In 2019, Saul Niguez was one of the most valuable midfielders on the planet.
He had been one of La Liga’s excellent players and covered all positions from left back to right wing when Atletico Madrid finished eight points ahead of city rivals Real. His combative, energetic style gained admirers across the continent, and Atleti forced both Manchester clubs to rise a fee as close to his € 150 million release clause as possible.
But in the end, a move was not realized. And while Atleti have risen again to conquer Real, Barcelona and the whole of La Liga, it is fair to say that Saul has been left in the dust.
He played more often than he was about to win the title last semester, but his performances were a shadow of what they had been in recent years. So much so that he is completely overlooked for Spain’s squad.
In Diego Simeone’s new appearance, usually a 4-3-3 focused on getting the best out of Luis Suarez, he saw an uncomfortable fit, never really sure of his role. And this led to him playing only 2,673 minutes; his lowest total since 2014/15, and more than 1,500 fewer than last season.
With Rodrigo De Paul’s arrival from Udinese, it begins to seem like the end of an era for Saul at Atletico. Simeone would be prepared to keep him, but recent reports indicate that he is keen on a fresh start and that the club will not stand in his way.
Reported LFC goal Saul back in 2020:
“Maybe some do not value Henderson as highly as Wijnaldum, Keita or Fabinho, but I think he is the one who brings that team together. He is an example in so many aspects of the game. ” [Mail] pic.twitter.com/AvK6hqhuge
– The Anfield Talk (@TheAnfieldTalk) July 8, 2021
When the news breaks, it’s no surprise to hear that Liverpool’s ears have picked up. Rumors abound that they are putting together an offer of around € 40 million (£ 33.6 million) to test Atleti’s determination, and although it is believed that Rojiblancos expects offers that are larger than that, the economy is tight and Saul’s share is on a full-time low.
40 million euros is not a million miles away.
Liverpool have built their ascent to the top around careful investigation to find value where their rivals do not see it, but for Saul’s case, their job has been easy. His form may have waned last season, and at 26 he may not have the resale value he once did, but this is a player of undeniable quality who has a history of winning trophies and mixing it with the best in the world.
Return to this Saúl Ñíguez solo effort …
Not many people can walk through a Bayern Munich team? Pic.twitter.com/G39lykyHpo
– 90min (@ 90min_Football) 19 February 2021
In addition, he is a warrior. It was not so long ago that he literally put blood to play for Atletico Madrid, and the unwavering desire to run through brick walls for his club will make Jurgen Klopp rub his hands to deal with him.
Saul is exactly what Liverpool need.
A dynamic, energetic, dextrous midfielder who rarely gives the ball away, he is one of the few players on the planet with skill and personality who replaces Georginio Wijnaldum. If he can be signed at an affordable price, he should definitely be.
He may not be the player he was in 2019, but he is still a couple of years from his peak. A fresh start in the Premier League, under a manager who knows the value of his best attributes unlike any other, can only be the ticket to get him back to that level.
