Liverpool Transfer Rumours: Granit Xhaka Would Be Able to Replace Steven Gerrard

In an ideal world for Liverpool fans, Anfield would be Neverland and Steven Gerrard would be Peter Pan. 

But in reality, Gerrard is ageing. While his spot in Liverpool’s starting XI may be secure for a few years yet, the days when he’d cover every blade of grass over the course of 90 minutes are almost gone.

The skipper’s legs may have aged, but he has grown wiser. This season his game has begun to bear the hallmarks of the role Andrea Pirlo enjoys at Juventus.

"The Regista" role, as it’s known in Italy, has Gerrard conducting his business from a little deeper in the pitch. By pulling the strings from further back, the Englishman has created space in the attacking third for the fresher legs of Daniel Sturridge, Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho.

But there are only a certain amount of modifications that can be made before age takes over. And at 33 years of age, it is now time for Liverpool to plan for life after Gerrard.

With no standout heir apparent, Liverpool will be forced to look elsewhere to find a replacement for their talisman. And according to Jamie Sanderson in the Metro, that player could be Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Granit Xhaka. 

Sanderson writes: 

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Reds scouts have been working on a list of possible targets and 21-year-old Xhaka tops the list, having proven himself as a star in German football. 

The Switzerland international was a target for Liverpool whilst at Basel and he’s been followed closely ever since. 

A strong, aggressive and powerful central midfielder with an excellent passing range, he has been compared to Gerrard in the past, and Rodgers is keen to bring him to Merseyside.

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When you watch Xhaka in action, it’s easy to see why he is known as the "Swiss Gerrard." He is constantly involved in the flow of the game, popping up all over the pitch. He tracks back and bursts forward with equal enthusiasm, helping out wherever needed.

But it is with the ball at his feet that Xhaka most resembles Gerrard. He is well built for a 21-year-old and possesses great upper-body strength. This allows him to evade tackles, and his distribution and vision is excellent.

While still relatively young, Xhaka has plenty of experience to draw upon. As a teenager, he started every game for FC Basel in the Champions League before his move to Germany.

Xhaka made 31 appearances for Borussia Monchengladbach last season as they finished eighth in the Bundesliga. This campaign he has started every game for Die Fohlen, who sit fourth in the table.

If Brendan Rodgers is serious about a move for Xhaka, then he will need to make a move in January. According to Sanderson, Xhaka is valued at about £15 million, but his stock could rise dramatically after next summer’s World Cup. 

Switzerland’s performances in advancing to the sport’s biggest tournament saw them climb to No. 8 in the FIFA rankings and Xhaka played an important role in his country's rise. The midfielder played in nine of Switzerland’s 10 qualifying games, scoring twice, as his country finished top of their group.

There will be plenty of eyes on Xhaka in Brazil, so if Liverpool want their man, they will need to move sooner rather than later.