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Liverpool’s midfield and wings have been stretched in midfield over the past few weeks, with some fans asking that Liverpool may need another midfielder. Perhaps 20-year-old Filip Kostic, who can play as an attacking midfielder, though his favoured position is left midfield, could be an option? Not many will have heard about the Serbian under-19 international, but would be a shrewd move for The Reds.
Liverpool appear to be changing to a 3-5-2, moving away from the popular 4-2-3-1. This formation accommodates Suarez and Sturridge well, and has proved to give the side good balance. If the change in formation continues, it’s unlikely a move for Kostic would materialise. If it did, the Serbian midfielder would have to adjust to a new position. Jose Enrique currently plays as a left wing back, and if Kostic were to play there, he’d offer a very different option to the Spaniard. He’s a quicker player who likes to dribble and beat players. This is the area where Kostic has made his name in Holland. Completing 33 take-ons in just nine games for his club FC Groningen this season – the most in the Dutch league.
It could be argued Kostic has such impressive take on stats as the defenders in the Dutch league are not of the same quality as Premier League defenders. This popular opinion may have substance, but Kostics’ ability to beat a player won’t be lost when moving to a new club. There are some areas he needs to work on, though. With a pass success rate of just 71%, Kostic would need to become tidier in possession to win a place in Rodgers’ fluent team.
He has good defensive qualities that could see him succeed in the left wing-back role. Winning the 15th most tackles in the division, Kostic has been successful with 80% of his tackles (24). Compare this to Enrique who has played seven games, but only managed to complete seven tackles.
Kostic Chances Created
With seven key passes and three assists, the Serbian clearly has creative qualities too. The ability to beat a player and also defend well means, on paper, he looks like he could adapt to a left wing back role in a 3-5-2. Kostic may be talented and have potential to play for a big club in the future, but at the moment he could struggle to impress in the Premier League. In a much less competitive Dutch league, he is yet to really shine. Given a few more years to try and conquer the Eredivisie, Kostic could then set his sights on a move to a bigger club like Liverpool.
