Liverpool last night confirmed the signing of Uruguayan defender Sebastian Coates on a “long-term contract” from Nacional after the towering 20 year-old completed a medical and gained his work permit.
Coates, an imposing 6ft 6in figure, arrives fresh from claiming the young player of the tournament gong at the Copa America, where he lined up alongside new team-mate Luis Suarez and helped guide Uruguay to the trophy.
The Statistics
Having made his professional debut in 2009, Coates’ record for Nacional is limited to just two seasons in which he notched up 54 appearances, scoring 4 goals.
His talent had already been recognised by Uruguay before his domestic debut – Coates had represented his nation at Under-17 level before going on to earn his first full cap at the Copa America in the summer. Coates found himself installed in the starting line-up following injuries to Diego Godín and Mauricio Victorino and duly seized his opportunity. Coates’ assured defensive displays at the back saw him emerge as the outstanding young player in a tournament renowned for attacking flair.
The Prospects
Liverpool’s Director of Football Damien Comolli left us in no doubt that the club rate Coates extremely highly, offering a fine synopsis of the qualities he brings…
“He’s a central defender who can play on either side, even though he’s right footed. He has a fantastic physical presence, he’s very good in the air offensively and defensively, he’s very strong in one v ones and very good at clearing things in his own box. He has the mentality of Uruguay players that everyone can see in Luis Suarez; he never gives up, always commits himself and isn’t scared of any challenge either on the ground or in the air. He also has this ability to play from the back, which is needed when you play for Liverpool Football Club.”
It seems unlikely that Coates will be given immediate opportunities. Long-term, he may have been signed as a replacement for club skipper Jamie Carragher. The Liverpool stalwart has established a strong understanding with Martin Skrtel in recent seasons and with Dan Agger currently deployed alongside Carragher, Coates clearly has to settle lower in the pecking order right now.
Comolli hinted that their new signing will be given time to settle and develop his game in England…
“We think he is the complete package. He is only 20 so there is a lot of time for improvement, and playing alongside Martin, Jamie or Daniel will help him improve fantastically.”
That would suggest that, in Fantasy terms, the prospects are limited to a handful of Carling Cup appearances although, as the season progresses, we may see Coates begin to threaten Liverpool’s established centre-back pairing for starts – particularly when Kenny Dalglish takes his men to counter sides with a strong set-piece threat.
