Friday 8 June 2018 13:17, UK
As Nabil Fekir closes in on his £53m move to Liverpool, according to Sky sources, we take a look at where he will fit into Jurgen Klopp's side.
The France international came through the ranks at Lyon, although it was not always plain sailing for the talented 24-year-old. He was released at one point as coaches deemed him not good enough but went away to prove himself before coming back to shine in their academy.
It's a sign of Fekir's determination to improve and succeed, a quality Liverpool will surely benefit from. Despite being so young, he is Lyon's captain and more leaders inside a dressing room will only help Klopp.
On the pitch, Fekir has shone, too. Last season he scored 18 goals and provided eight assists in Ligue 1, which is something he will be looking to bring to Liverpool. So where will he fit in?
In simple terms, Fekir is the man to replace Philippe Coutinho who left for Barcelona in the winter. He is the man who can provide the incisive play to open up defences, especially those who sit deep.
He can play in a front three, with the ability to operate as a central striker, as proved by his prowess in front of goal, and is also adept at cutting in from the right onto his preferred left foot. However, considering the impressive form of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah, it would be surprising if Klopp broke that trio up to incorporate Fekir.
The Frenchman is instead likely to take up an attacking midfield role. With the arrivals of Naby Keita and Fabinho, it would allow Klopp to play two top-quality defensive midfielders to give his back four the protection they require and permit someone of Fekir's quality to play as the third central midfielder and cause damage further up the pitch. As Zinedine Zidane once pointed out: "Nabil is an incredible player. He impressed me technically."
He can score a range of goals, takes penalties, free-kicks and corners, which adds to the weaponry available to Klopp and his side, making them more potent from set-pieces, while his work in and around the box has been described as a key reason for Memphis Depay's resurgence in France.
Operating behind a central striker could be his most effective position. He is capable of finding the pockets of space between the defence and midfield, allowing him to collect the ball and spot the passes to create chances for mobile forwards - something Liverpool have in abundance. That will be especially key against defences who sit deep against Liverpool - a common problem the Reds face.
Fekir also has pace and stamina, meaning he could operate as a more orthodox central midfielder, where he would be able to dictate the tempo of a game, something he likes to do.
Every one of Liverpool's central midfielders impressed during the last campaign, with James Milner and Jordan Henderson the standout performers for Liverpool during their run to the Champions League final, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain found good form after joining from Arsenal.
So all three new arrivals will have a battle on their hands to establish themselves in Liverpool's starting XI - but their presence should draw even more out of Klopp's current crop.
Fekir, though, offers the Liverpool manager something different. He is an expert dribbler and a skilful operator on the ball, capable of playing with either foot.
The variety of positions Fekir can play in will be a great assistance to Klopp's plans for what will be a long campaign. As Salah's injury in the Champions League final showed, it is tough to deal with the unexpected but Fekir could be the man to solve - and create - problems across the final third.
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