Nico Schlotterbeck shows Liverpool he can make Reds even better in one area
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Liverpool FC NewsTransfer NewsFIFA World CupLiverpool continues to be linked with a move for Nico Schlotterbeck, and the defender has shown the Reds one area he would certainly help improve if he did join this summerNico Schlotterbeck has been linked with a transfer to Liverpool this summer(Image: (Photo by RONALDO SCHEMIDT / AFP via Getty Images))Liverpool is set for a busy summer transfer window ahead, one that could see plenty of change occurring in the defensive line in particular.Exits have already been confirmed for Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate, the latter of whom came as a surprise when he failed to agree on a new contract at Anfield despite months of positive talks.While the impending arrival of Jeremy Jacquet this summer, combined with an injury return for Giovanni Leoni, should help alleviate any immediate concerns at center-back, there could still be some arrivals in the position this summer. One player who has been linked with a transfer to Liverpool is Nico Schlotterbeck, the Borussia Dortmund and Germany star who still has a bright future ahead of him.The 26-year-old emerged as a target earlier this year as the defender approached the final year of his contract with the Bundesliga club, but he signed a new deal with the club until 2031.While that seemingly ended all hope of a deal, there were reports that certain clubs could trigger a release clause worth $69.5 million, of which Liverpool could be one.Given the lack of immediate depth at center-back, a move for Schlotterbeck makes sense at Liverpool, while he showed exactly why in Germany's opening World Cup match against Curacao.Nico Schlotterbeck scored for Germany against Curacao(Image: (Photo by Steph Chambers - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images))The defender had little to do in a defensive aspect, as DFB-Team picked up a comprehensive 7-1 victory over the minnows, but it was the attacking areas that showed why he would be a valuable pick-up in the summer transfer window.It was Schlotterbeck who managed to rise highest from a corner to score Germany's second goal of the game, putting his side back in the lead after they were pegged back at 1-1.It's not a totally unfamiliar feeling for the 26-year-old, who has made quite the habit of scoring from set-pieces.Last season, Schlotterbeck found the back of the net five times in the Bundesliga, with only Luka Vuskovic scoring more during the campaign with six.If he were to join Liverpool, then it may only make the Reds better from set-pieces, something the team started to get better at through the season.Under Slot, the side scored the joint-third most in the division from attacking set-pieces, with 18 goals coming from them.
Only Arsenal (23), Manchester United (19), and Tottenham (19) managed to score more in the Premier League.Both Van Dijk and Konate contributed heavily to that figure, and while losing the latter could come as a huge blow, adding Schlotterbeck may only make Liverpool better.His five goals in the Bundesliga is the gap between Liverpool and Arsenal in terms of set-piece goals. It's an area of the game that has become increasingly important in the Premier League, and it's better if the Reds lean into it, rather than away.Luke ThrowerLuke Thrower is part of the Trends team at Football.London, with experience covering Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham.
He also holds a keen interest in covering tactical and statistical content as well as the business side of football.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCFIFA World Cup