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Kenny Dalglish secured the capture of Uruguayan international Sebastian Coates from Nacional in August 2011.
The powerful centre-back, who stands at a towering 6ft 6in, is renowned for his commanding aerial displays - both defensively and offensively - as well as providing a solid presence at the back.
Coates joined the Nacional academy at 11 and went on to break into the first-team seven years later, making his senior debut against Bella Vista in 2009. Such was his impact, he was crowned man of the match by Spanish newspaper El Pais afterwards.
Following on from that, the Uruguayan started every single game for Nacional, withstanding suspensions and national duty, notching 54 appearances and four goals.
Although Coates played just three months of the 2008-09 campaign for Nacional, his performances for the title-winning team led to the prestigious Uruguayan Championship Revelation of the Season crown.
It was that summer Coates made his international bow, playing in the U20 World Cup where Uruguay went unbeaten in a group that also contained England and eventual winners Ghana.
2010-11 proved to be another glittering campaign for the defender as Nacional clinched another title, while on a personal level Coates scooped the Uruguayan Championship Player of the Season and Defender of the Season accolades.
It led to a first senior international cap just a week before the Copa America finals in a friendly against Estonia.
Injuries meant Coates was handed his chance to play in the tournament alongside compatriot Luis Suarez as Uruguay surged towards the trophy.
The youngster's composed displays belied his tender years and, as a result, earned the accolade of Young Player of the tournament.
Coates is nicknamed 'Luganito' by Uruguay fans as he's seen as the natural successor to the current captain of the national team, Diego Lugano.
Indeed, Lugano himself has previously spoken of his belief that Liverpool's new defender will go on to skipper his country.
For now, though, Coates will be eager to maintain his progression having jumped at the chance to join Dalglish's Reds revolution. |
Uruguay
