How Julian Brandt compares to Liverpool players past, present and the one who nearly was

When Liverpool sold Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona in January 2018, they lost one of their main creative sources from midfield.

The Reds did try to replace the Brazilian with Lyon midfielder Nabil Fekir last summer, only for the deal to fall through.

For all the quality that Liverpool have in their squad, they are still missing that type of midfield player.

Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Julian Brandt has been linked with Jurgen Klopp's side over the past few months, and the winger-turned-central-midfielder who would certainly fit the profile of player that Liverpool are lacking.

Julian Brandt fits the bill for Liverpool's summer transfer plans - with roles reversed for 2017 target  

But how good is the German playmaker?

We used FIFA 19 to find out.

Julian Brandt - on FIFA 19

Julian Brandt of Leverkusen celebrates his goal for the 1-3 lead during the Bundesliga match between 1. FSV Mainz 05 and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at the Opel Arena on February 08 (Jörg Schüler/Getty Images)

Overall rating: 82

Potential rating: 88

Best attributes: Dribbling (87), ball control (86), vision (84), sprint speed (84), short passing (83), agility (82), reactions (81), shot power (80).

According to FIFA 19, Brandt is at a similar ability level to the likes of Jordan Henderson, Xherdan Shaqiri, Gini Wijnaldum and Naby Keita, so he would certainly get game time if he was to move to Anfield.

And, as he's only 22 years old, he can improve significantly, with an overall potential of 88.

This would make Brandt almost as good as Mohamed Salah, and better than Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Fabinho, according to FIFA 19.

Sadio Mane celebrates after scoring during the match between Liverpool and Chelsea (John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

In comparison with former Liverpool player Coutinho, Brandt isn't as good right now, with the Brazilian rated at 87 overall, but the German does have the potential to become better than the current Barcelona midfielder.

Philippe Coutinho celebrates a goal during the Copa del Rey semi-final second-leg match between Valencia CF and FC Barcelona at the Mestalla stadium in Valencia on February 8, 2018 (JOSE JORDAN/AFP/Getty Images)

Brandt can also become better than former Liverpool target Fekir too, who is rated at 84 overall, with FIFA 19 suggesting that the Bayer Leverkusen winger will become a much better player than the Frenchman.

FIFA 19 tells us that Brandt would be a great signing for Liverpool this summer, and would fill a position that has been vacant since Coutinho's departure.

Would you like to see Brandt sign for Liverpool?