Stats – Liverpool Closer to €20m Star Better than Kovacic

Liverpool have secured various quality signings this summer but they still need to add more quality.
No one can directly replace the legendary Steven Gerrard but after his departure, Liverpool need players who could reinforce the over-all midfield department since Stevie was a complete midfielder.
Having already signed an attack minded midfielder in the form of James Milner, the Reds now need a defensive midfield star who could play effectively as a deep lying playmaker as well. One such quality star is Asier Illarramendi who is heavily linked with a move to Liverpool.
According to Spanish source Fichajes, Brendan Rodgers has convinced Liverpool officials to splash the required €20m and sign the Basque star from Real Madrid.
As per the above given link, since Real have signed Kovacic, they no longer need Illarramendi and are ready to sell him. Moreover, Liverpool are also close to selling Lucas Leiva and Asier can be the perfect replacement.
The Merseysiders also wanted Mateo but the Croat star is not a natural defensive midfielder or a deep lying playmaker. Illarramendi is much better than Kovacic in that role.
Inter mainly used Mateo Kovacic in attacking/central midfield and rarely as a holding midfielder.
As per the stats (Squawka) provided below (based on per 90 metrics), it is evident that the Spanish international was better than Kovacic in key areas pertaining to defensive midfield and creative passing last season.