In his stint at Anfield, Jurgen Klopp has shown that he likes to target a particular player and is ready to wait for him for over a season. There are a few such names that Liverpool may make a move for at the end of the season but one link that refuses to die at the moment is the English club’s interest in Thomas Lemar.
Liverpool Agree Deal In Principle:
A transfer target for Arsenal as well, Lemar has been on Liverpool’s radar even before the start of the season and the Reds failed late in the transfer window, in bringing him to Anfield. AS Monaco were adamant to keep him for another year but it is now understood that he may well quit Stade Louis II this summer.
The Gunners are still interested in his services but reliable reports from France claim that Liverpool have now agreed on a deal with the French club and the 22-year old, which will see him move to Merseyside at the end of the season. He is valued at close to €90m, so should Liverpool spend big on Lemar?
Lemar And His Numbers:
A product of the Caen academy, Lemar joined AS Monaco in 2015 but only made a name for himself last season, where he lifted the Ligue 1 title and helped his side to the semi-finals of the Champions League. He had nine goals and 10 assists in 28 league starts last season and was regarded as one of the most exciting players in France at that time.
However, he has so far failed to live up to the expectations this season, picking up just two goals and seven assists in 18 Ligue 1 starts. He was also not effective in the UCL and it is quite evident that he is suffering from a dip in form, confidence and morale.
But that does not undermine his potential one bit. A versatile playmaker, who can not only play as an outright winger but can also do a job through the middle as an attacking midfielder, Lemar is a technically gifted footballer, with a matured understanding of the game.
Strong and confident in hold up play, the 22-year old has great vision and passing technique that allows him to create chances constantly. He is an excellent dribbler, ready to take on players in the final third but is equally good at running the game from the midfield. His defensive discipline may be a problem for his potential suitors but at his age, he will only get better and is a star in the making.
Right man for Liverpool:
Initially, when Lemar was first linked with Liverpool, it was as a replacement for their playmaker Philippe Coutinho. It was perceived that Lemar will replace the Brazilian’s creativity in the midfield but as it has turned out, that has not been a problem for the Reds.
So they now need dynamic midfielders, who can help out at both ends of the field and that should be their priority. Lemar can act as a backup to Liverpool’s star wingers and can also put in a shift in the midfield but at his price, Liverpool cannot afford to spend so much on a backup and are better off signing a player who can walk into the first team.
Their requirements have surely changed over the course of the season but do you think Jurgen Klopp will move back in for Lemar again this summer?
