During an interview with TYC Sports, Lucas Alario has confirmed he was courted by Leeds United. The Bayer Leverkusen defender was wanted by the newly-promoted Premier League club in the summer, though the interest wasn’t concrete.
“I had no contact or spoke with Marcelo (Bielsa). I know about the rumour because my representative told me, but it was only a survey. They asked my representative and then the club, but then he did not advance much further, ” he confessed.
Who Is Lucas Alario?
Alario is regarded as one of the best South American forwards playing in the Bundesliga right now, having joined Bayer Leverkusen back in 2017. He has made over 100 competitive appearances for Die Werkself, scoring 43 goals and providing 13 assists. He has also won eight caps for the Argentine national team, netting three goals.
Under the leadership of Peter Bosz, the ex-River Plate star has emerged as a vital cog in the Leverkusen attack. This season, in particular, Alario’s services have been particularly impressive, with the forward netting seven goals in all competitions so far this campaign. His presence in the team has even been more important, following the injury of new signing Patrik Schick.
What Can He Bring To The Table?
Alario is a typical number nine who has a good positioning sense in the final third. He can sense scoring opportunities, but unlike a traditional centre forward, the Argentine does not rely too much on his physical prowess.
That said, the Leverkusen star, standing at 185cm, is an excellent header of the ball and can be utilised as a target man if necessary. In addition, he is blessed with technical qualities that allow him to link-up with teammates and do layoffs in and around the penalty area. He has a lethal right foot as well, which comes as no surprise given his excellent record at Leverkusen.
Could He Have Been A Good Signing For Alario?
It is reasonable to assume that Alario’s potential arrival at Leeds United could have come at the expense of Rodrigo Moreno, who eventually became the most expensive signing in the club’s history.
While the Spaniard has had a slow start to his career, he has settled in rather well if we consider his recent performances. His work-rate, in particular, has been impressive while the ex-Valencia forward has brought in creative essence in the final third, which has been useful as Pablo Hernandez is yet to find his footing in the Premier League this season.
As a result, Marcelo Bielsa has been able to accommodate both Patrick Bamford and Rodrigo in the same lineup. Alario, in contrast, could have limited his tactical options while the Argentine also doesn’t have the same pedigree as his Spanish counterpart at the highest level of football. Hence, the Whites did indeed make the right choice by going after Rodrigo this summer.
