Exclusive: Liverpool to sign star that will 'excel' under Arne Slot | OneFootball

It looks like Lutsharel Geertruida is coming to Liverpool, and it is time for supporters to get excited.

The Dutchman played under Arne Slot at Feyenoord, and negotiations are underway between the Reds, Sunderland and RB Leipzig to get a deal over the line before the window closes.

Capable of playing at right-back, centre-back and as a holding midfielder, the 25-year-old will add some much-needed depth to Slot’s side as they look to get back to their best.

Although Geertuida has made 17 Premier League appearances this season, many supporters still aren’t quite sure what to expect from Liverpool’s imminent arrival, but an expert on Dutch football has revealed exactly why the Anfield faithful should be buzzing.

Geertruida will ‘excel’ under Slot

Speaking to Anfield Watch, FootballTransfers Netherlands data journalist Willem Leijgraf has given some insight into exactly what Liverpool supporters can expect from Geertuida at Liverpool.

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“Slot knows exactly how to use Geertruida and make him excel, based on their time together at Feyenoord. Geertruida was used as a modern right back,” Leijgraf told Anfield Watch. “In this role he pushed into the midfield in possession to have an extra man there and dominate.”

This role will ring a bell for Reds, who got used to seeing Trent Alexander-Arnold drift into the midfield with great success in his final couple of seasons in Merseyside.

Although Geertruida is being added to reinforce the defence, he also has plenty to offer going forward.

“At Feyenoord Geertruida played a major role in the build-up play. He was also very involved in the attack, with underlapping and overlapping rushes, and being present in the halfspaces.”

Leijgraf even added that the Dutchman can still support the attack when being deployed as a central defender, something he has shown at Sunderland this season.

Is Geertruida a long-term option for Liverpool?

Although reports seem to suggest that the defender will initially be joining the Reds on loan, it is entirely possible their will be a buy-clause inserted into the deal.

Sunderland reportedly had a €23 million option to buy in their deal, and Hughes will no doubt be pushing for a similar figure in Liverpool’s agreement.

When asked about Geertuida’s long-term prospects at Anfield, Leijgraf said:

“Considering the presence of Frimpong, I can see why Geertruida together with a type of player like Frimpong can be a great way to fill in the right wing back-position.

“Geertruida has the potential to be a long-term option for Liverpool, where he definitely can be a good fit under Slot.”