Liverpool transfer of £26m Argentina star makes sense as Jürgen Klopp seeks midfield solution

 Liverpool have been linked with a January transfer move for Real Betis and Argentina star Guido Rodríguez

as Jürgen Klopp looks to address his side's midfield woe

If there is one thing Liverpool need more than anything else, it is another midfielder or two. And the transfer market might be the only answer.

Following injuries to the likes of Naby Keïta, Curtis Jones, Thiago Alcântara, Jordan Henderson and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jürgen Klopp made a deadline-day move for Juventus star Arthur Melo. However, the Brazil international could not have been more unlucky since arriving on Merseyside and now finds himself facing a lengthy absence through injury.

The Reds' mixed start to the 2022/2023 campaign has highlighted the need for additions, with Klopp and co well aware of the early points gap emerging between themselves and early Premier League pace-setters Arsenal and Manchester City.

With a host of midfielders, including the likes of Jude Bellingham, Ismaël Bennacer, Youri Tielemans and Marcelo Brozović, linked with a move to Anfield, one name that supporters may not be too familiar with is Argentina star Guido Rodríguez.

Liverpool and Everton are set to battle it out for the January transfer window addition of the Real Betis man, according to Fichajes.

So, who is Rodríguez and what would he bring to Liverpool? We take a look below at the gifted technician, who recently netted a sublime effort in Betis' recent Europa League win against AS Roma.

Often found operating in a double midfield pivot at Betis or with his national side, Rodríguez offers defensive solidity and is more than capable with the ball at his feet.

His presence provides the likes of Sergio Canales with greater freedom to impact games in forwards areas, something that may benefit the abundance of attacking players at Anfield.

Rodríguez is blessed with natural power and pace, enabling him to navigate the pitch with ease and undoubtedly has an eye for goal, as shown at the Stadio Olimpico.

Such a description can potentially be likened to one of Reds midfielder Fabinho. Whilst the Brazilian completed a greater volume of passes (52.2 per 90 minuntes compared to 44.2 per 90), Rodríguez can be deemed as a more threatening passer with his passes travelling a greater distance forwards distance (245.9 yards). (Statistics from 2021/2022 season).

Such a view can be complemented by Rodríguez providing 1.62 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes compared to Fabinho's 1.52 per 90min. Furthermore, Rodríguez could be deemed the stronger defensive force as he attempted more tackles (3.20 per 90min), pressures (22.6 per 90 minutes) and blocks (2.17).

Transfer context

Fichajes' report states that Betis managed to retain Rodríguez's services last year in spite of enquiries from 'several Premier League clubs' amid his 'impeccable performances'.

Though, they may now be more open to facilitating his departure with Rodríguez's looking unlikely to sign a new deal at the Benito Villamarín Stadium. His current contract expires in 2024.

According to Transfermarkt, the Argentine's current market value is £22.5m. In the event of his departure, Los Verdiblancos are asking for around €30m (£26m), Fichajes say.

That would represent a massive profit on the nominal fee they paid two years ago, but for a club like Liverpool in need of a midfielder, it might just be worth it.