Ibrahima Conate is gaining interest from Real Madrid and Virgil van Dick, so certainly there are no more spring chickens. It wasn’t a surprise to see Liverpool throwing a hat into the ring for Bournemouth defender Dean Huysen.
The young centre-back has shown himself to be one of Europe’s most exciting defenders, and thus attracted the attention of many suitors on the continent.
The move, which owns a £50 million release clause that can be paid in three installments, felt like an easy thing for top European clubs, but Liverpool sadly missed his signature.
Certainly, it was announced on Saturday that Madrid had agreed to a contract to take the 20-year-old to the Bernabeu this summer.
So who can the Reds target instead?
Liverpool can sign an amazing Huyssen alternative
At this point, it appears that Liverpool’s radar has several defenders. ArneSlot is not only keen on strengthening at the heart of defense, but also eager to fullbacks.
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Jeremy Fripon appears poised to sign as a replacement for Trent Alexander Arnold, but there are several candidates who have taken Andy Robertson out of two names, including Milos Kerkez and Rayan Ait Noli, on the left-back.
As far as options at centre-back are concerned, starting the move for Ajax Sensation Jorrel Hato helped us get over Huijsen’s setback.
It’s through Gibemesport, who claims that the pigeon is “one of Liverpool’s highly regarded players,” and according to Fabrizio Romano, “Let’s see what Arsenal does too,” Gunner is interested.
Liverpool, who reportedly reportedly rates the 19-year-old at around £42 million, may have to pay Huijsen a similar price.
How does Hato compare with Huijsen?
In Scout Jacek Kulig’s words, the teenager is “one of Europe’s most talented CBS.” It’s certainly praised, but what makes him so special?
As data analyst Ben Matinson points out, Dutchman is an “exceptional athlete” who can “carry through the line” and can do it just like Huijsen.
They have a very similar profile, but Hato has one extra plus point, which can be played on the left back and in the middle.
Left-footed player, it’s not surprising he sees such a high demand. Not only has he managed to replace Robertson, he is also a powerful long-term alternative to Van Dick.
Hato vs Huijsen – League only in 2024/25 | ||
|---|---|---|
Stat (per 90 minutes) | dislike | house |
Passing success rate | 89% | 83.5% |
Key Pass | 0.65 | 0.54 |
Progressive Pass | 4.24 | 4.96 |
Progressive Carry | 1.37 | 1.55 |
A successful take-on | 0.25 | 0.08 |
The tackle won | 1.29 | 1.01 |
Ball recovery | 4.53 | 3.91 |
A duel won | 1.83 | 2.56 |
Statistics via FBREF. | ||
Huijsen beats the young Dutch International for progressive passes and carry, but here there are some important wins for Hato.
Carries are considered progressive if the ball moves from the starting point towards the opponent’s goal at least 10 yards or more, or is carried into the penalty area.
He is especially sharper, making more take-ons and completing a higher percentage of passes. Hato is also a natural shuttler, completing more ball recovery per 90 minutes.
This should not be forgotten that even at his early age, Ajax was also a player who captained. It is truly amazing that the Dutch side believes him so much.
If Liverpool is looking for a future Vandik alternative, considering the pigeon boasts natural leadership skills, he checks all the boxes here for slots and Co.
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