3 reasons Liverpool must make Man City ace #1 January target

Reds lining up move for Spain legend

He may be captain of one of Europe’s most talented sides, but recent reports suggest Liverpool are setting their sights on an ambitious move for Manchester City ace David Silva.

The Reds occupy fifth spot in the Premier League, but their top-four ambitions could be thwarted by a poor away record – with just eight points from six games on the road so far.

Improving that form on the road is one of three key reasons the Coral News Team think the Spain international would be the ideal fit for the Anfield club…

Silva’s biggest impact comes away from home

As mentioned above, Liverpool’s main problems this term have come away from home. They’ve come away with just two wins from six Prem games on their travels, and were dumped out of the Carabao Cup by Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.

On paper at least, Silva would be the perfect antidote to those woes. The 31-year-old has been especially effective away from home for City, with his precision passing and neat crosses extremely useful as part of a counter-attacking system on the road.

In fact, since the beginning of last season, 12 of his 20 assists for the Sky Blues have come in away games – as did five of the player’s eight goals last season.

With Jurgen Klopp’s men employing a broadly similar tactical approach on their travels, signing the Citizens ace could mean more victories like the one at Maribor, and fewer nights like that one at Leicester…

Spaniard has vital trophy-winning and European experience

For all the quality in their squad – and there is a great deal of it – Liverpool are light on players who have lifted major silverware on these shores, and guys with experience of the Champions League’s latter stages.

Not only are the Reds trying to rectify an 11-year streak in which they’ve lifted just a solitary League Cup trophy (in 2012). But they’re also looking to push on in Europe long-term – having all-but-secured a place in the knockout stages this term.

As for Silva, he’s lifted five major trophies since joining City in 2010, playing a crucial role in victorious FA Cup and League Cup finals – as well as two Premier League triumphs.

The Arguineguin native also recorded goals and/or assists in the UCL knock-out stages in four different seasons – for City and Valencia respectively. That European record could also prove vital to a comparatively inexperienced Reds’ side finding their way on the continent’s biggest stage.

Reds could be the place for long-term game time

Having started every Premier League game so far this season, it’s unlikely we’ll see Silva lose his place at the Etihad this term. But the 31-year-old isn’t guaranteed a spot forever.

City’s squad has changed fairly drastically year-on-year, with the old guard gradually being fazed out. Joe Hart was let go by Pep Guardiola after more than a decade of service, while 34-year-old Yaya Toure – the four time African Footballer of the Year – has played just 29 minutes of Prem football in this campaign.

The club spent £10m on Brazilian central midfielder Douglas Luiz in the summer, and with the 19-year-old impressing on loan at Girona, there’s reason to believe he’ll be earmarked as Silva’s long-term replacement.

By contrast, Liverpool are in need of a dynamic central midfielder, to fit alongside the workmanlike-but-unspectacular Jordan Henderson. One would imagine that if Silva arrives in January, it could be the start of something great for the player and the Anfield giants.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing