‘Imposing’ Bundesliga Defender Tipped to be on Liverpool’s Transfer Radar | OneFootball

Piero Hincapié and His Anfield Audition

Key moments in elite level football can be critical to the trajectory of a professional career, shaping the pathway and ceiling that can be attained by explosive professionals. Regarding the reds own infectious Uruguayan, Darwin Núñez, he was evidently able to convince Liverpool’s former Liverpool manager, Jürgen Klopp, following a brilliant display for his former club Benfica, one where he battled admirably against the best defender on the planet, Virgil van Dijk.

That performance (in the Champions League) enabled a £85m move to be made in the very next summer of 2022, as the great German appeared to overrule the recruitment teams desire to sign Christopher Nkunku, a brilliant forward who eventually landed at Chelsea. Though I doubt Arne Slot would have the internal sway to orchestrate a deal for anyone at this early stage in his Anfield tenure, I suspect that one player in particular would have been coveted by the reds new Sporting Director, Richard Hughes (as well as his team of analytical wizards), in the build up to Bayer Leverkusen’s recent visit to Merseyside.

Photo: IMAGO

Though many targets and scouting protocols will be built upon pure data analysis, the eye test is still a vital element of recruitment that will eventually need to be undertaken by the manager or head coach.

On that Tuesday evening (just ten days ago), Xabi Alonso brought his reigning Bundesliga champions back to his former club, Liverpool, with a desire to make an impression on those that may one day become his managerial employers. The likes of Victor Boniface, Florian Wirtz, and Jeremie Frimpong, are all assets that would have been closely looked upon during the reds 4-0 win.

The result was emphatic and none of the above listed trio shone during the mauling under the famous Anfield lights. One man, however, may have been watched far more closely than any other, as he put in the kind of strong performance that could well secure a winter bid from the red’s Sporting CEO, Michael Edwards.

Piero Hincapié

Age – 22-years old (DOB 09/01/2002)

Nationality – Ecuadorian

Current Club – Bayer Leverkusen

Playing Positions – LCB / LB

Height – 6ft 0inches

Weight – 76kg

Appearances – 164 games

Career Goals & Assists – 5 / 3

International Caps & Goals – 41 games / 3 goals

Contract Expiry – June 30 – 2027

Transfermarkt Value – €40m

Projected Cost – €55m

Photo: IMAGO

The need for a left sided defender at Anfield has been clear now for 18-months, even under the previous regime. The regression of Andy Robertson’s physical capabilities has allowed Kostas Tsimikas more and more game time, however, neither left back is close to the elite level required, therefore, the signing of a more defensively oriented entity would offer more stability.

The requirements of the new Dutch overlord point to a full back that can create a back three in transition, thereby allowing more offensive freedom to Trent Alexander Arnold on the right. As a versatile defender that is very confident on the ball, Piero Hincapié represents the perfect fit for what is needed and his very fine performance against the reds own superstar, Mohamed Salah (in the recent Champions League outing) perhaps adds more fuel to an Ecuadorian fire that could see the aggressive player arrive on Merseyside.

As a commanding and physically imposing player, his one-on-one attributes and ability to dominate aerially would create a far more powerful rearguard. The depth in the central areas would automatically become richer, whereas the starting back four unit would immediately become an elite level group that could further solidify this coordinated team.

Ultimately, the need for transition should be a never-ending challenge for the LFC hierarchy, one that should see all areas housing the players can aid in the delivery of silverware. Though the Scotland international skipper, Robbo, would remain a sound rotation option in the squad, his sporadic showings and vulnerability (as shown against Arsenal) simply means the time to source a replacement has arrived.

The shortlist for viable replacements will not be a long one and I would imagine the name of Bayer Leverkusen’s combative defender, Piero Hincapié, will sit very high on that list.