According to L’Equipe, Liverpool are plotting a move for LOSC Lille attacker Nicolas Pepe. The Reds are readying an €80 million (plus bonuses) swoop and could make a move should Mohamed Salah leaves Anfield this summer. However, they could face stiff competition from Inter Milan along with Premier League rivals Manchester United and Arsenal.
Nicolas Pepe is one of Europe’s hottest prospects this summer
Pepe has emerged as one of Europe’s most wanted attackers, having enjoyed a remarkable season with LOSC Lille. Indeed, the 24-year-old scored 22 goals and provided 11 assists in 38 matches, ending the campaign as the second highest scorer and second most productive player in the league, behind the mercurial Kylian Mbappe.
Hence, it’s probably safe to say that Pepe’s service in the final third was crucial to Lille’s incredible campaign that saw them finish second in the Ligue 1, behind champions Paris Saint-Germain.
But, what has made Pepe such an appealing target this summer is that the Ivorian has been able to eclipse last season’s tally of 13 goals and five assists, which, in itself, was an impressive record.
What can Pepe provide to the table?
A right winger by trade, Pepe is an excellent ball-carrier in the final third, thanks to his superb composure on the ball. He can effortlessly take on defenders and ride challenges, with the 24-year-old having averaged an impressive 2.7 successful dribbles per game during the 2018/19 campaign.
Pepe is an inverted winger, meaning he generally tends to cut-inside. From there, he usually runs at defenders. But, the winger isn’t shy of having an effort on goal either. This is why he has averaged over three shots per game – one-third of which have come from outside the box.
But, his most significant strength is his nimble footwork and quick feet, which allows him to nestle through defences even under tight pressure. And as his statistics would usually suggest, Pepe is a productive attacker and could be an asset for any club in the world.
Should Liverpool make a move for Pepe?
Pepe will be a stunning addition to Liverpool but only if Salah departs Anfield. The Egyptian international is the undisputed number one choice in the right-wing slot. Hence, Pepe’s arrival will bring more problems than solutions, should Salah stay at the club beyond this summer.
And the fact that Pepe can only feature on the right-flank could make it difficult for Jurgen Klopp to accomodate the Ivorian into his offensive setup without altering the role of Salah.
That being said, the Lille attacker has shown immense potential in the past couple of years. And at the age of just 24, he has the pedigree as well as the experience to thrive in the fast-paced nature of the Premier League. But as iterated earlier, it’s unlikely the Reds will make a move unless Salah leaves the club this summer.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
