Liverpool they are riding the crest of a wave this season, but fans fear that it will all come crashing down at some point.
While in football it is important not to look too far into the future, Anfield fans are aware of this Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah could sign a preliminary contract with a club from abroad at any time.
While FSG stay optimistic in the face of an incredible dilemma, losing any of these players would be a damaging blow.
Salah, for example, is one of the greatest strikers Merseyside has ever seen, scored 22 goals and 17 assists so far this season. Saudi suitors are growing in confidenceand Liverpool are starting to think about a plan for success.
Liverpool are looking for a replacement for Salah in Spain
According to Spanish reportsLiverpool are increasingly confident of signing Takefus Kubo at the end of the season as Slot begins to prepare for a potential future without Salah at the club.
Kubo has a €60m (£51m) release clause in his contract, but according to the report, Liverpool are ready to offer €50m (£42m) plus Federico Chiesa – an offer they believe will be accepted.
Although sporting director Richard Hughes will continue to push to tie down the Egyptian king to a lucrative new contract with Liverpool, time appears to be running out for a harmonious conclusion, and Kubo could be the answer to the problem.
Why Takefusa Kubo could replace Mo Salah
Kubo is only 23 years old, but in the last few years he has become a major player on the Spanish scene, scoring 38 goals in 112 appearances for Real Sociedad.
According to FBrefthe quick-footed winger is in the top 2% of position mates in La Liga this season for progressive passes, top 1% for successful take-ons and top 9% for shot-making actions per 90.
A successful takeover is scored when a player beats his opponent by passing the ball directly past him, retaining possession.
The Japanese international would bring much quicker athleticism to Slott’s team than the 32-year-old Salah, who is one of the most potent attacking forces in world football but less mobile than he once was.
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2024/25: Takefusa Kubo vs Mohamed Salah |
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|---|---|---|
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Match statistics* |
||
|
Matches (starts) |
20 (14) |
21 (21) |
|
Objectives |
4 |
18 |
|
Assists |
0 |
13 |
|
Recorded footage* |
1.4 (.) |
4.0 (2.0) |
|
Big chances were missed |
0 |
14 |
|
Completion of passage |
77% |
73% |
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Great chances were created |
3 |
17 |
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Key Passes* |
1.2 |
2.3 |
|
Ball recovery* |
3.2 |
2.5 |
|
Tackles + interceptions* |
1.4 |
0.7 |
|
dribble* |
1.9 |
1.6 |
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Total matches (won)* |
4.8 (49%) |
3.4 (43%) |
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Statistics via Sofascore (* = per match) |
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No winger in Europe (except maybe Barcelona’s Raphinh) can hold a candle to Salah this season, and there’s no doubt that Kubo has a lot of work to do before he can play at a satisfactory level for a team like Liverpool, but the ingredients for success are there.
He’s combative and creative, sure, but perhaps most interestingly, Kubo hasn’t missed a single big chance in La Liga this season, suggesting his ability to strike the ball is good, but he just doesn’t get into enough positions to score.
Spanish journalist Kiyan Sobhani he echoed this argument, saying last year: “Kubo has been dusting defenders this season and has been an unrelenting attacking threat. Constantly on the attack.”
In Liverpool’s system, this can be improved, especially when he learns to apply some of Salah’s tricks to his trade, which Liverpool’s coaches will no doubt be able to implement into his game.
The left-back needs to hone his sharpness in front of goal, but there is no doubting the quality. With a complete skill set and wild energy in him, Kubo could be the perfect successor to Salah.
Look, Liverpool would be foolish to try to replace Salah with an amazing-looking winger – they just wouldn’t be up to it. Instead, Kubo can add his own flair to the role and make it his own.
