Rafael Benitez is a big fan of defender Daryl Janmaat, who has just been linked with a move to Liverpool.
TeamTalk suggest that Liverpool could sign the free agent defender in January, as they look to bolster their options at the back following an injury crisis.
Liverpool are without Virgil van Dijk, Fabinho, Joe Gomez and Trent Alexander-Arnold currently, which has led to serious concerns forming.
The Reds are now expected to enter the market in January, with Janmaat believed to be a potential option.
And if Liverpool do bring in Janmaat he will come with a recommendation from former Reds boss Benitez, who worked with the full-back at Newcastle United.
“I told him the other day that, if he is here, he is a player that I like,” he said to Sky Sports back in 2016.
“He is a good professional and I don’t have any problem.”
Benitez actually went on to sell Janmaat and bring in DeAndre Yedlin at Newcastle, but his comments do at least provide Liverpool with some confidence that the Dutchman could be a solid addition.
Former Newcastle boss John Carver is also another one of Janmaat’s big fans.
“As a wing-back Daryl would have fitted into the system nicely,” he told the Daily Mail.
“He’s a top, top player. We lost a top player in Mathieu Debuchy but replaced him with an exceptional player. That’s good news.
“He’s been the most consistent player for us this season and is a great character.
“He is a good defender and likes playing on the front foot and he gives you real quality going forward.”
The fact that Janmaat’s professionalism and character has been praised from two different sources should be music to Liverpool’s fans’ ears.
The experienced defender will need to get used to playing a reserve role, but given his past conduct, he seems like the perfect player to slot into Liverpool’s group without kicking up much of a fuss over a lack of game time.
While Janmaat may not be the most high profile of names or highest quality of target, he is a player who is capable of playing right across the backline.
And with Jurgen Klopp’s options so limited right now, that versatility could come in very useful as the campaign progresses.
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