Liverpool Transfer News: Piotr Zielinski Talks Jurgen Klopp, Philippe Coutinho

Empoli midfielder Piotr Zielinski has dropped a few big hints that’d he’d be keen on moving to Liverpool in the summer, stating he’s been asking around about manager Jurgen Klopp.

The Reds have been linked with a move for the young midfielder, who is on loan from Udinese at the moment, with Paul Joyce of the Daily Express stating they are “tracking” the Poland international. 

Speaking with Polish website Futbolfejs.pl (h/t Kristian Walsh of the Liverpool Echo, translated by Rado Chmiel), it seems the 21-year-old has been doing some groundwork on his potential new employers:

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Some people say these are just the rumours. I know a little bit more about it. But until now I just try to play as best as I can in Empoli to have a possible chance in June for such a big transfer move.

I have spoken with Kuba [Jakub Blaszczykowski, who played under Klopp at Dortmund] who plays in Fiorentina now about Klopp. He told me about his personality, how is Klopp to the players, gave me some tips, but nothing is known yet. I constantly have to play well in Empoli to get the interest from the bigger clubs.

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Since moving to Empoli, Zielinski has proved his worth as one of the brightest prospects in Serie A. Here are some of the standout moments from his campaign:

He’s a player who can operate in a variety of different roles in the side, although he has been at his best in central midfield.

Alongside the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Jakub Blaszczykowski and Grzegorz Krychowiak, he’s set to be part of the Polish national side’s push for glory at the UEFA European Championship in the summer.

As these numbers from WhoScored.com illustrate, Zielinski is a player who loves to commit opposition defenders:

That ability to glide by markers is a rare quality when it comes to Premier League central midfielders, although Liverpool are blessed with a couple of players in their ranks already with such skill.

Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images

Roberto Firmino is beginning to show his qualities as a split striker, while Coutinho, who has been nudged out to the left flank in recent weeks, also seems to have rediscovered some swagger. Zielinski revealed he sees similarities between himself and the latter, insisting he’d love to play alongside him.

“Definitely he [Coutinho] is one of the best Liverpool players this season,” he said. “I really like his style of play, I watch him closely. It would be great to play alongside Coutinho. I am sure we could be a good duo on the pitch. We’ll see what will happen.”

Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images

The Brazilian is having his best season for the Reds in terms of goals, per OptaJose:

For a player who operates in a similar position to the Liverpool No. 10, it’s little surprise Zielinski is watching on in wonder at the talent of Coutinho.

And while he insisted in the same interview that he’s focused on the rest of the Serie A season and performing well at Euro 2016, he seems giddy at the prospect of heading to Anfield next term.