If Liverpool are looking for a replacement for Emre Can would Southampton’s Mario Lemina or Victor Wanyama of Tottenham be the best option?
Liverpool are on the hunt for a replacement for Emre Can, who is expected to leave on a free transfer this summer, and according to the Mirror that has lead them to Victor Wanyama of Tottenham Hotspur.
However, French publication L’Equipe reports it is Southampton’s Mario Lemina that manager Jurgen Klopp wants to sign at the end of the season.
So who would be best?
Can has risen to prominence at Anfield under Klopp as the defensive centre of a three-man midfield and therefore whoever replaces the German would need to have discipline and the ability to break up play.
Arguably Naby Keita, whom the Reds are signing from RB Leipzig this summer, could fill that role but when comparing Lemina and Wanyama it is the latter who fits the bill better.
That is because the Saints ace, who joined from Juventus in 2017, is more of a box-to-box option and while the Gabon international’s work rate in the middle would suit Klopp, arguably the 24-year-old is not defensively-minded enough.
Lemina could complement Keita if played together, but as a straight replacement for Can the physicality and resolve Wanyama has shown for Spurs in front of the back four makes the Kenyan the better option.
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