Thursday, August 04, 2011

Liverpool Switch Attention To Dutch International To Help Fill Problem Area

Liverpool’s reported search for a first choice left back has reportedly led to PSV Eindhoven’s Erik Pieters. Anfield boss Kenny Dalglish is said to have expressed an interest in the adaptable 23 year old who can also effectively fill the centre back berth, another area that the Merseyside club may look to strengthen as defensive frailties became all to clear during recent pre-season matches.

Pieters has been a regular at the Philips Stadion since his arrival at the club from FC Utrecht back in 2008 and has been a virtual ever present at left back for the Dutch national team following the retirement of veteran Giovanni van Bronckhorst following the 2010 World Cup.

The powerfully built 23 year old defender may well be tempted by a move to the Premier League club, not least as PSV have had a few lean years, with three seasons outside the Eredivisie top two which could be considered a big drop in form given that the Eindhoven club won the domestic title for the four previous campaigns.

Liverpool have been linked with a number of prospective purchases to help fill the left back spot, Gael Clichy was reportedly approached by the Arsenal man chose to join Man City. Newcastle United full back Jose Enrique may feel even more compelled to leave St James’ Park after the club chose to transfer list Joey Barton but the Magpies are thought to want a substantial fee for the Spaniard who has just one year left on his current contract.

A move for Pieters may be more cost effective and perhaps the fact that his international team-mate Dirk Kuyt is already at the club will aid any potential move.

Liverpool used a number of players in the left back role last term and Dalglish is seemingly not too enamored with the options in his current squad. Paul Konchesky has left for Leicester City, Emilio Insua and Fabio Aurelio have not impressed and youngster Jack Robinson at 17 is probably too young for regular Premier League action.

No comments: