Brendan Rodgers is chasing arguably one of the most unappreciated strikers in Europe, here are ten things Liverpool fans need to know about him…
Andre-Pierre Gignac has been in blistering form this season, prompting interest from Liverpool and Brendan Rodgers according to the Mirror . But what do the Anfield faithful need to know about this often forgotten Frenchman?
SEE MORE:
Marek Hamsik Liverpool: Liverpool lead Manchester United in the chase for Serie A midfielder Marek Hamsik.
Victor Valdes Liverpool: Liverpool set to push ahead to sign former Barcelona man Victor Valdes.
Mario Balotelli WAG Shows Cleavage: (Picture) Wow! Mario Balotelli’s former WAG shows off amazing cleavage as she threatens to burst out of top.
Here are ten things Liverpool fans have to know about their new strike target:
10) One of the best in Europe?
Andre-Pierre Gignac has scored eight goals already this season, second only to Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo. That is quite a claim to fame, and although he may struggle to hold onto that title, he has definitely started the campaign in fine form with Marseille atop the Ligue 1 table.
9) Humble beginnings
Gignac is of Romani descent, although now considers himself a Manouche (a French gypsy). He claims to be in touch with his Romani roots, and often help his mother in the markets with her stalls.
8) Not a 30-goal-a-season man
His best season to date was in 2008/09 with Toulouse, the Frenchman scoring 25 goals in all competitions. His previous season was not far off that netting 22 times, only 16 of those were in the league however.
7) Out of contract
Having been with Marseille for four years already, he is yet to pen a new deal and will be out of contract next summer. This means the French club will be likely to cash in on him in January, with Brendan Rodgers probably able to grab the big man for a knock down price.
6) Peak years ahead
At 28-years-old Gignac should be in his peak years, the perfect blend of experience, fitness, and ability. With Liverpool’s current strikers aged 24, 25, and 33, Gignac could be the ideal signing until Daniel Sturridge and Mario Balotelli really come of age.
5) Head and shoulders above the rest
The 6 ft. 1″ forward is the definition of a target man, and is superb with his head. Liverpool currently have Rickie Lambert to fill that role, but the ageing Englishman doesn’t look like cutting it at the top level so far. Could Gignac be the solution?
4) Left out in the cold
Despite a couple of good performances for the national side, Gignac hasn’t played for France since 2010. Whether this is due to him playing at Marseille in Ligue 1 is unclear, a move to the Premier League might help, but for the moment Liverpool fans could at least be happy in the knowledge that he doesn’t have any international obligations.
3) Problems with authority
In 2011 Martin Jol claimed that Gignac was close to joining him at Fulham. Marseille blocked the transfer, however. The Frenchman was not happy about it, and he made sure people knew it. Shortly after that he was relegated to the reserves, but he soon reclaimed his spot in the first team.
2) One in three
Prior to this season the forward notched up 54 goals in his 148 appearances during his four years at Marseille, averaging nearly a goal every three games. His tallies have been slightly better in the last two seasons, coming closer to a goal every two games, possibly a sign that he takes a while to settle into a club.
1) Ups and downs
It’s fair to say that the French striker’s form has been somewhat erratic over the years, scoring just three goals one season, and 25 the next. He seems to have become more reliable during his last couple of seasons with Marseille however, scoring 18 and 22 goals in his last two campaigns.