‘Why Liverpool need Ndidi’

With less than 48 hours to the close of the summer transfer window, Liverpool are still in the market for a defensive midfielder and have identified Nigeria international Wilfred Ndidi as the man for the position, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The midfielder has just a year left on his contract with Leicester City and the Foxes are hoping to make some money from the sale of the midfielder, rather than lose him for free.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano had stated that Nottingham Forest were very keen on adding more steel in midfield in the form of Ndidi, with personal terms already agreed with the player.

However, Liverpool.com on Wednesday highlighted why the Reds were in need of the Nigerian’s services.

“But if Liverpool is not quite in a ‘beggars can’t be choosers’ position, time is not on their side. Think too of the benefits Ndidi could bring,” the publication wrote.

“Like Endō, he has experience at centre-back, so could provide Klopp with cover if a preferred defensive target is not available this summer.

“He is also vastly experienced at Premier League level so could theoretically slot straight into the side. This would afford Endo a much more measured integration into life with Liverpool, rather than being repeatedly plunged into the deep end as seems to keep happening.

“The Leicester man could also provide the Reds with a very solid platform at the base of their midfield. Across the last 365 days, Ndidi is in the 95th percentile among his positional peers in Europe’s big five leagues for tackles, and the leading one per cent for interceptions (per FBref). While those numbers were boosted by playing for a struggling team, the simple fact he has proven capable of completing so much defensive work is hardly a bad thing.”

Liverpool.com added, “With him (Ndidi) and Endō alternating in the role, Alexis Mac Allister would be free to play in one of the more advanced midfield roles, from where he can have a far greater influence upon Liverpool’s attack.