Eredivisie Hunting Ground
Liverpool have reportedly been scouting Feyenoord midfielder Quinten Timber, according to reports from 90min.
The Reds previously made four midfield signings in the summer window, with Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szobozslai, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo all arriving on Merseyside.
However, it looks like Klopp may be looking to further strengthen the midfield in upcoming transfer windows.
Today we’re going to take a deeper look at Quinten Timber and why Jurgen Klopp could be interested in the player.
Who is Quinten Timber?
Quinten Timber is a 22-year-old central midfielder, currently playing for Feyenoord in the Eredivisie.
Timber is a rather versatile option in the midfield, but is most often deployed as a box-to-box style number eight.
However, he has also previously played as a defensive midfielder as well as a more advanced option in the classic number ten role.
The midfielder is the twin brother of Jurrien Timber, who joined Arsenal in the summer window from Ajax.
Timber has started all eight games for Feyenoord so far this season, scoring one goal and assisting three.
In total, he has made 40 appearances for Feyenoord across all competitions, scoring four goals and assisting six.
The 22-year-old has also represented the Netherlands at every youth level, including 14 appearances for the Netherlands Under-21’s.
The youngster has a rather patchy injury record though, missing 47 games since the start of the 2020/21 season.
Why Would Klopp Want Him?
Timber would definitely fit the bill in the style of midfielders that Klopp has started to show interest in.
The 22-year-old is very mobile but also provides a strong and physical presence in the middle of the pitch, which has sometimes been missing from Liverpool’s performances this season.
I personally see Timber becoming an option in the squad in the role that is currently occupied by 30-year-old Wataru Endo.
Obviously Endo could prove to be a valuable servant this season as a rotational option, but Timber would definitely offer a much more long-term solution and also has a much higher ceiling in terms of potential.
Transfermarkt currently values the 22-year-old at approximately £8million, but a move for the Dutch youngster would likely cost upwards of £25million.
Looking at the Numbers:
When looking deeper at Timber’s statistics from the past year, you can really see just how well-rounded he is as a player.
He looks defensively solid, averaging 2.21 tackles per 90 minutes as well as 1.20 blocks and 0.72 interceptions.
However, it’s actually his progressive statistics that are the most impressive department of his figures.
Timber averages 2.09 key passes and 5.08 progressive passes per 90 minutes, as well as an astonishing 4.24 shot creating actions.
It’s not just his passing and creative ability that is clear to see, but it’s also how productive he is whilst driving with the ball at his feet.
The youngster averages 3.11 progressive carries and 2.39 carries into the final third per 90 miniutes.
Those attributes are incredibly valuable for a midfielder and would work an absolute treat in a Jurgen Klopp side.
It offers a direct outlet to relieve pressure and move the team up the pitch quickly, in a similar way to what Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szobozslai have been doing so far this season to great effect.
Summary:
Overall, I think this could prove to be a really smart piece of transfer business from Liverpool and would certainly be a step in the right direction in the long-term.
I still think Liverpool would need that signature signing to slot into the defensive midfield role, but Quinten Timber could prove to be a high potential option that could really compete for a spot in the side.
