Liverpool may have another option to provide cover for Alexander Isak already within the squad.
According to James Wathland, Victor Muñoz is being considered as an option in the striker position, with the Spaniard reportedly showing some very encouraging signs in training.
In particular, Muñoz has impressed with his intelligent movement and positioning, while his ability to threaten the space behind defenders could make him an interesting option through the middle.
Muñoz could offer something different
Muñoz arrived at Liverpool as a player who can operate from wide areas, but his movement suggests he could potentially be utilised centrally by Andoni Iraola.
That’s particularly interesting given Liverpool’s current situation.
Alexander Isak is clearly the main man up front, but with Hugo Ekitike facing a lengthy absence, Liverpool have been looking at whether they need another number nine.
Perhaps the answer doesn’t necessarily have to be another signing.
Perhaps Muñoz could provide some of that cover.
His movement could be perfect for Iraola
One of the things that immediately stands out from this report is the reference to Muñoz’s movement.
For an Iraola team, that’s hugely important.
Liverpool want to play with intensity, press aggressively and attack space quickly.
A striker who is constantly looking to get in behind can stretch a defence and create opportunities for the players behind him.
Imagine Florian Wirtz picking up the ball between the lines and Muñoz immediately making a run beyond the centre-backs.
That is exactly the sort of movement that could cause problems.
Is he ready to be Isak’s deputy?
That’s the big question.
There’s a huge difference between looking impressive in training and being trusted to lead the line in a Premier League match.
Muñoz is still adapting to Liverpool and English football, so Iraola will have to decide how quickly he can be introduced into a more central role.
But the fact he’s already being considered an option is encouraging.
And with Liverpool potentially needing to manage Isak’s workload throughout a long season, having another player capable of playing through the middle could prove extremely valuable.
Liverpool may not need another striker after all
We’ve already discussed the possibility of Liverpool signing another number nine because of Ekitike’s injury.
But if Muñoz can convince Iraola that he is capable of providing genuine cover, Liverpool could potentially use their transfer budget elsewhere.
Barcola?
Mbaye?
Adam Wharton?
Another full-back?
There are still plenty of areas Liverpool could strengthen.
If Muñoz can provide striker cover, it could remove one more problem from Iraola’s list.
One to watch against Como
That’s why I’ll be particularly interested in watching Muñoz during Liverpool’s final pre-season fixtures.
We’ve already seen that he has pace and can cause problems from wide areas.
Now we’re hearing that he’s showing intelligent striker movement and a real threat in behind.
If he can demonstrate those qualities in a match situation, Liverpool may have discovered another useful weapon.
Isak remains Liverpool’s number one striker.
But perhaps Muñoz could become the player Iraola turns to when the Swedish international needs a rest.
And if that happens, it could be a very useful development for Liverpool.
Maybe the solution to Liverpool’s striker-depth problem is already at Anfield.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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