Johan Bakayoko of PSV Eindhoven is a new European talent for Liverpool supporters to keep an eye on.
The 20-year-old Belgian’s name surfaced after sources in Holland, specifically Eindhovens Dagblad writer Rik Elfrink, stated that he was the subject of a Liverpool investigation.
Other outlets shared similar thoughts, claiming that Bakayoko may be viewed as Mohamed Salah’s successor if the Reds hero joins former teammates Jordan Henderson, Roberto Firmino, and Fabinho in Saudi Arabia.
The Egyptian’s agent has previously angrily denied the possibility of that happening this summer. But, with Salah approaching 32 in June, there comes a moment when options must be considered.
Jurgen Klopp’s summer goal has been to reconstruct the midfield at Anfield. After failing to fulfill the standards set during their chase of the quadruple the previous season, his Liverpool side had a forgettable 2022-23 season.
Klopp will be hopeful that his business is completed before the transfer market closes on September 1. This season, the Reds will compete in the Europa League, but Klopp will be focused on getting back into the Champions League after finishing outside the top four for only the second time in his tenure.
Liverpool’s likely priority next summer will be to bolster their defensive ranks. Joel Matip, who is already below Ibrahima Konate in the pecking order, will be out of contract by that point. Meanwhile, Virgil van Dijk is in his 30s and many expect him to be nearing the end of his career. A left-sided central defender has been mentioned, but one thing is certain: the backline is about to alter.
That is exactly what has happened to the strike force. In recent seasons, Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, and Darwin Nunez have all been welcomed to Merseyside, along with newcomer Ben Doak. On the other hand, the Reds have said goodbye to Firmino and Sadio Mane, who were part of Klopp’s famous and formidable front three alongside Salah.
What about Salah? While he shows no signs of slowing down, the day will come when he is no longer sprinting down the wing in the red shirt.
Bakayoko was among the first names mentioned as a prospective successor, and while Klopp is thought to be a fan, club sources have sought to downplay links to the kid, given the breadth of forward options currently available to their boss. But what would Bakayoko bring with him?
In comparison to Salah, the sample size around the Belgian international is modest. His profile, though, is similar to that of the Egyptian, with both players preferring to cut inside from the right onto their left foot.
Liverpool’s requirement for a pressing machine is a stipulation that could influence numerous acquisitions. According to FBRef figures, the PSV forward has 5.79 ball recoveries per 90 minutes, putting him in the 86th percentile, and 1.23 tackles won per 90 minutes, putting him in the 87th percentile.
Many wingers around the world will watch Liverpool games every weekend in order to emulate Salah’s devastating dribbling. Statistically, Bakayoko ranks in the 99th and 94th percentiles for progressive carries and successful take-ons (7.22 per 90 minutes and 3.07 per 90 minutes, respectively).
His creative flare has already captivated the interest and attention of many this season, and his assists for PSV kept them in their UEFA Champions League tie with Rangers on Tuesday, engineering Ibrahim Sangare and Luuk de Jong’s goals in a 2-2 draw at Ibrox.
Liverpool has a reputation for unearthing treasures that Klopp polishes and turns into world-beaters. At the youthful age of 20, Bakayoko is wise above his years and garnered glowing praise from former PSV manager Ruud van Nistelrooy even before his breakthrough.
“You can see that he has power and also a good shot,” the ex-Manchester United striker added. “He plays such controlled football that it’s easy to forget he’s only 18.” If he continues to put so much effort into what he does, he is a young man on the verge of joining the first team at the conclusion of the season.”
Bakayoko has done exactly that by joining the first team. Following his promotion from the U21s, he has made 43 appearances at the Phillips Stadion, scoring seven goals and contributing nine assists. Already, his abilities have earned him a place in the Belgian senior team under Domenico Tedesco, where he has scored once in four appearances.
Gerard Witters, his agent, has also praised him for going from a “crazy dog” to a player “defenders can’t stop anymore.”
“Johan was not doing well at the start of 2021,” he explained. But everything changed after he obtained his new deal.
“He began to improve his stats, and his recent games have been outstanding.” The club has informed me that Johan is already better than they anticipated.
“Before, he used to play like a mad dog. He possessed excellent qualities and was quite explosive, but he generated terrible crosses and took shots when they were not the greatest option.
“Now he knows a lot more about what he’s going to do, and defenders can’t stop him anymore, despite the fact that he always does the same movement (cutting inside).”
If his performances continue, Bakayoko’s stock will surely rise. What is certain is that Liverpool will need to replace Salah at some point, and the PSV forward has shown flashes that he could suit the bill.