Liverpool are expected to be in the market for a forward following Alexander Isak's latest big injury setbackplaceholder image
Liverpool are expected to be in the market for a forward following Alexander Isak's latest big injury setback | AFP via Getty Images
Liverpool have missed a spark in the forward line this summer, this is who could fill that gap.
One of the complaints about modern football is that it has become too organised, too tactical.
The mavericks of the game are becoming scarce in that system managers no longer have space for a Khvichi Kvaratskhelia with traditional no.10s becoming rarer and rarer.
Wingers are instructed to take fewer risks, keep possession instead of taking on their defender and being given a license to make something happen. In Arne Slot’s squad, only Rio Ngumoha could really be counted as a player who can make something out of nothing by dribbling the ball and running at defenders.
What Arne Slot wants from Liverpool attack
After drawing with Leeds United, the Reds boss moaned about needing a player who could beat the low block, via Liverpool’s website: “Ah, OK. It is not a nice thing to hear, but I think it is clear and obvious we hardly conceded chances anymore at this moment in time against the opponents we had in the last seven or eight games. But for me, it is also clear and obvious we find it quite hard to generate enough chances for all the ball possession we have and that's not new for us this season.
“What the players try to do is they just keep on trying, they bring the ball towards the wingers, they make inside runs, they play and move and they do all the kind of things, but sometimes you need a bit of magic to unlock a game or a set-piece. If that then happens then all of a sudden everything looks much nicer, but that is not our season until now.”
Mohamed Salah used to be that player. He might still be. There is no debating how big a part the Egyptian King played in the title success last season though. He was the difference. If a game was tight, scrappy, and needing the bit of magic that Slot needs now, Salah produced the goods.
Luis Diaz chipped in with decent numbers, but it was Salah who did the damage on so many occasions. The veteran forward hasn’t quite forgotten his way to goal but he hasn’t found his shooting boots yet either. If he had, Liverpool would undoubtedly be higher than fourth in the Premier League table.
Who Liverpool should sign for magic touch
It is the sole reason why Liverpool should follow up their interest in Yan Diomande. He has been compared to Kvaratskhelia. The RB Leipzig winger is ambipedal too in that he is equally as comfortable shooting or crossing with his right or left foot. Add this to his lighting pace, and he is a nightmare for defenders. He can be given the ball on the halfway line and cause carnage.
RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande (blue) compared to Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo (red) and Everton's Iliman Ndiaye (green) using Data MB's radar comparison tool.placeholder image
RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande (blue) compared to Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo (red) and Everton's Iliman Ndiaye (green) using Data MB's radar comparison tool. | Data MB.
Someone like Antoine Semenyo needs someone else to create the opening or the chance for him.
Which is why Diomande needs to be at the top of Richard Hughes’ shopping list. With a more consistent back four and a workmanlike midfield, all that is missing is a bit of magic, magic that Diomande has garnered a reputation for and makes him worth every penny of his £87m release clause.
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