Liverpool got here into their pre-season conflict with Milan filled with optimism.
They’ve arguably had the most effective switch window of any crew this summer season, specifically signing Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike.
Arne Slot’s crew appears set to pack a firmer punch even than they did throughout their Premier League-winning marketing campaign and issues may get even higher.
Certainly, the Reds are favourites to land Alexander Isak after the Swede made the hierarchy at Newcastle know that he’d prefer to discover an exit this summer season.
That positivity, nonetheless, was not sufficient to hold them to a win over Milan who defeated Slot’s aspect 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 may exchange Nunez and Diaz at Liverpool
Any strikes Liverpool full between now and the tip of the summer season are more likely to rely upon what occurs to Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz.
It’s largely been anticipated that the previous takes his go away however the place he finally ends up feels a bit of unsure proper now. As for Diaz, his future can be in Munich with Bayern having agreed to signal the Colombian winger for a charge of round £65m.
Ought to Nunez go away alongside Diaz, then the Reds may flip their consideration to a record-breaking bid for Isak.
But, with Ekitike already by the door, signing an out-and-out alternative for Diaz would make a terrific deal extra sense.
That’s the place Liverpool’s extensive 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 response to experiences in Spain.
Reviews a couple of weeks in the past famous that Liverpool had begun talks to signal the Brazilian and now they’re stated to be main the race to signal him.
It’s alleged that Arsenal at the moment are out of the race for the Madrid star, making the Reds agency favourites. That being stated, they should promote with a view to discover a transfer for a participant being valued at round £87m.
That’s definitely some huge cash, however for a participant in comparison with Wirtz, it’s simple to see why they’ve solid their eyes within the path of the 24-year-old.
How Rodrygo compares to Florian Wirtz
Described because the “finest midfielder on the planet” by former Leverkusen striker Patrick Helmes, it was some coup to get Wirtz to Anfield this summer season.
Many suppose the basic quantity 10 has died out however in Wirtz, you sense Liverpool have signed the inheritor to Kevin De Bruyne’s throne.
He’s a inventive machine, having assisted 15 objectives final season, however he’s additionally greater than competent in entrance of objective, netting 16 instances in all competitions.
Not simply able to enjoying by the center, Wirtz has additionally discovered a house in extensive areas, identical to Rodrygo.
The Brazilian isn’t a lot of a quantity 10, nonetheless, like Wirtz, he’s performed as a false 9 and out extensive. His statistical information can be very comparable.
Certainly, in response to FBref, the German is the seventh-most comparable attacking midfielder and winger to Rodrygo in Europe’s high 5 leagues during the last yr. 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 |
|
Cross 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 information was comparable in different areas.
Wanting on the numbers, it was truly the Actual winger who bettered Wirtz for key passes per 90 minutes, though solely marginally.
Within the dribbling division, their skill to control the ball in tight areas and advance past the defence is uncanny.
They’re dazzling with possession at their ft, 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 the direction of the opponent’s objective a minimum of 10 yards from its place to begin or is carried into the penalty space.
Teammates clearly recognise that too, as they obtain an an identical variety of progressive passes, underlining their skill to be given the ball between the strains the place they’ll affect proceedings within the closing third.
Whereas Rodrygo did go 17 video games and not using a objective at one stage in 2024/25, his skill is clear and for those who’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 is able to be a terrific transfer if Diaz departs.
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