Timing is everything for Thomas Lemar.

The Monaco star has been making headlines ever since Philippe Coutinho put pen-to-paper on his £142million move to Barcelona, with Liverpool wanting to take him to Anfield, albeit in the summer.

No better time, then, to notch your first goal of 2018.

The 22-year-old opened the scoring in his side's 2-1 League Cup win at Nice, nodding home on the back post from Keita Balde Diao's cross.

Keita to Lemar is something the Reds will hope they see next season, undoubtedly.

It was just his third goal of the season but his second in four games.

His figures this season have, undoubtedly, not been as impressive as last season's haul. Yet Lemar can be considered a missed opportunity in the summer, and even more so now Coutinho has departed.

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The club held talks with Monaco and were willing to pay £75million for his services, but Arsenal's late interest – reignited because of Alexis Sanchez's proposed move to Manchester City – saw that valuation rocket to around £90m.

Lemar was keen on a move to Anfield, with Liverpool staff on standby to fly to Paris on deadline day to hold a medical with the player, with the pacey forward on international duty with France.

No deal materialised – either to Liverpool or Arsenal – and Lemar stayed with the Ligue 1 champions.

He was one of the wanted few Monaco managed to keep at the club, with Kylian Mbappe, Tiémoué Bakayoko, Bernardo Silva and Benjamin Mendy all departing.

It has shown to an extent this season, with Leonardo Jardim's side nine points adrift of PSG in the French title race – no great shame, given the Parisians' wealth – and out of the Champions League, and Europe in general, after finishing bottom of their group.

This has led to more links with their top stars leaving, but potentially made Monaco more resolute with Lemar, although that stance may have softened in recent days.

Their manager, Leonardo Jardim, said last week: "Monaco are not in the habit of making big sales in the winter. It's our strategy."

Yet Jardim hinted on Monday the club could be tempted to part this month.

“We are not used to selling in the winter,” the Monaco coach was quoted as saying in l'Equipe.

“But the transfer window lasts until the end of the month and many things can happen.”

Liverpool still want to bring Lemar to Anfield but consider him primarily a summer target - a stance which has baffled some supporters, who want to see the Frenchman, amongst others, replace Coutinho for the remainder of the campaign.

But though Lemar is wanted, the question is whether he would be worth it. Sometimes, in the urge to see a player replaced, somebody and anybody will do.

Ultimately, if Klopp is unsure about a player, he will not pursue him.

But it seems he remains pretty sure on the Monaco man.

Molby says Lemar is 'well equipped' to replace Coutinho

So how has Lemar done so far this season?

After his exploits last term – scoring 14 and assisting 17 in 55 games – his figures are less impressive in 2017-18, with just five goals and four assists for club and country.

He remains one of the of his club's more creative players, making 22 key passes so far from both the left and in a central position, but it has been a campaign interrupted through injury. A shoulder complaint saw him miss eight games across November and December, coinciding with the French club's loss of form.

In the 13 league games he's played, Monaco have won 10, drawn one and lost two. Of the seven he's missed, it's four wins and two defeats.

His importance is clear, even if he hasn't realised his full potential so far this season. His talent is evident; he is quick, direct, skilful and versatile. If he was to move to Anfield, he would add to an already glittering forward line; the thought of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Lemar interchanging at speed is enough to frighten any defence in Europe.

Liverpool's counter-attacking prowess and speed in transition is a big part of Klopp's success this season, and he possesses the attributes for that.

(Image: FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)

The French international would offer a further dimension to a pointed attack, one which has both thrived and flourished on the foundation of pace.

And though he's not at the level he was last season, he is still a player who can give Liverpool what they want.

There is even a suggestion he could be converted into a no.8, much like Coutinho was.

Most importantly, perhaps, is Klopp. The forward has not recaptured the form of last season, but his progression would surely continue under the German coach. He has improved Firmino, Mane and Salah considerably, and would surely do so again with Lemar.

It is clear why Liverpool want him. It might be clear why Liverpool must have him.

Good things come to those who wait? The Reds will hope so.