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Mario Gotze belongs at Liverpool

By Ethan Lowe

MUNICH, GERMANY - APRIL 30: Mario Goetze of Bayern Muenchen sits on the bench after his substitution during the Bundesliga match between Bayern Muenchen and Borussia Moenchengladbach at Allianz Arena on April 30, 2016 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Boris Streubel/Getty Images)
MUNICH, GERMANY - APRIL 30: Mario Goetze of Bayern Muenchen sits on the bench after his substitution during the Bundesliga match between Bayern Muenchen and Borussia Moenchengladbach at Allianz Arena on April 30, 2016 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Boris Streubel/Getty Images) /
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Mario Gotze belongs at Liverpool, and should look to move to Anfield this summer

Okay first, I want to address the people who are here simply to tell me why I’m wrong or biased. Yes, I am in fact a Liverpool fan, but I’m also a realist. I’d never say ‘Lionel Messi belongs at Liverpool’ because I couldn’t support that point – and let’s be serious, he’s far too good.

You’re likely thinking, “well obviously you’d think that, you’re a Liverpool fan“, but It was only two months ago that I wrote an article AGAINST the signing of Mario Gotze, which can be found here on FanSided’s Liverpool affiliate site – Rush the Kop.

That short while ago, we were linked with Mario Gotze rather loosely, and our only real supporting point was the fact we had Jurgen Klopp as our manager. Given Klopp’s existing relationship with Gotze back when the pair were at Borussia Dortmund, many believed the charismatic German boss could tempt his former prodigy to work with him again.

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As these rumours developed, reports began to surface about how the new Bayern Munich manager, Carlo Ancelotti, would look to offload Gotze upon his arrival. This article for the Daily Mail believes Carlo Ancelotti has already approved the decision to sell Gotze this summer, and Liverpool, Chelsea and Dortmund look set to battle it out for his signature.

Valued at around £20-25million, Mario Gotze looks sure to be a beneficial signing to either of those sides, but my opinions of this deal have changed dramatically over time. Originally, I regarded the transfer as a waste, arguing that Liverpool had plenty class in that position and would benefit more from strengthening other areas of the squad. Now, while I stand by that idea, I have realised that room could easily be made for Gotze at Liverpool.

Currently, Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Adam Lallana are the standard trio of attacking midfielders deployed in big games by Jurgen Klopp – who mainly sticks to a 4-2-3-1 formation. Coutinho and Firmino are brilliant, and adding Mario Gotze to this mix would be exceptional.

I believe Lallana would have to make way for Gotze, who would certainly restrict his opportunities here at Liverpool. I like Lallana, but I think as the younger option, Mario Gotze would be a big addition to Liverpool’s future.

My only doubt then is whether or not Jurgen Klopp will use three attacking midfielders, keeping the right and left players pushing out wide, or if he’ll look to bring in wingers more like Jordon Ibe and Lazar Markovic.

If he does look for wingers, then having Coutinho, Firmino and Gotze competing for that middle role would be some depth indeed, but all three are capable of covering one of the sides if needed.

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Mario Gotze belongs at Liverpool because he could become a real world-class name, helping push and develop and exciting Liverpool side back to glory. He’d reunite with Jurgen Klopp, and would be the forefront of Liverpool rejuvenation process. I think he’d be a perfect fit in a team looking to become even greater than before.

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