Teamwork makes the dream work

Liverpool prepared £42m + Chiesa bid for LaLiga star

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Liverpool have been using the crest of a wave this season however supporters worry that it’ll all come crashing down sooner or later.

Whereas, in soccer, it is necessary to not look too far into the long run, the Anfield supporters are conscious that Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah may signal a pre-contract settlement with a membership from abroad at any given second.

Whereas FSG stay sanguine within the face of a staggering quandary, dropping any of those gamers can be a detrimental blow.

Salah, for instance, is without doubt one of the best forwards that Merseyside has ever seen, posting 22 objectives and 17 assists thus far this season. Saudi suitors are rising in confidence, and Liverpool are starting to have a look at a hit plan.

Liverpool taking a look at Salah substitute in Spain

As per Spanish stories, Liverpool are rising more and more assured of signing Takefusa Kubo on the finish of the season as Slot begins to arrange for a possible future with out Salah on the membership.

Kubo has a €60m (£51m) launch clause in his contract however in keeping with the report, Liverpool are ready to supply €50m (£42m) plus Federico Chiesa – a bid they imagine will likely be accepted.

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah

Whereas sporting director Richard Hughes will nonetheless be pushing to tie the Egyptian king right down to a bumper new deal at Liverpool, it appears like time is operating out for a harmonic conclusion, and Kubo might be the reply to the issue.

Why Takefusa Kubo may exchange Mo Salah

Kubo is barely 23 however he is emerged as a significant participant on the Spanish scene over the previous few years, notching 38 purpose contributions throughout 112 appearances for Actual Sociedad.

takefusa-kubo-real-sociedad

As per FBref, the fleet-footed winger ranks among the many high 2% of positional friends in La Liga this season for progressive carries, the highest 1% for profitable take-ons and the highest 9% for shot-creating actions per 90.

A profitable take-on is recorded when a participant beats their opponent by immediately carrying the ball previous them whereas retaining possession.

The Japan worldwide would convey far fleeter athleticism to Slot’s group than the 32-year-old Salah, who is without doubt one of the most potent attacking forces in world soccer however much less cellular than he as soon as was.

2024/25: Takefusa Kubo vs Mohamed Salah

Match Stats*

Kubo (La Liga)

Salah (Prem)

Matches (begins)

20 (14)

21 (21)

Targets

4

18

Assists

0

13

Photographs taken*

1.4 (.)

4.0 (2.0)

Massive probabilities missed

0

14

Cross completion

77%

73%

Massive probabilities created

3

17

Key passes*

1.2

2.3

Ball recoveries*

3.2

2.5

Tackles + interceptions*

1.4

0.7

Dribbles*

1.9

1.6

Complete duels (gained)*

4.8 (49%)

3.4 (43%)

Stats through Sofascore (* = per recreation)

No winger in Europe (barring perhaps Barcelona’s Raphinha) can maintain a candle to Salah this season, and there is no doubt that Kubo has a lot to work on earlier than he’s acting at a passable degree for a group like Liverpool, however the components for achievement are there.

He is combative and inventive, positive, however maybe most curiously, Kubo hasn’t missed a single large probability in La Liga this season, suggesting that his ball-striking potential is sweet, however he simply is not entering into sufficient goalscoring positions.

Takefusa Kubo warming up for Real Sociedad

Spanish-based journalist Kiyan Sobhani has echoed this argument, saying final yr: “Kubo is dusting defenders this season and has been an unrelenting offensive menace. Continually in assault mode.”

In Liverpool’s system, this may be improved, particularly when taught to use a few of Salah’s tips to his craft, which Liverpool coaches will little doubt have the ability to implement into his recreation.

The left-footer does must hone his sharpness in entrance of purpose however there is no doubting the standard. With a whole skillset and a ferocious power about him, Kubo might be the right Salah inheritor.

Look, Liverpool can be silly to try to exchange Salah with a winger of hanging likeness – they simply would not stay as much as the plate. As a substitute, Kubo can add his personal aptitude to the position, and make it his personal.

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