Liverpool reportedly turned down the chance to sign Holland international Van Aanholt from Premier League rivals Crystal Palace.
Andy Robertson might just be the best left-back in world football.
Sure, Jordi Alba, David Alaba and Marcelo might have something to say about that but can you really argue with 13 assists and a Champions League winners medal? Possibly not.
So as long as Robertson stays fit and healthy, Liverpool will continue to terrorise opposition right-backs on a weekly basis. But therein lies a potential pitfall.
Jurgen Klopp’s side remarkably went through the vast majority of a hugely successful 2018/19 season without suffering a serious, long-term injury to any of their star performers. But going into a new season with one albeit brilliant left-back is a risk, one they really didn’t need to take.
All it takes is a hamstring twang or a mistimed tackle and Robertson is on the sidelines. And who’s going to replace him? Alberto Moreno is gone and James Milner is hardly a specialist in the position, despite his well-deserved Mr Reliable moniker.
So Liverpool’s decision to snub Patrick Van Aanholt should raise a few concerns. According to The Sun (live blog, 10.30am) The Reds were given the chance to sign Crystal Palace’s rampaging Dutch international – but they’ve turned him down.
Now, this is not meant as a slight to any of the budding young left-backs in Liverpool’s academy but Yasser Larouci, despite some impressive pre-season displays, is just 18 years of age. Van Aanholt, however, is a Premier League veteran and one of the division’s most exciting widemen.
His swashbuckling style, not to mention an impressive goals and assists tally, means Van Aanholt looks like a full-back specially tailored for a Jurgen Klopp side.
Lets just hope, nay pray, that Robertson stays injury-free for the next 10 months. Because turning down Van Aanholt already feels like a decision The Reds could come to regret.
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