Liverpool have been heavily linked this week to the free agent signing of Napoli defender Faouzi Ghoulam. Here is our Liverpool transfer profile of our latest target:
As we are now in full flow of the 2017/18 Liverpool season there are far fewer transfer rumors flying round. One that was reported almost everywhere this week was Faouzi Ghoulam’s decision to not sign a new contract at Napoli. That makes the left back a very attractive free agent next summer.
Liverpool are thought to be very interested in the 26-year-old Algerian. It is not common to have the opportunity to sign a high performing international in his prime years. Many are noting his style of play fitting with Jürgen Klopp’s system. So here a transfer profile for Faouzi Ghoulam:
Physical Attributes:
He is very tall for a left back standing at 6’2 and would be a very different physically to our other full backs. Ghoulam has all the strength you’d expect from someone his size but loses nothing in pace. He looks lean and fast and very suited for the Premier League. The player he most resembles to me is ex-Barcelona left back Eric Abidal.
Technical Attributes:
He has excelled at Napoli as both a reliable defender and a creative threat from deep. He has a good touch and an eye for a clever pass or through ball. You can see when he shoots or crosses he gets a heavy amount of whip on the ball. He would certainly add something to us technically but it is his defensive skill that we are really crying out for. He is a great tackler and uses his size and speed to break up attacks with ease.
Mental Attributes:
While he is clearly a capable attacker and creator he never neglects his defensive duties. He is a defender first and foremost. It has been a decade or more since Liverpool had a left back who was better at defending than he was at attacking. One thing that is very encouraging is that he seems to play a defined role in the system and carries out his duties. Klopp will love that discipline and team first attitude.