It hasn’t been a perfect transfer window for Liverpool this summer, constantly failing to land several top transfer targets. However, in recent days, the Reds have been quite ferocious in their transfer activity, as they have already announced that top target Naby Keita will play for the club next season while they are lining up another big money transfer.
Thomas Lemar has topped the transfer wish list for many top clubs around Europe this summer, following his performances for Monaco last season. Liverpool, however, is expected to complete the deal before the end of the transfer window but does it help Jurgen Klopp’s men? Will he strengthen their claim for the title this season? Here’s a SWOT report about the highly touted Frenchman.
Strengths
Thomas Lemar is known as a fluidic playmaker, who can either act as the central maestro of the attack or as the left winger. Primarily, however, the Frenchman likes to start from the left in Leonardo Jardim’s 4-2-2-2 formation. But despite his initial willingness to play on the wings, his central playmaking skills remain, as he likes to drift inwards or cut inside to help Monaco create more chances. Therefore, offensive versatility is one of his key assets and assigning him to just one position would be a waste of his talents.
Set pieces are another strong point of Lemar’s game. He is arguably Monaco’s best set piece taker, after players like Bernardo Silva left the club this summer. Aside from his FK prowess, Lemar is also supremely composed on the ball and can take on any defender, even in tight spaces.
Also, Lemar has no significant weak foot, since he can dribble with both feet, which gives him an advantage over defenders and teammates alike. At such a young age, Lemar has managed to evolve as a mature central attacking midfielder, which certainly deserves some credit.
Playing as a winger, his bond with the attacking fullback is also very good. With Mendy, he was seen cutting inside on several occasions, allowing the fullback more freedom on the wings, in the process. From which, Mendy’s pace helped Monaco to put in more crosses for a sharp forward like Falcao.
Weaknesses
Physicality is definitely a weakness in Lemar’s game. He has a relatively small figure, which clearly doesn’t help in battling aerial duels or even physical 1v1 duels. However, there are no other significant weaknesses in Thomas Lemar but of course, he can always improve his decision making in the final third or his passing accuracy.
Opportunity
Thomas Lemar, hopefully, won’t have any trouble finding proper game-time, despite Liverpool, having an array of offensive talents like Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, Philippe Coutinho and new signing Mohammed Salah. Coutinho is highly expected to leave the club for Barcelona, and sooner or later, one would expect Thomas Lemar to fill in his shoes.
Threats
Spending so much money on a 21-year old attacker, who has never experienced the Premier League is certainly a big gamble. Lemar doesn’t have any proper experience behind him, having made his breakthrough just a season ago. Therefore, fans shouldn’t expect Lemar to sync with his new teammates right away.