There is little question that the first situation Brendan Rodgers needs to rectify ahead of next season is our striking concerns. One of the forwards that is reportedly attracting our attention is Borussia Dortmund man Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, according to Daily Mirror.
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Here’s the lowdown on the rapid forward, dubbed ‘The African Neymar’…
Who is he?
Aubameyang was born in France, and has spent the majority of his career in the country. However, he is a Gabon international, with nearly 40 caps to his name. He came through the academy at Serie A side AC Milan, and remained with the club until 2011, without making an appearance. That’s because he spent most of his time out on loan with four different Ligue 1 sides, including Monaco and Lille.
His final loan spell, which came in 2011 at St Etienne, led to a permanent transfer to Les Verts, where he spent two years – and averaged nearly a goal every two games – before Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund came calling.
In his first season with Dortmund, he was very much in the shadow of Robert Lewandowski, but still managed to score 16 goals in all competitions. But since the Pole’s move to Bayern, he has become the main man up front. Despite the club having a difficult season, he has bagged 14 goals in the league (twice as many as Marco Reus) and 22 in total. Without him, it could have been a much worse year for Jurgen Klopp’s men.
Where does he play?
Throughout his career, Aubameyang has been able to fill in anywhere in an attacking role, from winger to striker. However, in the past season – despite Dortmund signing Ciro Immobile – he has been his side’s most productive forward, so has found himself mostly leading the line. As part of a modern front-three though, he wouldn’t complain about a central, left or right role.
What are his strengths?
The 25-year-old has a frightening amount of pace, making him one of the fastest players in the Bundesliga, which has caused opposition a lot of problems this season. He can use that speed with or without the ball, as he is also a very good dribbler. He is also a decent aerial threat, as he stands at almost 6 ft. 2″.
He has displayed an ability from dead-ball situations during his career, which would be helpful when defenders resort to bringing him down when his pace becomes too much.
What are his weaknesses?
As he is not an out and out striker, his finishing is perhaps not as strong as you would like. However, he does still boast a good goalscoring record, which may mean he proves more useful as a second striker alongside someone who is more comfortable waiting inside the six-yard box, happy to take any chances that come his way.
Oddly, his pace can land him in bother, as it means that he has been incorrectly flagged offside on many occasions in the past, because he’s desperate to get in behind.
Where would he fit into Liverpool’s XI?
His versatility makes him a great option to have, as he can fill in anywhere across the front three, or in a slightly deeper role on the wing. Although it may be an idea for Brendan Rodgers to use him up front in the position he has become most accustomed to, as it will not only produce the best from him, but it also the area that we are currently weakest in.
Without Luis Suarez, and with Daniel Sturridge’s perpetual injury problems, a striker is naturally a priority, and his dynamic style and speed suits Rodgers’ tactics.
We looked at our most threatening against Chelsea on Sunday when the likes of Raheem Sterling, Jordon Ibe and Adam Lallana were running at the Blues defence. Last term our best football was based on a quick turnover and a rapid counter-attack, and Aubemayang’s attributes fit this perfectly.
For the right price, this seems a sensible potential signing.