Coutinho Out, Lemar In – Probable Liverpool Lineup With The Frenchman In The Mix
Liverpool are set to enter the race for AS Monaco winger Thomas Lemar, according to reports from French outlet Le 10 Sport (via talkSPORT).
The 21-year old Frenchman has been heavily linked with a move to the Reds’ Premier League rivals Arsenal, with several reports claiming that the Gunners have agreed personal terms with the player already, but are yet to finalise a transfer fee with Monaco. And now Liverpool have decided to make a move for the diminutive attacker, amid fears that they might lose star man Philippe Coutinho.
The Brazilian has been a subject of intense transfer speculations, with Barcelona plotting a swoop for him, if they lose Coutinho’s compatriot Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain. Liverpool may have dug their heels in and flatly refused to entertain any offers, but much stranger things have happened in the transfer window, to rule out a move at this point.
Lemar, for his part, will be an excellent replacement if brought in by the Reds, following an outstanding season and here is how Liverpool could line up if the 21-year old Monaco star is signed and Coutinho leaves the club.
Manager: Jurgen Klopp
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Simon Mignolet (GK)
The Belgian finished last season strongly after a slow start, and has done enough to cement his place as the first-choice between the sticks.
Nathaniel Clyne (RB)
One of the most consistent players for Klopp and Liverpool last season, Clyne is the automatic choice at right-back, but will find strong competition from Trent-Alexander Arnold this time around.
Joel Matip (CB)
Last summer’s bargain, Matip has become irremovable from the starting line-up, after some inspiring displays at the back in the 2016-17 season.
Dejan Lovren (CB)
Virgil van Dijk continues to be linked with a move to Anfield, but with nothing official yet, Dejan Lovren will be partnering Matip in the heart of the defence.
James Milner (LB)
The Reds may have captured the signature of Andrew Robertson from Hull City, but the 23-year old is likely to act as a backup for veteran James Milner, at least at the beginning of the season.
Jordan Henderson (CM)
The captain will sit as the deepest in the midfield and look to shield his defence while also conducting the play with his exceptional range of distribution.
Adam Lallana (CM)
If Coutinho leaves, which is a very big if, the creative responsibilities from the midfield will fall to Adam Lallana. The Englishman enjoyed his best season in the Red of Liverpool last time around and will be key to their hopes of mounting a title challenge.
Sadio Mane (RW)
Liverpool’s top goal-scorer last season, the former Southampton man had a scintillating start to life in the Merseyside. With Mohamed Salah in the squad now, he will be pushed to perform better, which bodes very well for Liverpool.
Thomas Lemar (CAM)
If the Monaco man signs for the Reds, he will play as the No.10 in the attack. He has the pace and the skills to have a great impact and has shown that he can score and create in plenty, having produced a tally of 14 goals and 17 assists last season in 55 games.
Mohamed Salah (LW)
The new signing has shown some promising early signs and will be a sure starter on the left flank. He’s sure to prove himself in the Premier League this time around.
Roberto Firmino (CF)
The Brazilian has flourished beautifully in a centre-forward role last season, thriving in the “false-nine” role under Klopp. He will have plenty of competition, with the likes of Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi and new signing Dominic Solanke also staking a claim. But, Firmino is likely to start the season as first-choice.