Scouting Report: Iker Muniain

Name: Iker Muniain
Age: 19
Position: Forward/Wing
Club: Athletic Bilbao
Nationality: Spanish
Estimated Fee: 15-20 Million Pounds
League Stats 2011/12 = Games: 33, Goals: 2, Assists: 3

News

Iker Muniain is a player that has caught everyones eyes with two scintillating displays against Manchester United. He tore them apart with some truly excellent play that made everyone stand up and take notice. Former Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has to been watch Muniain and a few of his teammates on a couple of occasions. Muniain is said to have 18 months left on his contract and although Bilbao want to keep hold of their prised asset he would be available for the right fee. He has also recently become a full Spanish international at the age of 19 which considering the quality of the Spain team is a great achievement.

Pros, Cons and Stats

His nickname is the Spanish Messi and if you didn't know anything about him that would tell you all you need to know about his playing style. A tremendously skillful player who runs at and past players with complete ease using his great control and short bursts of pace he can terrorise any defence in the world. He generally cuts in from the left wing and jinks his way into the box to attack the goal. Muniain has a very direct style of play, something that Liverpool currently lack out wide with Downing hugging the touchline. He would excite fans and scare defences and posses that something special that can win you any game. Although like Messi the defencive side of his game is lacking yet when you posses the attacking skill he has no one will even notice. His stats this season may not be anything special but at 19 you can be assured he has a massive future.

Conclusion

The concern with Muniain is that without Champions League football it would be difficult to attract him. He would been seen more as our major signing of the season if we pulled it off. Due to his young age though he would not be desperate to play Champions League and may be interested in a good project like Liverpool. He has all the attributes to take the Premier League by storm and looks like he is going to develop into one of the worlds greats. 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