Arne Slot is working hard to sort out Liverpool’s problems.
The Reds have enjoyed something of a mini-revival since that pitiful 4-1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven at Anfield, with two wins and two draws. However, there is still much to do.
Having ironed out some creases by making Liverpool more compact and less porous in recent weeks, Slot has ceded a creative spark that needs to be reignited if the Premier League champions are to not only survive but succeed this season.
|
Liverpool xG (last 5 matches) |
||
|---|---|---|
|
They will oppose |
Result |
xG |
|
Inter Milan |
1-0 |
1.42 |
|
Leeds |
3-3 |
1.91 |
|
Sunderland |
1-1 |
1.45 |
|
Western Ham |
2-0 |
1.24 |
|
PSV Eindhoven |
1-4 |
2.50 |
|
Data via FBref |
||
Expected Goals (xG) is a metric designed to measure the likelihood of a shot resulting in a goal.
This tactical adjustment could yet pay off for the Merseyside club, but regardless, Liverpool could do with a few new signings, especially amid the Mohamed Salah situation.
Liverpool begin searching for Salah’s successor
Slot sat down for his pre-match presser on Friday morning, with Brighton traveling to Anfield on Saturday afternoon, and confirmed he would speak to Salah later today and determine the route ahead after the Egyptian’s outburst following last week’s draw at Leeds United.
Salah’s calculated comments came from an accumulation of developments since the Premier League title was lifted and a lot has changed at Liverpool. Seeing him step down in acrimonious circumstances would be as inappropriate a departure as could be for the club’s greatest player of this modern era.
But Salah, 33, has lost his momentum on the pitch this season, there is no doubt about that. There is a reason why direct interest has been taken in Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, but with Manchester City also interested in the winger at a price of £65 million, FSG and sporting director Richard Hughes have found an interesting alternative.
According to Spanish sources, Liverpool are emerging as suitors in the race to sign Arda Guler from Real Madrid, joining Arsenal and Manchester United as the trio have all “taken steps to try and sign him”.
Previous reports suggest Guler could have a price tag of £88million.
Liverpool’s Premier League rivals are said to be first in line for the 20-year-old, but FSG have entered the fray and could now make contact with Los Blancos ahead of the winter transfer window, especially if Salah leaves.
Why Liverpool want Arda Guler
Guler has established himself as a regular starter at Real Madrid this season, with Xabi Alonso putting the Turkey international ahead of Rodrygo in the pecking order.
Guler achieved prodigy status during his early days with Fenerbahce, and Madrid bought him for €30m (£26m) in 2023. He was 18 and touted as a future superstar.
Two years into his career in the Spanish capital, the 20-year-old has done little to suggest otherwise, even if he has been somewhat reduced by the tide of global quality excess from the La Liga giants.
A move to Liverpool could be perfect for him, replacing Salah and thus earning the opportunity to become a talisman. It would be perfect in the Slot system. An effortless playmaker, Guler might actually prove the better choice against Semenyo, who is athletic, powerful and direct, but perhaps lacks the Turk’s grace and potential.
|
Antoine Semenyo vs. Arda Guler (last 12 months) |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Statistics (by 90) |
Seményo |
Necklace |
|
Goals scored |
0.36 |
0.20 |
|
Aids |
0.20 |
0.41 |
|
Shots taken |
2.73 |
2.53 |
|
Plan Creation Actions |
3.57 |
6.08 |
|
Touch (with pen) |
4.87 |
2.94 |
|
Success (%) |
72.9 |
85.4 |
|
Progressive passes |
3.48 |
7.91 |
|
Progressive ports |
3.79 |
2:00 |
|
Successful positions taken |
1.78 |
1.06 |
|
Ball recoveries |
4.46 |
4.57 |
|
Tackles + interceptions |
1.87 |
2.37 |
|
Data via FBref |
||
Guler is much less active in the area than Semenyo. He does not rush into the dangerous zone, but lingers, waiting for space. Against Semenyo, he edges him out in terms of creativity while continuing to move the ball forward himself. Far fewer touches in the box to highlight the difference between the two, but with Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike in the box, this profile might actually be the better choice.
Analyst Ben Mattinson even said the emerging talent “could reach Ballon d’Or level”, with his incredible technical strengths and application in the defensive and deep build-up phases setting him apart from many other promising players.
He’s an exciting talent, that’s for sure. Liverpool need to make improvements after a miserable first half of the season, and Guler would help steer Slot’s side into clearer waters and keep them there for so many years.
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