Why Thomas Lemar and not Riyad Mahrez is the man Liverpool need to replace Philippe Coutinho

The transfer carousel is an accepted byproduct of modern football and the concern now is not of Coutinho leaving but of how Jurgen Klopp reinvests the exponential finances which will be at his disposal.

After all, Liverpool’s track record of buys following money-spinning sales like Fernando Torres and Luis Suarez hardly inspires confidence.

While Coutinho’s absence will be keenly felt there are other magicians who can take to the Anfield stage.

Two prime targets according to the Independent, appear to be Monaco’s Thomas Lemar and Leicester City’s Riyad Mahrez.

So, out of the two, who should Klopp be targeting?

RIYAD MAHREZ

Basic Stats vs Coutinho (Premier League)

Games: 22 – 14

Goals: 7-7

Assists: 7-6

Key passes: 25-34

Chances created: 32-40

Tackles won: 13-14

Successful take-ons: 43-39

Shot accuracy: 67%-55%

Verdict 

It might come as a surprise to some that since the Foxes flier entered the Premier League in August 2015 he’s actually registered more goals (30) and more assists (21) than Coutinho (28 goals and 18 assists).

Statistically and stylistically, Mahrez perhaps represents a good match in this market for Coutinho and in terms of a player with the ability to kick Liverpool onto another level, the Algerian fits the mold.

Positionally there is a concern, however. One of the more useful aspects of Coutinho is his versatility to operate in a middle or front three. While he’s largely been deployed on Liverpool’s left, the flexibility to play through the middle gives Klopp a different dimension and Mahrez is a step away from that.

Far too lightweight to play through the centre, Mahrez would almost exclusively want to play off his natural position on the right and that would mean either a formation change or a swap in terms of personnel given Mohamed Salah currently resides there.

Then there is the doubts over whether or not the 26-year-old is fundamentally an archetypal *air quotes* Klopp player, in the sense Mahrez isn’t exactly known to be happy to press, track back, be unselfish, never stop running and employ a good work rate.

Going forward he undoubtedly fits the bill but Klopp requires more than just attacking verve as players like Daniel Sturridge have come to find out.

The entire foundation of the German’s philosophy is built on the counter press and it means the Reds can’t afford to carry any passengers in the system.

What Mahrez does represent, however,  is a cheaper (although there are reports it would still take £50million to prise him from Leicester) alternative to other options on this hyper-inflated market and in terms of filling the creative void there’s no doubt he would go some way to carrying the burden.

Should be signed? NO

THOMAS LEMAR

Basic stats vs Coutinho (Ligue 1)

Games: 13-14

Goals: 2-7

Assists: 4-6

Key passes: 22-34

Chances created: 26-40

Tackles won: 10-14

Successful take-ons: 21-39

Shot accuracy: 32%-55%

Verdict

Lemar is the more obvious replacement for Coutinho, at least positionally anyway.

In the same sense the Barca-bound Brazilian is far from an out-and-out winger, the Frenchman, too, is a player who likes to operate in the space between the left flank and attack-mid.

The 22-year-old constantly drifts inside and his ability to score from range was evident in the summer when he notched a belter of a volley for Les Bleus against the Netherlands.

Coincidentally, that strike arrived on the same night Liverpool and Arsenal were said to have bid for his services in last-ditch deadline-day moves but with the Reds unwilling to budge from their £65million valuation, the transfer collapsed.

And the fee is the most intriguing aspect because Lemar is still a raw prospect. He’s struggled with injuries this season and it’s naturally knocked him off his rhythm having only returned from a month-long absence in early December but he’s been way off the form of last term.

To replace Coutinho you have to instantly replace goals, assists, possession, free-kick ability and a good work rate and while Lemar has largely shown skill in all those elements it’s yet to happen on a consistent basis.

Ultimately, if Monaco are seeking a fee closer to £90million, taking into account the premium of buying in January, it’s a move which represents a tremendous risk.

The collective support of a coach known to bring the best out of young players and a style of football which suits his ability acts as the counterbalance.

There’s plenty of room for maturity yet his penchant for turning games around on his own is something which will surely excite and it’s for that reason he provides the best and most immediate option for the outgoing Coutinho.

Should be signed? YES