Liverpool may have one of the strongest teams in Europe but there are certain areas in the squad that need to be addressed in the near future.
And it is not a surprise that reports from L’Equipe (cited by Daily Mail) now claim that Liverpool have identified Toulouse defender Mathieu Goncalves as a possible understudy for Andrew Robertson at left-back.
Also attracting interests from Juventus, Goncalves is a summer transfer target for Liverpool. Who is he and what will he bring to Anfield?
Here is a SWOT analysis of the youngster, to try and understand if this deal makes sense for the Reds.
Strengths & Weaknesses
The Paris born 18-year old has been with the Toulouse academy since 2015 but only managed to break into the senior side earlier this season.
A left-back by trait, Mathieu Goncalves is a versatile player, who has been used in a centre-back role in the four Ligue 1 games he has played this season.
Known to be a strong and agile defender, who loves to put in crunching tackles, the Toulouse youngster is also strong in the air but it is his ability to read the game and stay a step ahead of his opponents that makes him a transfer target for Liverpool.
He is not the best of players with the ball at his feet but is usually effective with his progressive passes. He may be prone to mistakes under pressure but at his age, has a lot of time to improve his game.
His biggest strength remains his defensive stability but in a full-back role, he is also effective on the edge of the opposition box.
Goncalves’ injury history does not make for great reading but at just 18, he certainly has the potential to be a first-choice defender for a top club in Europe.
Opportunities
Having already earned a cap for the French U18 side, Mathieu Goncalves is regarded as one of the most impressive youngsters in his role.
He is not yet the first choice for his club but his ability to play across the backline makes him an asset Toulouse cannot lose.
Staying in France will certainly help him with game time but at Liverpool, he has the quality to join the first team in training and work his way to first-team opportunities.
As a back-up to Andrew Robertson on the left-flank or as a first-choice defender in cup games, Goncalves will surely get chances to prove himself.
Under a manager like Klopp, he will only grow as a player making this move a profitable one for all alike.
Threats
However, the quality at Liverpool will surely see him struggle to cement his place in the first team.
Klopp is not one to keep him out of the starting XI because of his age but lack of experience and exposure at the highest level could derail his chances of playing regularly.
He will be a part of the junior sides at Anfield but staying in France might even see him break into the first team at Toulouse.
But Liverpool are in search of versatile players who can cover for more than one position in the squad, which makes Mathieu Goncalves perfect for their needs.
This is certainly one story that could make the headlines come June.
