Analysis: Nabil Fekir would bring out the best in Roberto Firmino
By Kian Long
Liverpool are reportedly interested in the creative Frenchman Nabil Fekir.
Liverpool will by no means rest on their laurels following an impressive season. Although it resulted in no silverware, Jurgen Klopp’s reds finished the campaign in the Premier League top four and reached the Champions League final.
This is a tremendous feat, especially when you consider just a few seasons ago the club looked to be taking a downwards trajectory.
Klopp has injected belief into each and every one of his players. Players like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all needed a manager like Klopp at this stage in their career.
The performances have shown too. The predicted flop Mohamed Salah has quickly been dubbed the Egyptian king, and even the veteran James Milner is getting in on the action.
Things are positive at Liverpool currently, but they mustn’t make the same mistakes in allowing rivals to progress without doing so themselves.
As was seen in the Champions League final, there are frailties in this Liverpool side which can easily be exploited by the opposition.
Of course, the long-awaited arrival of Naby Keita will take place this summer, as well as the new acquisition in Fabinho. Liverpool fans will hope these are just two, with more to come.
The current transfer targets they look to be interested in are Nabil Fekir and Alisson. Liverpool Echo have revealed the pursuit for Fekir is still on, while Daily Mail report the club will face a harder time signing Alisson.
How will Nabil Fekir benefit Roberto Firmino?
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Roberto Firmino is known for deploying a ‘false nine’ role. This essentially means he isn’t the typical striker, and he prioritizes helping the team in link-up play.
He drops deep to pick up possession, or win possession from opposing midfielders. This shows his unselfishness, however it also hinders his goal scoring records.
It also leads to a lack of appreciation. This season, Mohamed Salah has received all the plaudits, despite Firmino being just as important to the side.
Bringing in Fekir will take the creative onus away from Firmino, and enable him to flourish in other areas. We have seen in the past how technical he can be, and his Brazilian roots only hint towards a flair-filled style of play.
Or perhaps I’m wrong, and maybe it will be better to see two creative-minded attackers in Liverpool’s system. It would certainly benefit the wingers in Mane and Salah.
Whatever the case, it’s exciting to see how Fekir fits in at Liverpool, should the move take place. I assume a lot of Liverpool fans will pay close attention to him at the World Cup, should he play a big part.
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Do you think Nabil Fekir suits Liverpool’s style of play?