Liverpool got here into their pre-season conflict with Milan filled with optimism.
They’ve arguably had the very best switch window of any staff this summer season, particularly signing Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike.
Arne Slot’s staff appears to be like set to pack a firmer punch even than they did throughout their Premier League-winning marketing campaign and issues might get even higher.
Certainly, the Reds are favourites to land Alexander Isak after the Swede made the hierarchy at Newcastle know that he’d wish to discover an exit this summer season.
That positivity, nevertheless, was not sufficient to hold them to a win over Milan who defeated Slot’s facet 4-2.
Work to do then, largely on the again the place choices look sparse centrally for Liverpool. Nonetheless, they appear intent to taking steps so as to add extra to the ahead line.
Who might substitute Nunez and Diaz at Liverpool
Any strikes Liverpool full between now and the tip of the summer season are prone to rely upon what occurs to Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz.
It’s largely been anticipated that the previous takes his depart however the place he finally ends up feels slightly unsure proper now. As for Diaz, his future will likely be in Munich with Bayern having agreed to signal the Colombian winger for a price of round £65m.
Ought to Nunez depart alongside Diaz, then the Reds might flip their consideration to a record-breaking bid for Isak.
But, with Ekitike already via the door, signing an out-and-out alternative for Diaz would make an important deal extra sense.
That’s the place Liverpool’s broad choices come into the equation. One other Toon star within the type of Anthony Gordon has been linked however that feels unlikely.
What’s extra seemingly is concluding a deal for Actual Madrid winger Rodrygo. That’s in keeping with studies in Spain.
Studies just a few weeks in the past famous that Liverpool had begun talks to signal the Brazilian and now they’re mentioned to be main the race to signal him.
It’s alleged that Arsenal are actually out of the race for the Madrid star, making the Reds agency favourites. That being mentioned, they should promote to be able to discover a transfer for a participant being valued at round £87m.
That’s actually some huge cash, however for a participant in comparison with Wirtz, it’s simple to see why they’ve solid their eyes within the course of the 24-year-old.
How Rodrygo compares to Florian Wirtz
Described because the “finest midfielder on this planet” by former Leverkusen striker Patrick Helmes, it was some coup to get Wirtz to Anfield this summer season.
Many suppose the traditional quantity 10 has died out however in Wirtz, you sense Liverpool have signed the inheritor to Kevin De Bruyne’s throne.
He’s a artistic machine, having assisted 15 objectives final season, however he’s additionally greater than competent in entrance of purpose, netting 16 instances in all competitions.
Not simply able to enjoying via the center, Wirtz has additionally discovered a house in broad areas, similar to Rodrygo.
The Brazilian isn’t a lot of a quantity 10, nevertheless, like Wirtz, he’s performed as a false 9 and out broad. His statistical knowledge can be very comparable.
Certainly, in keeping with FBref, the German is the seventh-most comparable attacking midfielder and winger to Rodrygo in Europe’s prime 5 leagues during the last 12 months. Right here’s why.
Rodrygo vs Wirtz in 2024/25 (league solely) | ||
|---|---|---|
Stat (per 90 minutes) | Rodrygo | Wirtz |
Targets | 0.28 | 0.38 |
Assists | 0.23 | 0.46 |
Pictures | 2.52 | 2.84 |
Move success % | 85.9% | 78.3% |
Shot-creating actions | 4.95 | 5.66 |
Key passes | 2.29 | 2.18 |
Progressive passes | 5.05 | 6.74 |
Profitable take-ons | 2.29 | 3.14 |
Progressive carries | 5.28 | 5.02 |
Progressive passes obtained | 11.8 | 11.8 |
Stats by way of FBRef. | ||
Whereas Wirtz’s output is supremely higher – Rodrygo scored 14 and assisted 11 in all completions – their knowledge was comparable in different areas.
Trying on the numbers, it was really the Actual winger who bettered Wirtz for key passes per 90 minutes, though solely marginally.
Within the dribbling division, their means to control the ball in tight areas and advance past the defence is uncanny.
They’re dazzling with possession at their toes, one thing that’s backed up by the truth that they each common over 5 progressive carries per 90.
A carry is taken into account progressive if the ball is moved in direction of the opponent’s purpose at the very least 10 yards from its place to begin or is carried into the penalty space.
Teammates clearly recognise that too, as they obtain an equivalent variety of progressive passes, underlining their means to be given the ball between the strains the place they will impression proceedings within the remaining third.
Whereas Rodrygo did go 17 video games with no purpose at one stage in 2024/25, his means is clear and if you happen to’re a participant incomes comparisons to Wirtz, it’s clear you’re a really proficient footballer. In any case, he’s a “world-class famous person” within the phrases of Luka Modric.
For Liverpool, this may be an important transfer if Diaz departs.
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