On Sunday, Liverpool will face Aston Villa, a young side that has made several promising signings since the summer transfer window closed. The Reds drew 1-1 with Unai Emery’s side the previous time they met, but having made a number of adjustments in the center of the pitch, the better level of quality in the match will be obvious.
One of Villa’s most recent acquisitions is a player who was once seen as a potential long-term successor for Mohamed Salah. Moussa Diaby had a strong scoring record for Bayer Leverkusen in Germany, which he maintained under former Liverpool player Xabi Alonso. On Sunday afternoon, he’ll be one to keep an eye on.
The Frenchman has adjusted well to life in the Premier League, scoring twice and assisting once in three games. One of those came on the opening day against Newcastle, a match that the Villains have left behind them after a 5-1 humiliation.
Many would argue that their recent fixtures have been much easier, but with the addition of Pau Torres from Villarreal — another player being scouted by Liverpool and other top clubs — there are signs that the West Midlands club is beginning to evolve under the guidance of an experienced manager.
Jürgen Klopp has won six of nine meetings against Emery, with the German manager’s solitary triumph coming in the Europa League final in 2016, when a comeback 3-1 victory cancelled out Daniel Sturridge’s outside-of-the-foot shot. Emery hasn’t beaten Klopp since, despite playing for three different clubs.
A draw, on the other hand, would leave Liverpool two points behind Manchester City. Last time out, a high foot on Cody Gakpo went unpunished, but Darwin Nez’s performance against Newcastle last week could see the Uruguayan lead the line this time.
Villa has also had less time to prepare after a dominant 8-0 aggregate win against Hibernian on Thursday, however that game has allowed Ollie Watkins to develop scoring form.
Diaby, who has been deployed in a more central role thus far, is set to immediately assault Liverpool’s secondary center-back duo of Jol Matip and Joe Gomez. Wataru End’s role may also become more significant in a game in which he hopes to finish in an 11 v 11 format for the first time.
Interestingly, Liverpool scouts will learn more about whether they made the correct decision not to make an approach for Villa’s new star. According to The Guardian, he was signed for $65 million (£52 million/€60 million), which is far more than the Reds paid for Salah in 2017.
However, at a time when there are few options for left-footed right-wingers with a strong attacking output, Diaby’s transfer could be viewed as a steal by the conclusion of his contract, especially if he helps Aston Villa to a second successive European finish this season.
Klopp will be keeping an eye on Diaby as a potential Salah successor during a scouting match at Anfield on Sunday, especially with clubs in the Saudi Pro League expected to return to the negotiating table for the Egyptian in January.