Liverpool fans in the Transfer Tavern just will not shut up about Alexandre Lacazette.
From the way they’re crowing on about needing a world-class No.9 you wouldn’t believe that their team are among the top scorers in the Premier League with a staggering number of goals to their name. Granted, they do have a point, with Jurgen Klopp’s main attacking triumvirate consisting of Sadio Mane, Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino, none of whom can be described as orthodox strikers.
When their fluid movement works it’s a joy to behold, but when times are hard and pitches are sodden in the winter months, their play can be a little too predictable, while deep-lying defences too easily nullify their collective threats. This was witnessed through January and early February as the Merseysiders fell away from Chelsea in the title race and were knocked out of both cups, failing to score over two legs against Southampton in the EFL Cup semi-final, while also being kept to a zero at home to League Two’s Plymouth Argyle.
This is perhaps why Lacazette’s name has been greeted so eagerly, with the Telegraph’s report that their side are interested in the 25-year-old having been printed out and laminated by a particularly eager supporter over in a booth supporters have nicknamed the ‘mini Kop’ in the Tavern. Mobile phones are also being passed about playing the video of Ligue 1 expert Julien Laurens claiming the player is available for £40m – £50m and that he could relocate to England this summer, which has further stoked up the atmosphere.
But, should Liverpool go for him? Well, here are TWO reasons our landlord believes that signing Lacazette will help Klopp’s side to compete for a first ever Premier League title (assuming they don’t get the job done this season, obviously!).
Goals, goals, goals
With 22 goals in 22 Ligue 1 matches this season, Lacazette really is a lethal predator in the final third. The Frenchman’s form may have dipped a little across 2015/16 – which contributed to him being overlooked by Les Bleus for EURO 2016 – but it’s worth noting that each of his last four seasons have seen the 25-year-old break the 20-goal mark, while his overall Lyon total sits at 119 in 262 games – quite the return.
He scores all sorts of goals, too, ranging from neat finishes to cap off moves, through to solo efforts that illustrate his physicality and pace. Interestingly, his tenacity seems ideally suited to Klopp’s counter-pressing style, as does his opportunistic streak in terms of seeking out interceptions and getting on the end of rebounds.
Statement signing
Liverpool are in need of a real transfer window statement. For too long the Reds’ major business has surrounded players leaving the club for big fees such as Fernando Torres, Javier Mascherano, Luis Suarez and Raheem Sterling, and although they have spent to replace these names, few players have really wowed fans and scared rivals. Granted, Sadio Mane looks like a great purchase, but for every Mane, there has been a Christian Benteke or Mario Balotelli.
Although there are no guarantees with any transfer, if Liverpool go out and break their record by paying the £40m – £50m rumoured to be needed for Lacazette, it would be a signal that the club means business, which will no doubt help to attract more players and keep those at the club motivated for an all-out title challenge.
