Le 10 Sport has recently revealed that Liverpool are facing fierce competition in pursuit of LOSC Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare this summer. The Reds could have to battle it out with Arsenal, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Real Madrid and AC Milan also in the race to secure the French youngster’s services during this summer transfer window (via Le 10 Sport).
Soumare’s Recent Rise In French Football
The Noisy-le-Sec born talent has established himself as one of the most promising young defenders in France by producing a run of dominant displays at the heart of Christophe Galtier’s midfield. Soumare has featured in a total of 70 matches for Lille, netting one goal and one assist in various competitions.
The French midfield ace has been a consistent performer in European football after he averaged 1.0 tackles, 2.0 interceptions, 1.5 clearances, 1.0 key passes and 3.0 dribbles per game in the UEFA Champions League last season. He took care of the ball well at the centre of the park as he made 89.8% of his attempted passes in the Ligue 1 (stats via whoscored).
Soumare can be an unstoppable force in midfield when he is playing with confidence on the field. However, the 21-year-old has a lot to learn as he is still quite a raw talent and would need time to fulfil his potential in the years to come.
What Will The French Midfielder Bring To Anfield?
Soumare excels at using his powerful frame to command the midfield area and can win his fair share of aerial duels at the centre of the park. He can protect the backline quite effectively and is usually an accurate passer of the ball as well. However, the Frenchman needs to start adding a few goals to his game if he wants to become an established name at the top level. There are some question marks over Soumare’s ability to adapt to the physical nature and high intensity of English football as he has never played competitive football outside his homeland.
Is Soumare The Right Fit For Liverpool This Summer?
Jurgen Klopp should only consider engineering a move for Soumare if he is hoping to add more competition for Fabinho at Merseyside next season. Otherwise, Liverpool are relatively well-equipped in the midfield department. Even if the Reds were to recruit a midfielder, it would make sense for them to go for a technically superior player than Soumare as they need more creativity from their midfield options in the coming seasons.
All in all, the Lille youngster could have been a decent signing for the Merseyside giants in some other circumstances, but he doesn’t fit Klopp’s playing style as he is not too great on the ball. Keeping this in mind, Klopp should let Soumare go and instead concentrate on other areas of his squad.
