Steven Gerrard talks up Liverpool's Nicolo Barella move with Jude Bellingham comparison
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has given his approval to the club's pursuit of Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella by praising his recent performance against Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham. The 26-year-old Italian was the engine behind Inter's dominant 2-0 win over rivals AC Milan in the Champions League semi-final first leg, producing an impressive display that underlined his reported €70 million (£62 million) price tag.
Gerrard, who now manages Scottish club Rangers, praised Barella before the game, citing his performance against England during Euro 2024 qualifying in March. "He's creative, he can nick important goals," Gerrard said. "I watched him against England in Naples and he was involved in all parts of the game. He did really well against the England midfield - Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice. He's at a good age as well, coming into his prime."
Bellingham's England won the game 2-1, with Barella being substituted shortly after the hour mark. However, the Italian midfielder left a lasting impression on Gerrard and other pundits, including former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch. Crouch highlighted Barella's performances in the quarter-final win over Benfica, during which he scored in both legs to help Inter reach the semi-finals.
"There's many, many admirers, Liverpool being one at the moment," Crouch said of Barella's potential suitors. Indeed, Liverpool have long been linked with the player, and their interest in him has reportedly grown since they abandoned their pursuit of Bellingham. Reports in La Gazzetta dello Sport suggest that Inter may be forced to sell Barella in the summer transfer window if they fail to finish in the top four of Serie A or win the Champions League, either of which would secure them qualification to Europe's premier competition next season.
Liverpool are not the only club interested in Barella, however. Paris Saint-Germain are also said to be monitoring the situation, with Marco Verratti's future at the club potentially opening up a midfield vacancy. Regardless of who ultimately lands Barella's signature, it is clear that he is a highly sought-after player with a bright future ahead of him.
For Liverpool, Barella could be the ideal addition to a midfield that has lacked dynamism and creativity in recent seasons. The club's decision to abandon their pursuit of Bellingham, widely regarded as one of the brightest young talents in European football, suggests that they are looking for a more established player who can make an immediate impact. Barella fits the bill perfectly, with his ability to both create and score goals making him a valuable asset to any team.
Of course, signing Barella will not be easy, given the reported competition for his signature and the size of his price tag. However, Liverpool have shown in the past that they are willing to spend big on players who can improve their squad, and Barella certainly fits that criteria. With Klopp looking to rebuild his team after a disappointing season, the addition of a player of Barella's quality could be just what Liverpool need to get back to competing for major honours.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0