Scouting Report: Gaston Ramirez

Name: Gaston Ramirez
Age: 21
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Club: Bologna
Nationality: Uruguayan
Estimated Fee: 12-18 Million Pounds
League Stats 2011/12 = Games: 32, Goals: 8, Assists: 5

News

Gaston Ramirez is a name that has been consistently linked with Liverpool over the last two years. Various reports claim that Liverpool have already made a 16.3 million pound bid to buy him this summer. Ramirez's agent Bentancur is quoted as saying; 'Bologna have received an offer near to 20 million euros from an important club in the Premier League'. Although these reports may be a little off the mark there is definate interest from Liverpool in acquiring his services.

Pros, Cons and Stats

Like Belhanda from previous reports, Ramirez is blessed with great dribbiling ability, technique, decision-making and a playmakers vision. He has a decent turn of pace and is blessed with a sweet left foot that allows him to operate very effectively on the left wing which may be a solution to the Stewart Downing problem. He can aslo play across the front four on either wings, in the hole or even as a striker. He is Uruguayan and comes with that steely determination to win that we have seen in Suarez. He is also young enough to fit FSG's U23 recruitment policy and his value would be expected to grow. On the down side Ramirez has struggled with consistency and is lacking a bit in the defensive area of his game. His consistency should increase as he matures and as an attacking player we can get away with his slight defensive weaknesses.

Conclusion



Like Belhanda I feel that Ramirez would be a great signing for Liverpool, we are in desperate need of an attacking midfielder that can link our midfield and attack. He would also add to our growing list of Uruguayans at the club which would hopefully make Suarez more comfortable. The only decision to make is whether him or Belhanda would be the better signing as can only afford one attacking midfielder to come in this summer. On paper they are very similar and either one would be effective yet I feel Ramirez's left foot and nationality may give him the advantage. PSG are also interested in Belhanda so Ramirez may be the smarter choice. GET HIM

References:

Transfermarket, Accessed 14/05/2012, Available at http://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/en/youns-belhanda/profil/spieler_118022.html
ESPN Soccernet, Accessed 14/05/2012, Available at http://soccernet.espn.go.com/team/_/id/274/montpellier?cc=3888