The 20-year-old center defender is reportedly keen on joining Liverpool, and they would be ideal fit for him.

It is improbable that Liverpool will make a January acquisition. But if there’s one area the team might improve this month, it’s the center-back position.

Joel Matip is not expected to play again before the season is out. His absence is a significant loss for Jurgen Klopp’s side. He would also benefit from having another defense option available to him.

However, January is a challenging month, and closing possible agreements is never easy. One player, though, might just be available and would make the ideal transfer.

Kevin Mantilla is a target for Liverpool, as confirmed

Talleres president Andres Fassi last week reportedly confirmed Liverpool’s interest in Kevin Mantilla, as we previously reported, according to La Voz.

The Argentinian league only begins at the end of the January, and this means this period is still the equivalent of the summer window in Europe for clubs like Talleres. Which would allow Liverpool to potentially swoop in for Mantilla – who seems like an exciting prospect.

The 20-year-old defender predominantly plays as a right-sided centre-back.

He’s very composed on the ball, and like Matip he is very adept in reading the game and sniffing out danger.

Stats for Kevin Mantilla
According to Wyscout, Mantilla had 9.48 possession-adjusted interceptions per 90 possessions last season, placing him among the top 10 center backs. Incredibly, he prevailed in 70% of his defensive sparring matches.

Mantilla was the center back with the highest defensive duel success percentage (88%), winning the U20 World Cup last summer. Compared to Jarell Quansah, who still wowed with 79.17% in the same competition, this was a greater success rate.

Like Matip, Mantilla also has a bit of a habit of running forward with the ball, and out of centre-backs who averaged at least 0.9 dribbles per 90 in the Argentina top flight last season, Mantilla had the best dribble success rate with an astounding average of 87.5%.

In terms of what Jurgen Klopp needs right now, Mantilla checks a lot of boxes for Liverpool as a calm player on the ball and an outstanding defender. Even more intriguing is the fact that Mantilla has previously played right back and left center back.

It would be wise for Liverpool to welcome him to Anfield this month.