Who is Mikel Jauregizar? The Reds' target who's BETTER than Ryan Gravenberch

Liverpool will soon lift the Premier League trophy at Anfield in front of fans for the first time in 35 years.

Arne Slot has led the Reds to domestic success in his very first season, but all eyes are already on Liverpool’s transfer plans for the summer.

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A number of positions are set to be addressed, with multiple arrivals and departures expected at Anfield, and one of the areas Richard Hughes and Slot are looking to reinforce is the middle of the park.

The recruitment team want to bring a destroyer into the Reds’ midfield, and Anfield Watch understands Mikel Jauregizar is top of the list.

Who is Mikel Jauregizar?

The scorer of Athletic Bilbao’s only goal in the second-leg of their Europa League semi-final tie against Manchester United, Jauregizar is known for his elite tackling and has found himself on Liverpool’s radar.

The 21-year-old has become a real force in Athletic Club’s team this season, starting the majority of the side’s games in all competition.

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After showing glimpses of brilliance last campaign, in which he made 10 appearances, Jauregizar has cemented his place as a first team regular this season – with 44 appearances under his belt.

Jauregizar’s finish from outside the area against Manchester United earned him plenty of praise from TNT Sports’ commentary team, with Darren Fletcher describing the strike as ‘an absolute beauty’.

How would Jauregizar fit at Liverpool?

The Spain U21 international ranks in the 95th percentile for tackles per 90 minutes among other midfielders from Europe’s big five leagues with 3.27 per 90. He also ranks in the 75th percentile for aerial duels won per 90 against his positional peers.

For reference, Jauregizar has actually bettered Ryan Gravenberch’s 2.14 tackles per 90 this season.

Jauregizar would be a dominating presence at the base of Liverpool’s midfield, and could offer some much needed cover for Gravenberch who has started all but seven of the Reds’ matches this season.

Transfermarkt value the 21-year-old at €20 million (£17m) but, with multiple years remaining on his current deal, it is unclear how much Athletic Club would want to let one of their key midfielders leave this summer.

As well as his top-level defensive contributions, Jauregizar boasts a very decent attacking output this season, with three goals and three assists so far.

His finish against the Red Devils on Thursday will have shown Liverpool’s scouts exactly what the 21-year-old can offer going forward.

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Mikel Jauregizar may not be a household name in Merseyside yet, but he is more than capable of becoming one if he does make the switch to Anfield.