RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner might not be ready for a move to Liverpool according to Anfield legend Steve McManaman, who fears that a move to Merseyside might come too soon for the Germany international (BT Sport, 14 May, 3:00pm).
It seems that one of the hottest goal-scorers in European football might respectfully disagree with McManaman’s assessment.
According to the Independent, Werner is confident that he is ready for a move to the six-time European champions. Even the prospect of fighting Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino for a place in Jurgen Klopp’s starting XI, which is easier said than done, doesn’t appear to faze a player not short on self-belief.
With 27 goals and 12 assists this season, including a pair of outstanding performances against Tottenham in the Champions League, you can see why Werner is backing himself.
That has not stopped McManaman expressing doubts about a man he feels could be a £52 million bench-warmer however.
“There’s people like Werner who has been linked with a move to the Premier League and Liverpool, but I do not know if he is ready for that step up yet,” said the former England and Real Madrid winger.
“He’s young, he’s quick, he’s got an eye for goal, he has played for his country.
“It would be great if Liverpool could acquire him just to strengthen the squad, he is only going to get better. Has he got the quality to usurp the front three? Probably not yet. But he is certainly one for the future.”
Maybe McManaman has a point. There are a few nagging doubts about how Werner, who is at his best through the middle, adapts to Jurgen Klopp’s system – which is set up more to suit a ‘false nine’ like Firmino rather than a Jamie Vardy-style speed-machine a la Werner.
Then again, if Liverpool are hoping to fight on multiple fronts again next season, some top-class quality in reserve could prove to be invaluable.
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