruguayan left Anfield for Barcelona, with then manager Brendan Rodgers bringing in a host of players to fill the void left by Suarez. Lazar Markovic, Divock Origi and Mario Balotelli have all made the switch to Merseyside as attacking options, with varying degrees of success to say the least.

Embed from Getty Images

They were options that didn’t work well for Rodgers – Markovic spending last season out on loan at Fenerbache, with Balotelli also shipped out on a loan deal to former club AC Milan. Not even Origi looked comfortable in a red shirt under the Northern Irishman’s leadership, but has impressed since the arrival of Jurgen Klopp.

Of course, Klopp and Götze have significant history from their time together at Borussia Dortmund. Götze broke into the Dortmund for the first time during Klopp’s reign at Westfalenstadion, and many Liverpool fans will now be hoping that having him as manager will help persuade the Germany international to move to the Premier League, after three difficult years at Bayern Munich.

However, despite all of the acclaim, is he worth the wait? Well, as a marquee signing it would be fantastic for both Liverpool and the club’s supporters to have him in the famous red jersey. The chances are that he would slot into the system exceptionally well, having already played under Klopp and is therefore familiar with the manager’s tactics and style of play.

The only problem with that would be finding his best position in the team. As things stand, Liverpool play a 4-2-3-1 formation, which limits the number of places Gotze would be able to play. In a squad that includes Roberto Firmino, Adam Lallana and Philippe Coutinho, then the chances are that Götze would form the third attacking midfielder, resulting in one of the existing trio dropping out.

Embed from Getty Images

Alternatively, Klopp could use Götze as a lone striker, with support from Firmino and Coutinho, and potentially someone like Jordon Ibe or even the aforementioned Lallana. However, Götze’s goal-scoring record is not too encouraging – finding the net 91 times in 278 games since the start of his professional career, and scoring just 36 times during his time at the Allianz Arena.

That then would suggest that as a lone striker, he is probably not the best option for Liverpool.Additionally, with the likes of Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi, Danny Ings and Christian Benteke still currently at Anfield, Klopp has got a number of options, as well as any other additions he makes during the summer transfer window.

It also takes us back to square one. Götze looks best suited to being part of Klopp’s attacking midfield trio compared to the lone striker role. If that is the case, then it is worth looking at how the German fairs when it comes to assists, and how much of a boost that can be for Liverpool.

Interestingly, Götze has assisted fewer goals than those he has scored himself during his career, with 81 to his name. However, during his time at Borussia Dortmund, he assisted 44 goals from 116 games – 13 more than his scoring tally in the same period. That would suggest that, certainly at Dortmund, Klopp used Götze to supply those further forward than himself, namely Marco Reus and Robert Lewandowski.

Embed from Getty Images

A reunion between the pair then would probably mean a similar role for Götze at Liverpool, and would be a great help to Firmino and Coutinho, by potentially creating more goal-scoring opportunities for the Reds. Furthermore, as a result we may well see Klopp’s style of play really begin to take shape at Anfield.

So far, it all looks very promising and exciting if you’re a Liverpool fan. However, as with all things, there are conditions which could prove to be a stumbling block if the Reds want to sign him. The first is his situation at current employers Bayern Munich

Götze has not confirmed or denied that he wants to leave the Allianz Arena, with most of the stories in the media being gossip to fill the back pages during the summer break (excluding the Euro 2016 coverage). Until Götze announces one way or the other what his future holds, it is pointless talking about the potential of him coming to Anfield.

If he does decide to leave though, another issue Liverpool have on their hands is that they are unable to offer Götze European football, which is one of the major attractions for big name players, whether they come to the Premier League or any of the other top clubs across Europe.

Embed from Getty Images

Granted, Klopp has worked with Götze before, and will no doubt be hoping to persuade him to come to Anfield as he rebuilds the club, but for most footballers, they still want to be playing for the top clubs for as long as possible. Being a Liverpool fan myself, it pains me to say it, but as things stand, Liverpool are not the top club they used to be, and it could take more than Klopp’s charm to lure Götze to Merseyside.

On the whole though, Götze would be worth the wait for Liverpool. Looking at his stats as a playmaker and his history with Klopp, then it is a no-brainer really for the Reds. In my view, the club should do everything in their power in order to land the German’s signature, before he moves to another club.

Featured Image: All rights reserved by euronews