Nicolás González: Who is the £15m Argentine international linked with Leeds United, why he would suit Marcelo Biela's style and excite fans

Leeds United have been linked with a move for Stuttgart’s Nicolas Gonzalez with reports Premier League rivals Brighton are also keen.

He is the latest in a line of forwards who have been mentioned as a possible signing for the Whites ahead of the new Premier League season.

With that in mind we take a look at the Argentinian and why Marcelo Bielsa may be interested.

Who is Nicolas Gonzalez?

The 22-year-old is an Argentinian international. Gonzalez made his bow for the national team in a 6-1 win over Ecuador in a friendly last year, playing 70 minutes. A month later he featured twice off the bench, in a win over Brazil and draw with Uruguay replacing Lucas Ocampos and Leandro Paredes respectively and going on to team up with Lionel Messi.

By the time of his Argentina debut, Gonzalez was playing in the German second tier. He had been bought by Stuttgart, then in the Bundesliga, for a sizeable £7.65million fee in 2018 from Argentinos Juniors, where he drew comparisons to Mario Kempes.

He helped the Buenos Aires side win promotion to the top-flight in 2017 and impressed in his one and only season in the Primera Division to earn a move from the club where he had progressed through the academy.

Last season his 14 league goals were worth nine points and helped Stuttgart return to the Bundesliga as runners-up.

What type of player is he?

The first thing which should be said, don’t let the number of goals he scored last season fool you about his position. And secondly, he is very exciting.

Gonzalez is incredibly versatile. He can play as a centre-forward in a strike partnership, he can play wide as part of a front three or he can play as a wing-back or full-back.

What allows the player to excel in so many roles is his athleticism and enthusiasm, which he possesses in abundance. At times it is like watching the road runner as he scurries up and down the pitch.

In a game against Nurnberg in June, the team were winning 6-0, Gonzalez had scored twice but in the 95th minute he was still using his incredible stamina to close opponents down high up the park. One of his goals had come from winning the ball back in the midfield and springing forward before showing wonderful composure.

It is easy to see him fitting into Bielsa’s system as a wing-back or an attacking full-back. He can eat up the ground quickly, but that would mean nothing if he didn’t have the willingness and intelligence that is required to function effectively in a pressing system.

The player is so quick to react to situations, reading the game really well and quick off the mark. Allied with being really sharp to confront opponents, he is a pressing machine. What aids him even further is long legs which can make it difficult or opponents to find a way around him.

If there is one thing that may go against him is how one-footed (left) he is. But at the same time his left-foot is excellent. His crossing is a real asset because he takes great care when he crosses and the location he puts it in. He makes sure to get his head up to seek a team-mate or an area which can be attacked by a team-mate.

In a 3-2 win against Hamburg, Gonzalez started as a central attacker but it wasn’t until he was moved wide before he had a key influence in the game, space to gallop into from deep or to take on players in one v one situations.

He ended up providing the winner with a fantastic run and dribble down the left flank, just when it appeared he had been squeezed out the pitch he did enough to direct a cross into the path of a team-mate to win the game in stoppage time.

Despite being someone with so much attacking verve, he doesn’t neglect his defensive duties. Always conscious of his positioning, if he does find himself out of position he’ll burst a gut to get back in.

And, if that’s not all, he is a real danger in the air. Gonzalez has a fantastic leap, air time and desire to get his head on to the ball which could see him be a real threat breaking in at the back post.

What do the stats say?

He was the second most frequent dribbler in 2.Bundesliga last season and recorded the fourth best crossing accuracy.

Why might Leeds United be interested?

It's no secret that Marcelo Bielsa and the club’s management are keen to strengthen ahead of the start of the Premier League season next month. The forward position is one such area which has been pinpointed as one which could be improved or given greater depth, especially with Angus Kinnear confirming there is no future for Jean-Kevin Augustin at the club. While Gonzalez can play there, as mentioned he would be perhaps better suited on the flank.

Barry Douglas has been linked with a move away which could open up a space.

Just by watching him in action for Stuttgart, he looks like a Bielsa player.

What has been said about the player?

Pellegrino Matarazzo, Stuttgart coach, said: "He's got a lot of qualities, but what I like best about him is that he's a winner. He wants to win at all costs. He always gives 100 percent, and gets stuck in. He's very important for us," said

Former Stuttgart boss Tim Walters said: "He's always looking to get in behind, and is strong in the one-on-ones. I can always count on him."

What is the likelihood of a deal?

First of all, there has to be concrete interest. Secondly, the Gonzalez, who is contracted until 2023, won't come cheap. Thomas Hitzlsperger, Stuttgart’s sporting director, said: “With him you can imagine that clubs are willing to spend a lot and they have to. If we decide to hand him over, then it really has to be expensive.”

Not only are Brighton said to have already made their move, but there is also reported interest from European elite, including Milan, Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan.

The lure of working with Marcelo Bielsa is going to be a big bonus for Leeds United in transfer talks and that could tempt the Argentinian to work with his compatriot where there will be language issues.

As things stand, however, no deal is forthcoming.