Our French Resolution

Could the answer to our problems reside in Les Bleus?

As the transfer window heats up and in the wake of Luis Suarez’s hasty departure all of associated with Liverpool football club, whether they be staff or fan, have begun the search for those who will be able to cover the gaping hole in our attack. An absolute plethora of names have been thrown into consideration from a variety of backgrounds. Sanchez, Bony, Morata, Reus, Lukaku, Cavani, Shaqiri, all great names no doubt and from some of the best footballing clubs and countries from around the world but what if the answer to our questions came from a single nation. There are three names that come to my mind when I think of players who could contribute in a similar fashion to that of Luis Suarez and that also are within the realms of possibility for the Merseyside club.

Any of the French triplet of Loic Remy, Antoine Griezmann and Alexandre Lacazette would immeasurably improve our side and go some way to crossing the creative and offensive canyon left in the team due to Suarez’s departure. The positives in signing one or more of these individuals are staggering. Remy (27), Griezmann (23) and Lacazette (23) are all playing in or coming towards what is considered their peak playing age. They are all incredibly versatile players who can play on either wing, up front or even in the creative no. 10 position. Each of these players contribute hugely to the goal production of their current teams via assists, key passes and the obvious, goals.

After a number of impressive seasons, is Loic Remy our man?

First to Remy who, in his first two Premier League seasons, for Queens Park Rangers and Newcastle United averaged over a goal every two games. This is made even more impressive when one considers that it is coming from someone often playing not as an out and out striker and for a team struggling to perform. As well as his goal scoring exploits he managed to put together 3 assists and averaged more than one key pass per game as well as an 81% pass success rate, very impressive for someone who spends most of his time surrounded by opposition defenders in the final third. Finally it is said that his current price sits at only €8 million and as such he would be, in my opinion, a piece of transfer genius matching that of the signing of Daniel Sturridge and Phillipe Coutinho.

Antoine Griezmann is another who has been regularly linked to the club in recent weeks by both media and supporters alike and he like Remy would be a sensational acquisition. Griezmann impressed many last season with Real Sociedad via his goal scoring exploits in La Liga where he contributed 16 goals in 31 games, regularly from a wide position, but it was also his ability to compete at the highest level in both the Champions League and World Cup that highlighted his calibre. And as well as contributing consistently and solidly all of last season as seen by his goal rate and four assists in Spain he is also renowned for his flair and creativity constantly being seen taking on defenders in one on one situations or pegging it into the top corner from outside the box. Antoine Griezmann would be a fantastic purchase for Liverpool for the upcoming season as well as into the future, well worth his reported €23 million transfer fee.

Are either of these two men the future of Liverpool football club?

Finally Alexandre Lacazette could prove a shrewd buy for the Reds. An up and coming striker in European circles; Lacazette performed formidably for Lyon in the 13/14 season scoring 15 goals in 33 games as a lone striker, as well as putting away two in four playing on the left wing.The rising Frenchman also contributed creatively playing a key pass in the lead up for a goal on average once per game as well as putting together 4 direct assists. His reported price sits at just over €10 million and it is also rumoured that he is seeking a move to England. These two factors as well as his impressive stats and young age show him to be a fantastic investment for the upcoming season and those to come.

Liverpool Football club need to replace, if not player for player, at least the contribution made by Luis Suarez last season. They have gone some way towards this already through a number of signings but if any or some of these Frenchman were to make the move to Anfield, this gaping hole in our side would be sufficiently filled for the upcoming season and those to come.