Jürgen Klopp sold perfect Liverpool back-up option who is now showing Premier League credentials

Jürgen Klopp sold perfect Liverpool back-up option who is now showing Premier League credentials

Liverpool Echo Sports·2021-09-20 06:00

Over half a decade after his last appearance in the Premier League, Sergi Canos made sure his return to England's top flight was a memorable one. The former Liverpool academy graduate waltzed through a vulnerable Arsenal defence and nestled the ball into the far corner of the net with an emphatic finish. Since leaving Liverpool, the former Spanish U19 international has overcome two serious injuries, has fallen down the pecking order before fighting himself back into recognition, and has gradually been moulded into an attacking wing-back under Thomas Frank at Brentford completing a full metamorphosis. At Liverpool, Canos was renowned for his pace and technical ability in one vs one situations. In the club's academy, Canos was even occasionally deployed in a no.9 role. He showed flashes of quality and enough to warrant Jürgen Klopp giving him a Premier League debut. But he was a little frail and he lacked consistency during his time at Anfield.Read MoreRelated ArticlesRead MoreRelated ArticlesOver five years in the Championship has helped Canos build the physical side of his game and he is now an intelligent utility player at Brentford.The 24-year-old has been used as a right-back and as a right-wing back this season in the Premier League and has stood out with amicable performances.With Liverpool short of options in the full-back department, emphasised by James Milner having to start at right-back against Crystal Palace in Trent Alexander-Arnold's absence, Canos is showing signs he could be an astute option for the Reds. Last season, Canos netted nine goals and registered 10 assists in 55 games for Brentford. He is a capable finisher and can contribute going forward. But this season in the Premier League, Canos has also stood out for his defensive work. He has averaged a 52.7 per cent defensive duel success rate from 11.5 defensive duels per 90 and has made 5.28 interceptions per 90 via Wyscout.Read MoreRelated ArticlesRead MoreRelated ArticlesTo put that into context, Alexander-Arnold has had a 50 per cent defensive duel success rate from 7.81 defensive duels per 90 and has made 4.82 interceptions in the Premier League.Canos would also fit into Klopp's gegenpress averaging 25.4 pressures per 90 according to FBref so far this season. Alexander-Arnold has averaged 12.3.On top of Canos' ability to cover at right-back, he is also capable of filling up attacking roles and playing on either attacking flank. Canos has played in a no.9 position for Liverpool in the past and could even provide cover for that position. The Spaniard is familiar with Liverpool's system. He knows what the club represents, and he would be able to provide ideal cover in a position where there is a void to fill in Liverpool's squad.At 24 years of age, he fits FSG's transfer profile too. This could be an ideal January move for Klopp's side and one to monitor.When Canos made his first-team bow at Anfield under Klopp, he was not fully ready to show what he was all about. Now, though, he very much is so much so that he could even be someone the Reds take a look at signing again.Read MoreRelated ArticlesRead MoreRelated Articles

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