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Liverpool have completed their sixth signing of the summer in the form of centre back Sebastian Coates, from Paraguayan club Nacional. The highly rated 20-year old has been signed for a fee believed to be in the region of £7.6m.

Although moneybags Manchester City were also in the running for his signature, Coates’ decision to choose Liverpool was largely influenced by the presence of his compatriot Luis Suarez. Reiterating this, Coates stated to the Liverpool website, “Luis told me a lot about Liverpool - but about the fans more than anything else. He told me how passionate they are about the club and how supportive they are. I saw that myself on Saturday when the fans really got behind their side against Bolton and that was great to see. Luis also told me about the history and the tradition of the club and now I feel very happy and excited to be here because I have left one great club in Nacional and signed for another great club with a fantastic history. To come to such a big club alongside a fellow countryman is very important for me. I know Luis will help me settle in, we have the same cultures and customs so having him around will help me a lot."

Liverpool’s Director of Football Damien Comolli waxed lyrical about his latest acquisition and was quoted by the Liverpool website as saying, “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.”

Coates started his senior career with Nacional in the year 2009, and made 54 appearances in his two years at the club, also managing to find the back of the net 4 times. He came into limelight for his performance in the recently concluded Copa America, in which he was named as the tournament’s Best Young Player. Given his age and the relatively low price tag, Coates’ signing can be considered to be somewhat of a coup. He is also bound to have a hefty resale value and falls in line perfectly with the new transfer policy at Anfield.

Although Coates is unlikely to go straight into the first team, he will prove to be important cover in case of injuries and is definitely a player to watch out for in the future. Liverpool’s right back position is currently expected to be occupied by Martin Skrtel following injuries to Glen Johnson and Martin Kelly, and Coates could fill in at that position given the fact that he is right footed and much more of a threat from set pieces than Skrtel, due to his height.

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