One of the most improved players in France over the course of the season that just passed was Nabil Fekir.
The Lyon captain put in performances that earned him a World Cup berth. With performance comes speculation and one of the most foremost ones is the rumour that Fekir could be appearing for Liverpool next season, in what is expected to be a £60m deal between the Reds and Lyon.
If he does move to Anfield, what would be the ideal position for the Frenchman? Will he be able to complement the blistering forward line they possess or will he have to be an understudy? Here’s how Liverpool could line up with Fekir next season:
The Coutinho role
Some of the best football that Liverpool played this season was dished up by their forward line, but at one point, Phillipe Coutinho played a brief albeit important role, especially in the Champions League.
Coutinho was the driving force from midfield and played in the corner that Mane occupied. If Fekir moves, he could push the team’s attacking with his quick passing and interplay whilst also contributing defensively when required.
With Naby Keita joining the squad next season, Klopp can bank on his energetic services to help Fekir play a freer, dynamic attacking role and this can push them to another level from a goalscoring perspective.
Switch with Mane
While this could make Klopp unpopular, it must come to notice that Mane was anyway the most withdrawn of the front three when they attacked. Also, this role will enable him to work in tandem with Fekir and switch when required.
A lot of people would opinionate saying that Fekir does not have the skill set to play down the left but in reality, he will have Robertson bombing down the flank and this position will help him work closely with Robertson and focus more on creating chances and getting into the box more.
The Firmino Focal
Roberto Firmino operates the best when he is the focal point of attack and Liverpool can play a system where the attack revolves around his central movement. This would leave them defensively frail but pushing forward, they would be unstoppable.
With Mane and Salah moving closer to operate with Firmino and Fekir pulling the strings in the No.10 role, opponents would have to consider conceding goals a given and the only way to stop them would be to score one more than them, at all times.
Thus, Fekir’s move opens a world of possibilities for Liverpool’s fantastic attacking play. If he does move, Klopp will have a potential world-class playmaker in his ranks and this could elevate them to become serious title challengers.