LIVERPOOL WOULD BE wrong to bring in Leicester winger Riyad Mahrez as a replacement for Philippe Coutinho, says Michael Owen.
The Reds have money to spend following the €160 million sale of a key creative influence to Barcelona.
Jurgen Klopp now has a hole to plug in his side, with various options being mooted as those at Anfield prepare to dip into the January market.
Mahrez is among those to have been heavily linked with a move — amid ongoing rumours of interest from Arsenal — but Owen feels the Algeria international is unsuitable for Liverpool’s system.
Looking ahead to the crunch clash with Manchester City on Sunday, the former Reds striker wrote in a column for BetVictor: “Liverpool begin life without Philippe in what promises to be one of the games of the season played between the two most exciting sides in the division.
“I was asked this week if I thought Riyad, who has been linked with a move to Anfield, would be the ideal replacement for Coutinho, but I couldn’t agree.
“As good a player as Mahrez is, he might not possess the pace or work ethic that Jurgen Klopp might be looking for and I wonder where he would fit into the starting XI — certainly not instead of the brilliant Mo Salah on the right side of the front three.”
Mahrez has returned to something resembling his best form this season, following a dip in 2016-17.
The 26-year-old was named PFA Player of the Year after helping to inspire Leicester to a remarkable Premier League title triumph, but then regressed somewhat as he sought a switch elsewhere.
He has made no secret of his desire to move on and will be open to offers during the January window.
Mahrez has seven goals to his name in the current campaign and a further seven assists.
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Good player was Finnan. Nothing spectacular but a solid 7 out of 10 in every game for club or country.
He had plenty of 8/9′s along the way.
Incredibly modest and selfless pro when on the pitch. Always gave everything.
And to think we replaced him with Glen Johnson….
I’m tellin ya he’s in donkey fordes right now doling out the chips
According to the comments of the previous article, he is coaching in Delaware http://the42.ie/2114176
Padraig……correct!!
Paul, may I suggest you check Dans sources.
Steve Finnan is coaching in the States.
Wilmington, Delaware to be exact.
My sources are never wrong..
Taken off at half time when they were 3 nil down…. wouldn’t want to be found either