Fast, powerful, and inventive – Domenico Berardi was incredible for Sassuolo this season and has followed it up by performing well at the Euros for Italy with 2 assists in the first two games for the Azurri.
Sure enough, this has led to several clubs being interested in the forward, with Liverpool leading the charge for the Italian’s signature.
Why does Liverpool need Berardi?
Liverpool fought off criticism towards the end of the season as they finished 3rd in the Premier League and secured European qualification, something most people believed they could not achieve due to lack of goal-scorers and an able defence.
However, Jurgen Klopp & co proved the doubters wrong and now have the chance to attract some of the best talent around. While Liverpool do not really need players in any position, Roberto Firmino’s poor form in the past two seasons has been an eye-opener for a lot of the Anfield faithful. Diogo Jota was bought last summer to make up for that deficiency, however, the Portuguese has turned out to be injury-prone, while there are also doubts regarding Sadio Mane’s consistency in front of goal.
This is exactly why Liverpool need a player like Domenico Berardi, who can not only supplement the attack but give them a new dimension while going forward.
The Italian has scored over 100 goals for Sassuolo over the last 6 six seasons, with the Italian coming into life this season by scoring 17 goals and providing a further 8 assists in 30 Serie A appearances. A right-winger by nature, Berardi can float across all areas of the midfield, while he can also press the opposition, something he has shown under Mancini in the Italy set up while Klopp would also be a huge admirer of this quality.
He is also taking 4 shots a game, a stat you would not associate with an Italian winger. However, the current Italian setup is far more fluid and likes to take risks, something different from previous Italian teams.
The 26-year-old can also finish off most chances while his crossing ability is also sublime. He was averaging 2 key passes per 90 minutes last season while he was also one of the most fouled players in Serie A. Although his passing can improve, Berardi is a perfect substitute for a player like Mo Salah, who likes to cut inside more often than not. Liverpool currently do not have an out-and-out right winger, and this is where Berardi could be of use. Additionally, Klopp’s system of gegenpressing and relentless attacking requires a lot of running, and Berardi has shown that he can press from the front while also cover at the back when needed.
Trent Alexander Arnold could also benefit out of this move as he needs also needs somebody to cover the overlapping runs on his side, something Mo Salah doesn’t do much of. Berardi could also fit in a 4-2-3-1 formation where he could act as the defensive-minded forward on the right while also provide a much-needed attacking impetus. While most of Liverpool’s forwards play the ball on the ground, Berardi’s crosses could also provide the team with different methods to counter the opposition.
All in all, it is a signing Liverpool have needed, and the faster they sign Berardi, the better.
When could this deal be completed?
Sassuolo have quoted a price of £43 million for the right-winger, something similar to what Liverpool paid for Diogo Jota last summer. Berardi increases Liverpool’s options going forward, and the club will not mind spending again to garner a more all-rounded attack.
However, with Berardi currently focused on the Euros with Italy, Sassuolo will prefer to discuss a move for the winger post the tournament as a good performance by the 26-year-old could warrant the Italian club to jack up the price.
Berardi is also not the only player of Sassuolo and the Italian National team who is touted for a move this summer, with Manuel Locatelli also being closely monitored by several clubs around Europe including Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp wants to bring fresh legs into the squad this summer, and with Domenico Berardi hitting his footballing peak currently, it would be a wise move for the Reds to move fast and complete a deal for the Italian soon.
