Johan Bakayoko of PSV Eindhoven has been suggested as Mohamed Salah’s replacement at Liverpool.
Johan Bakayoko of PSV Eindhoven is a new European star that Liverpool supporters should keep an eye on.
When reports in Holland, including those by Eindhovens Dagblad journalist Rik Elfrink, suggested that the 20-year-old Belgian had been the target of an inquiry from Liverpool, the name of the individual came to light.
Other media outlets expressed their own opinions and pointed out that Bakayoko might be considered as Mohamed Salah’s replacement should the Reds hero decide to join former teammates Jordan Henderson, Roberto Firmino, and Fabinho in Saudi Arabia.
The Egyptian’s agent has previously angrily denied the possibility of that happening this summer. Salah will turn 32 in June of next year, therefore it will eventually be necessary to come up with alternatives.
Rebuilding the midfield at Anfield has been Jurgen Klopp’s summertime goal. His Liverpool team struggled to live up to the standards they established during their quest for the quadruple the season prior, making the 2022–23 campaign one to forget.
On September 1, the transfer window will officially close, and Klopp will be hopeful that everything is finalized. This season, the Reds will play in the Europa League, but Klopp will be focused on getting back into the Champions League after finishing outside the top four for just the second time in his managerial career.
Liverpool’s likely summer goal will be to bolster their defensive personnel. Joel Matip, who is already second in line to Ibrahima Konate by that point, will have reached the end of his contract. In contrast, many people believe that Virgil van Dijk, who is now in his 30s, is approaching the end of his professional career. Although a left-sided central defender has been suggested, one thing is certain: the backline will probably alter shortly.
That is something that the striking force has previously experienced. Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz, and Cody Gakpo, as well as newcomer Ben Doak, have all recently been welcomed to Merseyside. On the flip side, the Reds have said goodbye.
Now, what about Salah? Even if he doesn’t appear to be slowing down, the day will soon arrive when he isn’t running down the wing in the red shirt.
Bakayoko is one of the initial replacement prospects mentioned, and although Klopp is rumored to be a fan, club sources have attempted to downplay links to the teenager given the variety of forward options currently available to their boss. What would Bakayoko, however, bring?
In comparison to Salah, the sample size around the Belgian international is modest. However, he shares a similar profile with the Egyptian player in that they both prefer to cut inside from their right foot to their left.
Liverpool’s requirement for a pressing machine is a requirement that has the power to influence several deals. According to statistics provided by FBRef, the PSV attacker has 5.79 ball recoveries per 90 minutes, placing him in the 86th percentile, and 1.23 tackle wins per 90 minutes, placing him in the 87th percentile.
Every weekend, Liverpool matches are watched by many wingers across the world who want to imitate Salah’s lethal dribbling. According to statistics, Bakayoko’s progressive carries and successful take-on rates are 7.22 per 90 minutes and 3.07 per 90 minutes, respectively, in the 99th and 94th percentiles.
His inventiveness has already caught the interest of many this season, and on Tuesday, after setting up Ibrahim Sangare and Luuk de Jong’s goals in the 2-2 draw at Ibrox, he provided assists for PSV to keep them in their UEFA Champions League match against Rangers.
Liverpool has developed a reputation for unearthing gems that Klopp polishes and turns into world-beating players. Bakayoko, who is only 20 years old, is far beyond his years and, before making a breakthrough, had glowing praise from former PSV manager Ruud van Nistelrooy.
He has power and a good shot, as you can see,” the former Manchester United striker stated. “You don’t realize he’s only 18 because of the disciplined way he plays football. He is a young man who, if he keeps putting so much effort into what he does, is headed in the right direction to join the first team at the conclusion of the season.
Bakayoko has joined the first team precisely as stated. Following his promotion from the U21s, he has made 43 appearances at the Phillips Stadion, scoring seven goals and assisting on nine others. His abilities have already given him the chance to make his senior team debut for Belgium under Domenico Tedesco, scoring once in his first four appearances.
Gerard Witters, the player’s agent, has also praised him for his transformation from a “crazy dog” to a player that “defenders can’t stop anymore.”
“Johan wasn’t doing well at the beginning of 2021,” he remarked. But everything changed once he signed
In the past, he occasionally played like a mad dog. He was highly explosive and had excellent qualities, but he made awful crosses and took shots when they weren’t the best course of action.
Despite the fact that he always makes the identical movement (cutting inside), defenders can no longer stop him because he is much more aware of what he is going to do now.
If he keeps up his performances, Bakayoko’s reputation will certainly improve. It is evident that Liverpool will ultimately need to replace Salah, and the PSV attacker has shown a few hints that he would be a good match.
