Rising Talent in European Football: Johan Bakayoko’s Impressive Season
Johan Bakayoko: A Forward on the Rise
Liverpool have five senior forwards, but if they’re honest we’d expect one to come in this summer, regardless of any exits. Johan Bakayoko’s rise has not gone unnoticed and there are suggestions Anfield could be his future destination. Despite plying his trade in the Eredivisie with PSV Eindhoven, his performances have drawn attention from others and many clubs have him marked as a player of significant potential. While the Dutch league may not boast the competitive edge of the Premier League, Bakayoko’s stats suggest he’s a cut above the rest.
Seasonal Statistics: How Bakayoko Stands Out
This season, Bakayoko has made an impression with 14 appearances, yielding an admirable tally of 3 goals and 8 assists. His impact is evident when we sift through the data sourced from FBREF, which paints a detailed picture of his playing style and effectiveness. His total of 1.3 goals and assists per 90 minutes is a testament to his offensive prowess.
Comparative Analysis: Bakayoko and Liverpool’s Forwards
When compared to Liverpool’s attacking force, Bakayoko holds his own. His expected goals number (xG) is somewhat shy of Mohamed Salah’s 14.3, but it’s unfair to fully measure against the Egyptian king. In shooting accuracy, Bakayoko’s 26.1% is promising, though again it’s dwarfed by Salah’s exceptional 44.1%. However, Bakayoko can fire on the right wing with a left foot (sounds familiar) which is most intriguing, particularly given Liverpool’s current lack of options in that position.
Technical Versatility and Tactical Fit
Bakayoko’s tendency to start as a right-footed forward on the left wing doesn’t see him hug the touchline for 90 minutes, and he often pops up in central areas too. His ability to cut inside and create chances, as well as his assist tally, suggests that he could fit well into a squad looking for a player capable of adding width and creativity to their attack. Especially as we seem stacked with forwards who mainly seem best starting from the left.
Potential Amidst Competition
While the Eredivisie is often viewed as a stepping stone to the more demanding European leagues, Bakayoko’s skill set indicates he could thrive amidst tougher competition. His pace, acceleration, and technical ability, combined with a keen eye for goal, align with the calibre of talent typically seen at clubs like Liverpool. We know which bracket FSG shops in and what Jurgen Klopp can then do. There’ll be talk of defenders and sixes coming in quite rightly, but this is one to keep an eye on.
