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Liverpool reportedly have “concrete interest” in Chelsea defender Levi Colwill and is their main defensive target this summer.

The 20-year-old spent last season on loan at Brighton, before winning the Euro Under-21 Championship with England alongside Liverpool players Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott at the weekend.

Colwill made 24 appearances across all competitions for the Seagulls, featuring both at centre-back alongside Lewis Dunk and at left-back in the absence of Pervis Estupinan.

Despite the lack of first-team experience, Colwill’s quality and potential was clear to see if you watched him over the past year.

A solid defender who is more than comfortable with the ball at his feet, which is a hugely important trait in Jurgen Klopp’s back line.

Chelsea reportedly value the youngster at around £75million, which admittedly seems far too expensive for a player with just 24 senior appearances at this level.

However, reports suggest that Liverpool would be willing to spend a large amount on Colwill as they see him as a long-term star in Klopp’s side.

The Reds are expected to be willing to pay around £50million for the versatile defender, with the English youngster desperate to be guaranteed game time.

Why do Liverpool want Colwill?

With the increasing uncertainty surrounding Joel Matip and Joe Gomez’s future at Anfield, Colwill would be a smart purchase for the Reds at the right price.

The Reds have reportedly been looking at multiple left-footed defenders this summer, with the likes of Goncalo Inacio and Micky Van De Ven also being linked with a move to Merseyside already.

I expect this to mainly be down to the change in tactical approach by Jurgen Klopp, which saw Andy Robertson almost playing as a left sided defender in a back three when Trent Alexander-Arnold pushes on into midfield.

Colwill would be the perfect option due to his versatility, being capable of slotting into left-back out of possession and transform into a back three when attacking.

Is Colwill good enough for Liverpool?

There is no doubt that Levi Colwill has the potential ability to become a star at Liverpool, but there is always going to be doubts over a player with such a lack of experience.

Below are Colwill’s defensive statistics per 90 minutes, compared to Liverpool’s two starting defenders in Virgil Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.

Levi Colwill:

  • Tackles- 0.59 (3rd)
  • Dribblers challenged- 0.66 (2nd)
  • Blocks- 0.37 (3rd)
  • Interceptions- 1.11 (2nd)
  • Clearances- 2.73 (3rd)

Virgil Van Dijk:

  • Tackles- 0.78 (2nd)
  • Dribblers challenged- 0.58 (3rd)
  • Blocks- 0.71 (2nd)
  • Interceptions- 0.89 (3rd)
  • Clearances- 4.05 (1st)

Ibou Konate:

  • Tackles- 2.19 (1st)
  • Dribblers challenged- 1.49 (1st)
  • Blocks- 0.80 (1st)
  • Interceptions- 1.34 (1st)
  • Clearances- 3.58 (2nd)

Summary:

These defensive stats suggest that Colwill may have some improvement to make in that part of his game, but that will only improve with more time and experience.

Colwill’s potential is clear to see and in fairness his numbers over the past year aren’t far behind those of Virgil Van Dijk, but I think that speaks volumes of the Dutchman’s poor form last season.

If Liverpool were to negotiate a price of around £50million for the 20-year-old, then I think it would be a good signing for the Reds.

Especially considering other English defenders such as Ben White and Aaron Wan-Bissake have all moved to big clubs for similar fees.

Anything over that, heading towards the £60million mark would be a huge risk and could put the overall rebuild of Liverpool’s squad at risk.

Before Liverpool make any moves for players, the club would need to sell a few players like Nathaniel Phillips and Tyler Morton to raise some funds.

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