World Cup Watch: Liverpool Stars Shine and Transfer Targets Catch The Eye
The World Cup has already thrown up some Liverpool goals, assists and transfer auditions...
The World Cup is always great, but if you’re anything like me, the most enjoyable aspect is soaking up the subplots connected to your club.
We’re almost one week in and there has already been plenty for Liverpool supporters to delve into. From potential transfer targets to brilliant performances from the Reds’ own players, it has been fascinating.
Liverpool Stars Shine
After a disastrous club campaign, the World Cup has offered several Liverpool players the chance to reset, refocus and remind people of their quality.
Alisson Becker was the first Red in action in Brazil’s 1-1 draw with Morocco. Despite his return to full fitness, he was beaten by a brilliant finish from Bayern Munich bound Ismael Saibari. There was little he could do about the goal, but the key point for Liverpool was that Alisson was fit again and playing on the biggest stage.
Sunday then saw Andy Robertson, still technically a Liverpool player, captain Scotland to a 1-0 win over Haiti in their opening game. Scotland needed control, experience and authority, and Robertson gave them exactly that.
Later that evening, Florian Wirtz starred in Germany’s 7-1 win over Curacao. Despite only managing one assist, his performance was so much more than that. His touch, movement and imagination were all on display, with the ball seemingly glued to his boots at times. His work rate was brilliant too, and that is slowly becoming a hugely underrated part of his game. Liverpool supporters will have noticed that.
The Netherlands then took to the stage in their 2-2 draw with Japan. Captain Virgil van Dijk scored the opener, assisted by Ryan Gravenberch. It was the first time that two Liverpool players had combined for a World Cup goal since 1966, which is some little piece of history.
Gravenberch turned provider again for the Netherlands’ second goal, when Crysencio Summerville curled home a brilliant effort. The midfielder was simply excellent. He carried himself with confidence, moved the ball cleanly and looked like a player ready to take on more responsibility. Cody Gakpo also featured but continued his lacklustre form.
Yesterday morning saw Alexander Isak shine. With one of the performances of the tournament so far, Isak scored a brilliant solo goal before creating two more in Sweden’s 5-1 win over Tunisia. His balance, pace and composure were frightening at times.
Then Mohamed Salah led Egypt into battle against Belgium. The Egyptian King notched an assist in the 1-1 draw, which is a solid result for the African side.
Liverpool Transfer Watch
One of the highlights of the week was watching Yan Diomande shine for Ivory Coast. The 19-year-old RB Leipzig forward has been heavily linked with a move to Anfield and he certainly did not disappoint.
He was the standout performer in Ivory Coast’s 1-0 win over Ecuador. In the first half, he was deployed off the right and came face to face with Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie. Diomande won almost every battle with ease.
The second half showcased his versatility, as he dominated from the left wing too. That matters for Liverpool. They need forwards who can stretch teams, beat defenders and operate across the front line. Diomande looks fearless and has the profile of an absolute star in the making.
Another youngster who shone was Ayyoub Bouaddi. The 18 year old Moroccan midfielder dominated large parts of the pitch in their 1-1 draw with Brazil.
He is expected to leave Lille this summer. Liverpool have already held talks with the player on numerous occasions, but face major competition from Arsenal and PSG. That alone tells you the level of talent being discussed. Bouaddi plays with calmness, intelligence and maturity beyond his age. This could be one to keep an eye on as Liverpool weigh up their midfield options this summer.
If I was to say the name Abbosek Fayzullayev, eyebrows would be raised. However, Liverpool will reportedly be scouting the 22-year-old attacker in Uzbekistan’s opener against Colombia on Thursday morning.
Fayzullayev currently plays for Basaksehir in Turkey. Whatever you think about the player or the link, these little stories are what the World Cup is all about. It would be some audition for the forward, and tournaments have a habit of turning unknown names into major talking points very quickly.
In terms of other options, PSG forward Bradley Barcola has also been linked. The 23-year-old is expected to feature in France’s opener against Senegal tonight. Rumours around the versatile forward are brewing, and many Liverpool supporters will be keen to get another glimpse of him.
Barcola has the sort of profile that naturally attracts attention. He can play wide, he carries the ball at speed and he offers a different kind of threat in the final third.
This is the beauty of the World Cup. It gives supporters fresh hope, fresh arguments and fresh names to obsess over. For Liverpool, week one has already delivered plenty.