In a recent report, La Razon and Calciomercato claimed that Liverpool are willing to make a move for Sevilla winger Lucas Ocampos. However, it remains to be seen whether the Reds are prepared to match the Argentine playmaker’s €65m release clause. La Razon also goes on to mention that Sevilla are keeping an eye on Takumi Minamino, so the Merseyside giants could potentially use the Japanese international as a makeweight to lower the price for Ocampos.
Ocampos’ Impressive Form At The Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium This Season
The 26-year-old is enjoying a solid campaign in Spain after producing a run of goal-scoring displays on the left side of Julen Lopetegui’s defence. The Quilmes-born sensation has participated in 31 matches for the Spanish outfit this term, netting seven goals and providing four assists in all competitions.
Ocampos has performed well to be a positive influence at both ends of the field as he is averaging 1.1 tackles, 0.6 interceptions, 0.7 clearances, 1.9 shots, 1.0 key passes and 2.4 dribbles per 90 minutes in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. However, he should focus on improving his accuracy when distributing the ball in the opposition half based on his pass success rate of 77% in both those competitions (stats via whoscored).
What Will The Argentine Sensation Bring To Anfield?
Ocampos is a hard-working, technically gifted wide player who can make some dangerous sprints out on the wide areas. He can use his pace and agility to get the better of his marker in the attacking third and has scored his fair share of goals from the flanks for Sevilla this season.
The five-time Argentina international has also got the strength to keep hold of the ball in tight spaces and has even got the vision to play a decisive pass in and around the opponent’s penalty box. Plus, he is also a decent crosser and works hard to help his teammates out at the back when needed.
A gifted two-way winger like Ocampos will undeniably add more quality and depth to Liverpool’s attack that has been far from prolific this season. Both Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah have struggled to be consistent with their performances recently. Furthermore, Diogo Jota has missed a major chunk of this campaign because of injury, so Jurgen Klopp can benefit from recruiting someone like Ocampos, who will increase competition for places within the Liverpool squad.
At 26, Ocampos is playing at his prime but might need time to adapt to the high intensity of Premier League football if the Reds manage to bring him to Anfield during the summer transfer window.
