Diogo Jota He scored 22 seconds after coming off the bench at the City Ground on Tuesday evening, saving a point for the first-place club. Liverpool in Premier League.
It has put an emphatic stamp on debate number nine at Anfield. Luis Diaz He adds a kind of charged dynamism to Liverpool's attack when operating as a centre-forward, while Darwin Nunez He brings his own energy while also offering a more traditional approach to the striker role.
But Jota is a true goalscorer, and has the clinical presence and leadership the club needs moving forward. If he maintains his fitness, you would think the Portuguese would enjoy a lot of football as a central focal point.
something you have He scored eight goals and two assists From just 11 starting in 2024/25. Liverpool may be looking for a new striker this month, but that doesn't look like a priority when looking at the full scope.
Liverpool cool interest in Kvaratskhelia
Early hits in the winter transfer window have highlighted Liverpool's interest in the player Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Paris Saint-Germain had already put them in the driving seat to sign the Napoli star, but a clear briefing to reporters confirmed that FSG are prepared to act if the Georgian confirms his desire to leave Serie A.
Well, PSG have made steady progress over the past week and are now on the verge of completing the deal, with radio silence from Anfield in the intervening period.
While it is somewhat strange for the Reds to reveal their hand before returning to the shadows, there is likely to be an opportunity in the market and the club has taken it into account. In any case, Liverpool's attacking line is unlikely to suffer without the arrival of the left-winger.
|
Liverpool's front line under Arne Slott |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
player |
Applications |
Objectives |
Helps |
|
Mohamed Salah |
29 |
21 |
17 |
|
Luis Diaz |
27 |
12 |
3 |
|
Cody Steele |
30 |
12 |
4 |
|
Diogo Jota |
18 |
8 |
2 |
|
Darwin Nunez |
26 |
4 |
4 |
|
Federico Chiesa |
5 |
1 |
1 |
|
Statistics via Transfer market |
|||
Sporting director Richard Hughes may turn to more demanding issues Andy Robertson30, is on the decline and it is clear that a new left-back is needed.
Liverpool targets a new left-back
According to the paperLiverpool are set to win the race for Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez, ahead of both Manchester clubs in the Premier League, with the player himself believed to favor a move to Anfield this summer.
Kirkese has been one of the brightest emerging talents in the division this season, and the Cherries will attempt to thwart end-of-season negotiations, with the report claiming the agreement should fall in the region of £50m.
However, Andoni Iraola welcomed Argentine left-back Julio Soler to the Vitality Stadium this month. For a fee of £11.5 millionso steps had already been taken south to mitigate the possibility of a Hungarian sale.
Why does Liverpool want Milos Kerkez?
Liverpool have raised their collective level in the slot system this season but Robertson has unfortunately remained flat. Years of grueling service, once the most active player on the team, seemed to have ended his outstanding performance as a redshirt player.
It may have seemed as if Kvaratskhelia's surprise signing was the splashy signing and statement-maker Liverpool needed, but that is simply not the case, not when efforts could be focused in areas such as left-back.
Of course, eighth-placed Bournemouth appear to be sticking to their position of not selling Kirkese this month as it increases their chances of qualifying for Europe, but Liverpool appear to have cash ready to release him and a £50m bid could tempt his club. The resolve of competitors given that the alternative has already been welcomed.
In fact, i Paper is hailing Dominik Szoboszlai's Hungary team-mate as 'the new Andy Robertson', with his pace and effectiveness in wide playmaking situations creating the perfect lift for Bournemouth.
The 21-year-old has scored one goal, added three assists and kept five clean sheets in the Premier League this season. According to SovascorHe averaged 1.4 tackles and 4.5 recoveries per game, winning 59% of his ground battles.
Furthermore, his Sofascore heat map provides a strong commentary on Kerkez's approach to energy and ground coverage. Robertson's heatmap is just as accurate, as his loss of pace and effectiveness has reduced him to a more established role on the left side of the defence. An average of 0.1 dribbles per match.
Kvaratskhelia is perhaps the flashiest and most exciting signing to be prioritised, but Liverpool may be better placed to focus on Kerkez, whose skill set could serve as a permanent tonic at left-back, allowing Robertson to retain his first-team role while relieving the pressure. The burden he bears, being ahead of Kostas Tsimikas despite his obvious struggles, is the weak link in an elite-level system.
The matter is settled then; A Kerkez signing would be the best. One thing FSG excels at is cutting through the hype of proponents and biding their time in the market until the right time comes to strike. It may be frustrating for those who are fans of Liverpool, but which team usually comes out on top on the pitch?
Look, Kirkes would be a great addition midway through the 2024/25 season, but Liverpool are top of the Premier League and Champions League tables and still in both domestic cup competitions. If it doesn't come together until summer, there's still every reason to be excited for this season and beyond.
