Liverpool are planning to secure PSV Eindhoven star Johan Bakayoko to replace Mohamed Salah during the African Cup of Nation
Liverpool wants PSV Eindhoven star Johan Bakayoko in January to replace Mohamed Salah during the African Cup of Nations. The AFCON tournament next year will see Salah representing Egypt, placing Liverpool in a peculiar position.
Liverpool are currently competing in all competitions after a successful start to their season with Salah leading the goalscoring charts. They are second in the Premier League, qualified for the Europa League last 16, and reached the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
Salah’s captaincy for his national team in the AFCON competition will potentially result in him missing up to seven matches. The games involve an FA Cup clash with league-leaders Arsenal, alongside a Premier League away game with the Gunners. Moreover, the scheduling of Premier League games against Chelsea, Bournemouth, and Burnley coincides with the period when the 31-year-old will be away.
ESPN (h/t Liverpool Echo) reported that repeatedly-linked PSV winger Bakayoko could be a January target to compensate for Salah’s loss. The 20-year-old has enjoyed a spectacular start to the season for his Dutch side, attracting interest from Europe.
Bakayoko has scored four goals and provided 13 assists in all competitions from 27 appearances this season. The 20-year-old is already well-built to hold his own against the defenders in ground duels with his strength and balance.
The Belgium international has tremendous pace and close control to dribble past opponents with ease. Bakayoko has a fantastic technique with his left foot which helps him create chances and score goals as an inside forward.
The 20-year-old can be unpredictable, running into channels or cutting to the bylines with ease. However, the youngster tends to dribble too much at times and relies a lot on his stronger left foot. He is still very young and has plenty of time to work on his very few weaknesses and become effective.
Bakayoko prefers the direct and high-pressing style of tactics that Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp prefers, hence fitting the profile. The Belgian has a high work-rate when the team is off-possession, using his hard pressing to continuously put pressure on the opponents. The 20-year-old acts as an important outlet for counter-attacks for PSV, using his incredible pace and dribbling skills.
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Despite some lingering issues with composure in front of the goal, Liverpool boasts a well-stacked attack department. Apart from Salah’s imminent AFCON departure, the only additional concerns are Diogo Jota’s injury record and Luis Diaz’s poor form.
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On-form winger Harvey Elliot has produced strong performances from the right wing and expects to fill that position. However, Bakayoko could be a fantastic addition in Liverpool’s squad with his pace and dribbling from flanks. Something that the Reds have missed with Salah’s change in approach with ageing and Diaz’s struggle since his injury.
