Teamwork makes the dream work

Liverpool main race to signal “generational” £104m star

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Liverpool do not seem like that jumpy because the January switch window trundles towards the ultimate stretch.

The Reds devoted have watched Arne Slot‘s struggling aspect miss out on Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi, each of whom have joined rivals Manchester Metropolis, however FSG would let you know they determined in opposition to putting each offers.

Whether or not the Premier League champions do pounce on a market alternative earlier than the top of the month stays to be seen, however it might solely be for a one-of-a-kind participant, an opportunity too good to move up.

Liverpool main race for elite expertise

Liverpool have been a little bit of an eyesore over the previous 5 weeks. Even having stopped the rot that led to 9 defeats from 12 video games, this subsequent 12-match unbeaten run has sated few appetites.

Florian Wirtz has clicked into gear, not less than, however the likes of Cody Gakpo have struggled to impress, main followers to clamour for a brand new left-sided winger.

Semenyo would have been excellent, however the Ghanaian joined Man Metropolis. And anyway, maybe Liverpool have recognized an much more thrilling goal.

As per TEAMtalk, the Reds are understood to be main the race for RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, who has been priced at a staggering £104m by the Bundesliga aspect.

yan-diomande-rb-leipzig

Tottenham are additionally decided to signal the Ivory Coast expertise, however Liverpool boast monetary and sporting benefits over their Premier League rivals, and their want for such a profile may see them seal the deal.

Whereas Leipzig would favor to carry onto the 19-year-old till the top of the season, Diomande is eager on a winter change, having named Anfield as his dream vacation spot.

How Diomande may turn out to be a celebrity for Liverpool

Scale it again to December 2017. FSG sanctioned a world-record transfer for Virgil van Dijk, the Southampton defender considered as helpful materials in Jurgen Klopp’s quest for greatness.

That was a transfer that turned out all proper, and whereas Diomande would price a reasonably penny, he too has a rare skillset that might see him develop into one of many best wingers in Europe.

yan-diomande-rb-leipzig-man-city

Maybe it might be extra correct to have a look at one other former Saints prospect right here, with Liverpool probably in line to safe their new model of Sadio Mane in Diomande, whose tempo and physicality mix with a uncommon aptitude in entrance of purpose.

He solely joined Leipzig from Spanish aspect Leganes final summer season, however with seven objectives and three assists in all competitions earlier than an eye catching AFCON event with Ivory Coast, there isn’t any query that this teenager is the actual deal.

Mane, 33, hasn’t been at Liverpool for a number of years now, however there isn’t any query he was one in all Klopp’s most harmful lieutenants, lethal down the left wing.

Sadio Mane stats at Liverpool (timeless)

Mane was arguably at his peak throughout the 2021/22 marketing campaign, ending runner-up within the Ballon d’Or standings that 12 months.

A lethal finisher with pure aptitude and a combative aspect, the Senegalese, who led his aspect to glory within the African Cup of Nations this month, was as soon as described as a “world-class” celebrity by Klopp.

League Comparability – Sadio Mane vs Yan Diomande

Stats (* per sport)

Mane (21/22)

Diomande (25/26)

Matches (begins)

34 (32)

16 (11)

Objectives

16

6

Assists

2

2

Pictures (heading in the right direction)*

2.9 (1.1)

1.6 (0.9)

Large probabilities missed

13

3

Correct passes

23.6 (77%)

21.8 (83%)

Possibilities created*

1.3

1.3

Succ. dribbles*

1.4

2.8

Tackles*

1.0

0.9

Duels received*

4.7

4.5

Knowledge by way of Sofascore

Taking a look at Diomande’s metrics within the Bundesliga this 12 months, we will see how he contrasts, and it does recommend he has what it takes to turn out to be the Merseysiders’ new model.

Scale it again a bit. As per data-driven platform FBref, Diomande really ranks among the many prime 3% of positional friends throughout all of Europe over the previous 12 months for objectives scored and progressive passes, in addition to the highest 14% for tackles received and the highest 1% for ball recoveries per 90.

A carry is taken into account progressive if the ball is moved in the direction of the opponent’s purpose not less than 10 yards from its place to begin or is carried into the penalty space.

This can be a actually particular winger, one whose prowess has but to totally type.

Described as a “generational expertise” by journalist Bence Bocsak, it is thrilling to suppose that Diomande remains to be solely within the early stage of his profession, and he is already raised such pleasure about his degree.

Liverpool want an electric-paced winger with a watch for purpose, and on this, Diomande would possibly simply turn out to be the Merseysiders’ new model of Mane.

Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi during the warm up before the match


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