It seems football has reached the stage of the year when YouTube compilation videos are out in force and the virtual scouting is underway.
Liverpool fans in particular will undoubtedly be keeping a watchful eye over any name linked to a move to Anfield, regardless of whether it has been confirmed by the Liverpool Echo’s James Pearce or simply teased over a player’s Instagram activity.
Gremio forward Luan Guilherme de Jesus Vieira is perhaps the most intriguing prospect to emerge from the fresh batch of rumours with recent reports coming out of the Mirror suggesting a £26million deal for the Brazilian could already be in motion.
Supposed interest in the 24-year-old recognises a desire to bolster Jurgen Klopp’s attacking options ahead of next season and, in particular, strengthen the team in the goal-scoring department.
Luan interestingly only started playing 11-a-side football at the age of 18 having spent his years up until 2012 growing up primarily playing futsal, thereby hinting at the basis of his raw attacking talent.
A notable trait is the versatility that makes him equipped to play as a central striker or from a wider role in a front three, something that would bode well for a career under a Liverpool manager that strives to implement interchanging.
Securing a move to Merseyside would likely see him arrive as a back up option and potential game-changer, making his ability to play in a number of attacking roles all the more valuable.
Dubbed the ‘next Ronaldinho’, Luan’s brightest performances have come through the middle with a central role seemingly giving him the ability to exercise a tendency to drop deep to collect the ball as well as breaking into the penalty area to finish attacking moves off.
17 goals and seven assists in 2015 as well as regular all-action displays saw him voted as the best player in his position that season by Brazilian journalists. He later followed up his rise to form by helping Brazil win gold in the 2016 Rio Olympics.
His illusive movement, work ethic and flair pose as traits that make him an ideal match to Klopp’s setup and style of play at Liverpool.
An added eye for goal and the sense of leadership that comes with his place as an attacking focal point could make him an inspired investment.
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