Lyon

Gerard Houllier: 'Alexandre Lacazette can be world class'

By Shane Callaghan, Reporter | 22 May 2015

Gerard Houlier says that in-form Lyon hitman Alexandre Lacazette can be world class, amid speculation linking him with Manchester City.

Former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier has encouraged a Premier League club to move for Lyon hitman Alexandre Lacazette.

The 23-year-old has emerged as one of Europe's hottest strikers after netting 27 times in 33 Ligue 1 outings this season, with Manchester City among those reportedly keen.

On Wednesday, Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas warned his suitors that they would need to cough up £35m in order to prise him away from Stade de Gerland this summer.

Although Houllier, a former Lyon coach, admits that the France international is yet to fire himself into the world-class bracket, he says that the potential is there.

"He's top of the premier league in France, the Ligue 1, but he's not international yet, and he knows that. But he can be world class," Houllier told Ligue 1's official website.

"I was told he's a very dedicated professional. So if he looks after himself and if he does the right thing then he can become really top notch."

Lacazette, who has also courted interest from Paris Saint-Germain, is contracted to Lyon until 2018.