Russian football’s best young talent is undeniably Sardar Azmoun. The FC Rostov striker has been interesting Liverpool in recent months but should the Reds be considering a move for the talented youngster?
According to the Guardian back in November, Jurgen Klopp’s side were in pole position to sign the Asian star after his impressive performances for his club both domestically and in the Champions League – their inaugural campaign in the continent’s premier competition.
The Iran international’s future looks set to continue outside Russia in the coming years given his talent, but is he ready for the leap to England’s top-flight?
Klopp’s side already have numerous attacking options, but securing the potential of Azmoun would be a foolish move to simply overlook.
A January raid is unlikely to be welcomed by the Russian outfit, but the race for his signature in the summer should be one the Merseysiders win.
Here are FIVE reasons why Sardar Azmoun must become a Liverpool player…
‘Iranian Messi’
Let’s face it, putting the name ‘Lionel Messi’ into a sentence automatically makes the player in question an attractive proposition for supporters.
There’s no denying Azmoun’s ability and if the Iranian can produce anything near what Messi does, then shouldn’t Liverpool been keen to take a gamble on the 22-year-old?
Azmoun could end up like the ‘Egyptian Messi’ – Mohamed Salah – and prove a waste of money, however, but this player certainly has more potential than the former Chelsea man.
Adds strength in depth
As Danny Ings continues to struggle for fitness at Liverpool and Daniel Sturridge’s relationship with Jurgen Klopp somewhat turbulent, Azmoun’s move to Anfield makes sense.
The Iranian would add depth to the Reds’ squad and prepare them for the eventuality of European football.
For the Reds to be successful, they will need to add more quality throughout their squad and Azmoun ticks a number of boxes.
Mane replacement
Signing players with a short-term fix view is not an overly wise approach, and likely one Klopp won’t be overly keen on, but Liverpool need to solve the issue that is Sadio Mane’s absence through this month. The Senegalese star could be away until early February at the Africa Cup of Nations, which will leave the Reds short of options in some big games.
Azmoun, who can play on either flank or as a striker, would offer much cover and has the quality to step into the starting XI.
Youngest Iranian to play in the UCL
Arguably the most prestigious competition in world football, being in the Champions League shows that you’re a player at the very top of the game.
FC Rostov qualified for the tournament this season but were knocked out in a group containing both Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid, yet Azmoun featured regularly in all six of his team’s games and scored two goals.
International pedigree
Azmoun is already a full international with Iran. Now the majority of people will be asking: “What else would you expect?” However, more impressively, the player has scored 18 goals in just 22 games for his national team.
The Reds have the potential to grow their profile and open themselves up to many new supporters with the exposure Azmoun would bring them in his home region.