Scouting Potential Liverpool Target: Alexandre Lacazette

After Loic Remy’s proposed move to Liverpool fell through due to medical concerns, Gunnar Lemmermann looks into the possibility of Alexandre Lacazette filling the hole Luis Suarez left in Liverpool’s attack.

The 23 year old, 5ft9in forward currently plys his trade in Ligue 1 at Olympique Lyon. The Frenchman can play in a variety of positions; on both wings or in his preferred position as a forward.

Lacazette earned caps with all French youth teams, beginning in the under-16 team. He scored the winning goal in the 2010 European Under-19 Cup against Spain.

He came through the youth ranks at Lyon and made his professional debut for the club in 2010. He made his Champions League debut as a substitute against Benfica as a second half substitute with his side trailing 4-0. Lacazette made an instant impact – scoring one goal and setting up Yoann Gourcuff, inspiring his side to fight back, but ultimately loosing the game 4-3.

Style of Play

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJOs1MYekzg

Lacazette is an all-rounder and has all the attributes for a striker and a winger as well. He is technically gifted, can provide his team mates with assists and is a good finisher. His main attribute is his lightning pace. He has incredible speed and quickness – not one defender in Ligue 1 could keep up with him. He moves very well off the ball and fits perfectly into the mould of players which Brendan Rodgers is looking to bring into his Liverpool team.

He is extremely capable with both feet, has an eye for goal, can score all types of them and could certainly fill Suarez’ place regarding stunning volleys, long shots and one-on-ones.

Lacazette adds flair to any side he’d play in. He uses his agility to skip past opponents and is extremely skilful on the ball. He can choose from a variety of tricks to leave defenders trailing. His physical strength helping his case there.

He enjoys linking up with the other attacking players, providing lots of key passes. His first touch is admirable, the ball rarely ever jumps far from him when he takes it. His close control is especially good as well, which allows him to hold up play if necessary.

At just 5 ft 9, his main weakness is his aerial ability. This will let his game down at times if played as a lone striker. He does, however, have a good jumping reach – something which could definitely help his development in this area.

2013/24 Form Guide

Lacazette made 44 appearances for Lyon last season, including 8 starts in the Europa League, where he managed 2 goals, 17 overall. He aided Lyons course with 4 assists, compiling an average rating of 7.13 according to stat site Whoscored.com, becoming Man of the Match 4 times.

He had an excellent season at Lyon, coming of the back of some rather mediocre ones before. Before this season he was often used on the wings in a 4-3-3 where his potential came through but only roughly and not consistently. This season Remi Gard changed his team to a familiar Diamond-4-4-2. Lacazette played as a centre forward, with Bafetimbi Gomis at hand to support him.

Certainly playing him in his natural position helped him scoring 17 goals. He was able to go wide on either wing and use his pace to turn in behind, or he could get the ball to his feet and set up his team mates.

His pace and ability to leave defenders behind due to his quick feet resulted in him winning a huge amount of free kicks in dangerous areas for his side. A factor which Steven Gerrard certainly could take advantage from.

Conclusion

The 2013/14 season saw Lacazette live up to his potential. There is obviously still room for improvement but if used in the right system his development will continue exponentially.

He was previously linked to Liverpool but Brendan Rodgers decided to go for Loic Remy, whose proposed deal failed due to medical reasons. A few weeks ago the striker was linked with a move to Newcastle after Lyon put a €20M price tag on him, but he rejected the Magpies and said he wasn’t interested in a move to St. James’ Park.

He sees his aims much higher at teams of the calibre of French giants Paris Saint Germain; should no club this size come in for him he would continue his development at Lyon, waiting for the right move.

What do you think? Should Liverpool go after Alexandre Lacazette? Let us know in the comments below.

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