Liverpool have been driving the crest of a wave this season however supporters worry that it’ll all come crashing down in some unspecified time in the future.
Whereas, in soccer, it is essential to not look too far into the longer term, 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 could be a detrimental blow.
Salah, for instance, is without doubt one of the best forwards that Merseyside has ever seen, posting 22 goals and 17 assists to date this season. Saudi suitors are growing in confidence, and Liverpool are starting to take a look at a hit plan.
Liverpool Salah substitute in Spain
As per Spanish reports, 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 consider might be accepted.
Whereas sporting director Richard Hughes will nonetheless be pushing to tie the Egyptian king all the way down to a bumper new deal at Liverpool, it appears like time is operating out for a harmonic conclusion, and Kubo may very well be the reply to the issue.
Why Takefusa Kubo may exchange Mo Salah
Kubo is just 23 however he is emerged as a serious participant on the Spanish scene over the previous few years, notching 38 goal contributions throughout 112 appearances for Actual Sociedad.
As per FBref, the fleet-footed winger ranks among the many prime 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 carry far fleeter athleticism to Slot’s staff than the 32-year-old Salah, who is without doubt one of the most potent attacking forces in world soccer however much less cell than he as soon as was.
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2024/25: Takefusa Kubo vs Mohamed Salah |
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|---|---|---|
|
Match Stats* |
||
|
Matches (begins) |
20 (14) |
21 (21) |
|
Objectives |
4 |
18 |
|
Assists |
0 |
13 |
|
Photographs taken* |
1.4 (.) |
4.0 (2.0) |
|
Huge possibilities missed |
0 |
14 |
|
Go completion |
77% |
73% |
|
Huge possibilities 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%) |
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Stats by way of Sofascore (* = per sport) |
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No winger in Europe (barring possibly 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 staff like Liverpool, however the substances for achievement are there.
He is combative and inventive, positive, however maybe most curiously, Kubo hasn’t missed a single massive probability in La Liga this season, suggesting that his ball-striking potential is nice, however he simply is not moving into sufficient goalscoring positions.
Spanish-based journalist Kiyan Sobhani has echoed this argument, saying final 12 months: “Kubo is dusting defenders this season and has been an unrelenting offensive menace. Always in assault mode.”
In Liverpool’s system, this may be improved, particularly when taught to use a few of Salah’s methods to his craft, which Liverpool coaches will little doubt be capable to implement into his sport.
The left-footer does have to hone his sharpness in entrance of aim however there is no doubting the standard. With a whole skillset and a ferocious vitality about him, Kubo may very well be the right Salah inheritor.
Look, Liverpool could be silly to try to exchange Salah with a winger of placing likeness – they only would not reside as much as the plate. As a substitute, Kubo can add his personal aptitude to the function, and make it his personal.
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