Brendan Rodgers could snap up Stuttgart sensation Alexandru Maxim…
Liverpool are being linked with Stuttgart’s young Romanian playmaker Alexandru Maxim, and could move for him when the transfer window reopens in January, reports Sabotage Times.
The 23-year-old has been in excellent form for the Bundesliga side, alerting a host of European clubs to his ability, and the Reds are keen to steal a march on the likes of Borussia Dortmund and Schalke.
Let’s take a look at what the midfielder could offer Brendan Rodgers’ high-flying side should they manage to sign him this winter…
Maxim’s traits, and where he could fit in at Anfield:
Maxim is a no.10 in the true sense of the word. He has played off the striker in all but one of Stuttgart’s Bundesliga matches this term, and has easily been their most influential player.
Like most good playmakers, he’s incredibly gifted with the ball at his feet, and comes alive when in possession in the final third. While he rarely tracks back defensively, his fantastic technique and ability to carve open defences with intricate passes makes him an affordable luxury for his side.
Physically, he is not the strongest, but players like David Silva, Juan Mata and Liverpool’s own Coutinho have showed that strength is a poor substitute for outstanding creative ability.
Since Coutinho has been injured, Liverpool have relied entirely upon the creative and goalscoring genius of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge. Maxim could play in tandem with Coutinho behind the front pairing, or act as a replacement or reserve option for Coutinho once the Brazilian returns from injury.
Maxim’s vital statistics:
The stats prove just how good Maxim’s been this term.
He’s scored four Bundesliga goals, and registered five assists already. He averages over three key passes per game, which shows how good his vision is, and his confidence in his ability to find his teammates.
He attempts 2.4 dribbles per game, which is more than any Reds player has averaged this term except Suarez, so would provide the team with another direct running option.
Maxim’s shooting accuracy has also been fantastic. He’s only attempted nine shots on goal, almost half of which have resulted in goals.
His defensive work leaves a little to be desired, however. Maxim’s only made one clearance all season, given away eight fouls, and made just ten tackles.
Maxim’s career so far:
Maxim was snapped up by La Liga club Espanyol as a youngster back in 2007, but he never made the grade with the Spanish team.
After a failed loan spell, he joined Romanian minnows Pandurii Targu Jiu, where he began to relish the chance to play regular first-team football.
His form encouraged Stuttgart to take a risk and sign him in January of this year for a tiny £1m fee.
Since making his debut in February, he has cemented himself as the team’s key creative influence, earning himself comparisons to Romanian legend Gheorge Hagi.
Here’s what Twitter has to say on about Maxim:
Alexandru Maxim has been involved in 9 of Stuttgart’s goals so far this season.
— Elliot (@Supremefootball) October 25, 2013
Alexandru Maxim. Cracking wee player. If Stuttgart did not have him they would be in bother, only creative player they had tonight.
— Gordon Turnbull (@GordonTurnbull5) October 25, 2013
Between Alexandru Maxim and Vlad Chiriches, Romanians finally have something to be excited about again.
— Cristian Nyari (@Cnyari) October 25, 2013
Alexandru Maxim is a good player. Snapped up from CS Pandurii last January. Only 23-years old; only cost €1.5m. One to keep an eye on.
— Llew Davies (@LlewAFC) October 20, 2013
Goal #Stuttgart! Alexandru #Maxim makes it 2-0. Where would Stuttgart be without their Romanian wizard? Best under-the-radar signing of Jan.
— DW – Sports (@dw_sports) September 29, 2013
Alexandru #Maxim looks more and more like a junior Georghe Hagi in training every time I see him play. A bargain at c.2 million euros, IIRC
— DW – Sports (@dw_sports) June 1, 2013
Here’s a highlight reel of the talented attacker in action:
