Liverpool news: Riyad Mahrez should NOT replace Philippe Coutinho for two reasons - Owen
MICHAEL OWEN has serious doubts over whether Leicester star Riyad Mahrez is the right man to replace Philippe Coutinho at Liverpool and has given two reasons as to why a deal shouldn't take place.
Jurgen Klopp is looking to sign a world-class player to come in for Coutinho, who joined Barcelona in a £142million deal last week.
Mahrez has been touted as a potential target, and Express Sport understands that while Liverpool are in talks, the Algerian would prefer a move to Arsenal.
And former Liverpool star-turned-BT Sport pundit Owen thinks Mahrez would not be a suitable signing, because of his pace and work ethic.
“Liverpool begin life without Philippe [Coutinho] in what promises to be one of the games of the season played between the two most exciting sides in the division,” Owen wrote in his column for BetVictor.
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He might not possess the pace or work ethic that Jurgen Klopp might be looking for
“I was asked this week if I thought Riyad [Mahrez], 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.”
Liverpool meanwhile, face Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday (4pm).
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The Reds will be looking for revenge after Pep Guardiola’s men thrashed Klopp’s side 5-0 earlier in the season.
City are currently unbeaten from 22 league games.
