Liverpool enter negotiations for Chelsea loan star – is he what they need?

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With Liverpool on the hunt for attacking reinforcements, an investment in one of Chelsea’s many promising attacking prospects may be a sensible decision.

The Metro are reporting that Liverpool have begun transfer talks with Chelsea over the signing of Eden Hazard’s brother and fellow Belgium international Thorgan Hazard.

The 21-year-old, who has just been voted Belgium’s Player of the Year, has enjoyed an outstanding season on loan at Zulte Waregem, scoring 16 goals in 50 games and leaving them on the cusp of Europa League qualification for the second season in a row.

He is also on standby for his country’s World Cup squad, and looks very much like he has a big future in the game.

Despite his promise, the younger Hazard would likely to struggle to find regular game time at Stamford Bridge next year, and for that reason may be available for either permanent or loan transfer this summer. The Metro claims Brendan Rodgers has already made his move, hoping to beat rivals Everton and Schalke to a deal.

But would Thorgan Hazard be the right signing for the Reds?

Like his older brother and reigning PFA Young Player of the Year Eden, Hazard is a winger/attacking midfielder that possesses speed, skill and an eye for goal. It is likely that a switch to a top European league next season will indicate if he can reach the heights of his more established sibling, but if he has even a fraction of Hazard Senior’s ability he will be an excellent player.

Liverpool like to play a versatile system that allows their wide midfielders to push up and play as wide forwards. Raheem Sterling has done this job superbly this year, while Daniel Sturridge has also occupied this role at times. Brazilian playmaker Coutinho can also play in this position, while Fabio Borini has impressed on loan at Sunderland. Another player on loan from Chelsea, Victor Moses, has struggled to have much of an impact at Anfield.

Below we will look at these five players and consider whether Hazard would be an improvement:

Clearly Daniel Sturridge comes out on top as a goal scorer and assister, but given his tendency to play more centrally as well, he can be disregarded. Sterling’s impressive season leaves him looking good when it comes to most statistics. Coutinho also has impressive stats, though may be disappointed with his goals ratio considering his ability and the fact he played more minutes than any other player. Borini looks much improved, though his weak passing accuracy and dribbling mean he may not quite make the grade in Liverpool’s Champions League matches. Victor Moses has struggled in his games this year, with no assists and just one goal, despite his other stats being reasonable.

In short, there is certainly room for another skilful attacking midfielder to come into this squad, the key thing is that that player will be able to affect the game and register goals and assists for the side. Hazard would be a viable option in this respect.