Rayan
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola is going to be forced into a big decision as the Reds prepare to face Bournemouth in the Premier League this weekend.
It's the first time Iraola will be up against his former club after making the move to Anfield during the summer.
Iraola will know the Bournemouth side and their threats better than anyone, but it's been a disappointing start to the Premier League season for the Merseyside club.
Bournemouth have been far from convincing themselves, failing to win any of their opening four matches in the Premier League.
They did, however, pull off an impressive 2-1 victory away at Real Sociedad in Europe this week.
Liverpool themselves secured a win on Tuesday as they defeated Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup.
Iraola has already had difficult decisions to make when it comes to his left-back selection so far this season, but the decision could have become even more important.
Iraola has tried both Kostas Tsimikas and Milos Kerkez at left-back for Liverpool in the Premier League this campaign, and either of them could be about to face one of their toughest threats.
Rayan is likely to start on the right-hand side of midfield for the Cherries, and his pace could cause Tsimikas or Kerkez a lot of problems.
The Brazilian winger has recorded a top speed of 35.1 km/h in the Premier League this season, according to FotMob, which has only been topped by a handful of players.
Rayan is full of pace and trickery, which is a nightmare for any defender, so it could be a long afternoon for either Kerkez or Tsimikas.
Andoni Iraola with his hand on his mouth
Andoni Iraola with his hand on his mouth
Tsimikas or Kerkez?
Liverpool's Milos Kerkez heads the ball
Premier League - Liverpool v Brighton & Hove Albion - Anfield, Liverpool, Britain - December 13, 2025 Liverpool's Milos Kerkez in action REUTERS/Phil Noble
Iraola now has a big decision to make between Tsimikas or Kerkez, perhaps bigger than any other time he's been forced to decide between the two.
One advantage of Kerkez is that he played and trained with Rayan last season, so he knows what he's about.
Liverpool's players' top speeds
Kerkez is also arguably a better player than Tsimikas, and he's clocked a faster top speed in the Premier League this season.
Kerkez has struggled at times this campaign, hence why Iraola opted to bring in Tsimikas, but the Hungarian could be the better option against Rayan this weekend.