Shinji Kagawa: Liverpool Must Consider Borussia Dortmund's Japanese Playmaker

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Shinji Kagawa wants to play soccer in England next season. The 22-year-old Japanese midfielder could find himself playing for Manchester United.

Liverpool needs to take a long look at Kagawa as well. 

According to tribalfootball.com, Liverpool chased Kagawa in late February. The Reds need help in the midfield and need some sort of optimism following Kenny Dalglish's firing.

Let's take a look at what Kagawa would bring to the table and why Liverpool could use his help.

Kagawa's Skills

Kagawa scored 13 goals in 31 games for Borussia Dortmund this season. He also racked up nine assists. 

Kagawa is known for his playmaking and creativity in the open field. He has great balance and understands the ebbs and flows of an offense. 

He is not an outstanding shooter, but he knows where to place effective shots. 

What sets Kagawa apart is his vision and passing ability. He sees seams in defenses where other players would not. His precise touch opens defenses up and gives strikers tons of room to break free.

Kagawa uses his eyes to move opposing defenses by keeping them off balance. He has excellent body control and knows when to make the right pass at the right time. 

The Reds are desperate for creativity and excitement in the midfield. 

Adding Kagawa would give their club an exciting, young presence capable of testing stout defenses from day one. 

What Kagawa Would Mean to Liverpool

Lucas Leiva's long-term injury and Steven Gerrard's nagging pains have gutted Liverpool's midfield. 

Without Leiva commanding the midfield and tackling players left and right, Jay Spearing has been forced to step in. Spearing is not a bad player, but he isn't great either. He is not aggressive or physical, and Liverpool sorely needs that tough quality controlling the field. 

Gerrard is a great player, but his health has been an issue. The Reds miss his immense skill when he is not on the pitch, and may need to find a skilled insurance option. 

Max Rodriguez, Charlie Adam, Stewart Downing, Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling are not up to par—they are an alright bunch, but is Liverpool willing to settle for alright?

I would assume not. 

Kagawa would add a skill dimension Liverpool does not have right now. If Leiva can get healthy and Gerrard can remain so, they could have one of the best midfields in the world alongside the young Japanese star. 

No matter how you cut it, Liverpool needs to pursue Kagawa with all they have. He is a very skilled player who would bolster Liverpool's most glaring need.