'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Just over two weeks ago, it seemed Fekir was set to become a Liverpool player and the Red’s third signing of the summer. However, doubts over his injury record raised doubts over his ability to play in a Jurgen Klopp side, especially given the German’s gegenpressing style and so they pulled out of the deal.
However, earlier today, Lyon’s coach admitted that Fekir did intend to leave the club earlier in the summer and in a statement said, “He has expressed his desire to play at another level. We will need to set a date. If there is a possibility like with Liverpool, Nabil will certainly seize the opportunity, once both parties agree”.
Joining the Reds would certainly mean going to a club of higher stature and greater pedigree, as Klopp’s side look to improve on last seasons’ fourth-place finish in the Premier League as well as the run to the Champions League final.
The French attacking midfield would strengthen Liverpool’s frontline and give Klopp an alternative to the trio of Mohammed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane, who played so many of Liverpool’s games last season.
The Frenchman also adds versatility to the starting eleven, as he is capable of playing in a central role and as part of the front three; something which would help Liverpool rotate over the course of the season and challenge on all fronts.
At the start of his tenure, Klopp stated that “we have to change from doubters to believers”. Whilst that process is well underway, the lack of silverware means the doubters are still very much there.
However, if Liverpool do end up signing Fekir and possibly a new goalkeeper, they could well be the team to challenge Manchester City for the Premier League title next season.
Here are 3 reasons why:
#3 Improved quality in the squad
Last season was one of Liverpool’s best seasons in recent years, as they finished in the top four and reached the final of the Champions League. The Reds were also the first team to defeat Manchester City in the Premier League season and ultimate end any chance of The Sky Blues going the campaign unbeaten.
Although the entire team improved over the course of the season, the trident of Salah-Firmino-Mane took most of the plaudits and limelight. Liverpool’s potent front-line managed 89 goals between them, making the trio one of Europe’s most feared forward lines.
One key reason behind the trident’s success, is their fitness and endurance during the course of the season, with all three making at least 45 appearances during the club season.
However, the lack of alternatives on the bench is also a key reason behind Klopp’s reliance on the three, with Dominic Solanke and Danny Ings not doing nearly enough to warrant a first-team spot. The pair managed two goals in total, with Solanke’s only goal coming against Brighton & Hove Albion on the final day of the season.
The need for quality alternatives is therefore apparent and the signing of Fekir would represent a marked improvement on the substitutes Klopp currently has.
#2 Versatility
One of Nabil Fekir’s greatest traits is his versatility, with his ability to play out wide and also in a deeper, central role. Fekir’s ability to play as part of the front three would take some much-needed strain off the current trio.
In certain games last season, Liverpool encountered issues breaking down very defensive sides, such as Swansea, West Brom and Burnley who put several men behind the ball and hope to score a goal on the counter.
The issue was only amplified when Phillipe Coutinho joined Barcelona midway through the season for 142 million pounds. The Champions League final epitomised the problem perfectly, as the Reds immediately started to struggle when Salah got taken off due to a shoulder injury.
An out-of-form and slightly unfit Adam Lallana came on for the Egyptian and Liverpool’s attacking threat was never the same after that. Fekir would provide a creative, capable and world-class alternative.
Last season’s goal tally of 23 was Fekir’s best return in a single season, with the French also providing eight assists in the same campaign. His goalscoring prowess and creativity also earnt him rave reviews and plaudits across France and Nabil was eventually recognised by Les Bleus manager Didier Deschamps. In March 2015, Deschamps said that "Fekir is a player with great potential.
I consider that he can bring us something different. He plays in a different role to the others. He can score and set up others to score well”. His ability to play in multiple positions and perform different roles within the team would aid Liverpool in breaking down defensive sides and maintain freshness and energy within the squad.
#1 A player with youth and experience
Fekir will turn 25 later this month and is the perfect signing age-wise. He is an example of Liverpool’s transfer policy under Jurgen Klopp, where the aim is to buy players between the ages of 23-25 and hope to improve them over the coming years.
However, too many times over the years, the Reds have lost players just as they have started to hit their peak. Luis Suarez, Phillipe Coutinho and Xabi all serve as painful reminders to Liverpool fans of players who have left the club at the ages of 25/26 and gone on to win trophies at clubs like Barcelona and Real Madrid.
The Reds have now opted to buy players who are both ready-made but also capable of elevating their game. Nabil Fekir is an ideal example of this, with five full seasons under his belt at the age of 24.
In the 2014-2015 campaign, Nabil was named Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year and featured in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year in that same campaign. He again was part of the Team of the Year last season; an impressive achievement, given PSG’s dominance over the league in recent years and the Parisian’s attacking quality.
The 24-year- old’s longevity proves that he is no one-season wonder but his age indicates there is room for development.
