Croatian star is a better bet for Liverpool than Lallana
Published:There was no shortage of excitement on opening night as Brazil beat Croatia 3-1 to get their World Cup off to the perfect start.
However, the Canaries far from had it all their own way in Sao Paulo, with some questionable refereeing helping them past Croatia after Marcelo’s own goal had put the hosts behind.
Niko Kovac will have taken plenty of encouragement from the game, and will be confident his side can grab three points from their next match.
Luka Modric was as classy in midfield as he has been all season at Real Madrid, but it was winger Ivan Perisic who was the most impressive man in the famous red and white checked shirt.
No player on the pitch put in more accurate crosses than Perisic’s two, with the 25-year-old also completing two dribbles and creating two chances.
The Wolfsburg player enjoyed a fine season in the Bundesliga, netting 10 times and setting up a further four goals.
Given that their pursuit of Adam Lallana has seemingly floundered in the face of Southampton’s £25m asking price, should Liverpool be keeping tabs on the Croatian this summer?
Perisic averaged 0.41 goals and 0.16 assists per 90 minutes in the league last season, bettering Lallana (0.26 and 0.15 respectively) on both counts.
He also posted similar take on numbers to the England international, averaging 1.89 successful dribbles per 90 compared to Lallana’s 2.04.
Perisic joined Wolfsburg from Borussia Dortmund in January 2013 after becoming frustrated with a lack of chances at Die Schwarzgelben.
An excellent season and a half with Die Wolfe has justified that decision and if Perisic continues to impress at the World Cup, Champions League clubs will surely come calling.
Liverpool are clearly in need of some extra squad depth ahead of their European campaign next year, and Perisic could prove a savvy alternative to the pricy Lallana.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
Fancy a flutter? Sign up today to claim up to £100 in free bets.
