Liverpool plotting swoop for Monaco’s Argentine starlet Ocampos
Having made a stuttering finish to their Premier League campaign last season, Liverpool are eyeing up plenty of reinforcements for next term in a bid to return to the coveted top four places, and Brendan Rodgers is eyeing a swoop for highly-rated Monaco prospect Lucas Ocampos.
The Reds stumbled to sixth position last term, claiming a place in the Europa League, and have never truly recovered from losing Luis Suarez to Barcelona, but under pressure Anfield coach Rodgers will be keen to lure a new set of talented stars to the red half of Merseyside this year.
One reported target is 20-year-old Argentine winger Ocampos, who has featured at both Under-15 and Under-17 level for his country, and has become one of the hottest prospects in Europe, having signed for Ligue 1 outfit Monaco in 2012.
Known for his powerful, driving runs on the flanks, Ocampos could provide another attacking threat at Anfield, with Brazil international Philippe Coutinho becoming the club’s go to player towards the end of last season, a heavy reliance which will need to addressed this summer (5/2 with Coral for top four finish).
Unusually for a wideman, Ocampos stands at a towering 6ft 2in, but this only adds to his presence and danger when bursting forward from the wings, with the dazzling winger joining the French side for a reported 15m three years ago.
Ocampos arrived with a big reputation, after netting seven goals and providing seven assists for former employers River Plate in the 2011/12 campaign to help the famous Argentina-based club return to the country’s top tier, following a one-year absence from the Primera Division.
Although, the powerful forward threat endured somewhat of a difficult six-month loan spell at the end of last season with Ligue side Marseille, where he struggled to make a genuine impact under the guidance of charismatic coach Marcelo Bielsa.
During his time at the Stade Velodrome, Ocampos struck twice in 12 French league outings, and didn’t truly show his potential, but Liverpool are still keen to acquire his services this summer.
The promising Argentine also possesses a great aerial ability, helped by his 6ft presence, and would have no problem in dealing with the challenges of Premier League football, as he could also gift the Reds with a new danger from set-pieces.
Rodgers will be hoping to see plenty of new faces at Anfield for next season, and Ocampos would undoubtedly be a huge boost within his attacking ranks, as he looks to rebuild his squad for a tough term ahead (20/1 for 2015/16 title).
