The World Cup has long been a stage where new stars announce themselves, and Liverpool have already been given two early reminders of that in the opening days of the tournament.
Yan Diomande and Ayyoub Bouaddi both stepped into the spotlight with performances full of confidence. Diomande lit up Ivory Coast’s win over Ecuador, while Bouaddi impressed in midfield for Morocco against Brazil.
Both have been linked with Liverpool ahead of the summer window, seen as players with immense talent and huge upside, and their debuts offered a clear glimpse of why the Reds have been keeping tabs on them.
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Yan Diomande and Ayyoub Bouaddi show why Liverpool want them this summer
Diomande’s World Cup debut could hardly have gone much better. The 19-year-old was named player of the match as Ivory Coast beat Ecuador 1-0. Starting on the right, a position Liverpool need to fill after Mohamed Salah’s departure, Diomande caused problems throughout.
He also switched to the left after the break, showing the kind of versatility that would make him even more useful at Anfield.
Diomande created five chances, made 22 passes in the final third and gave Arsenal star Piero Hincapie a torrid time.
Liverpool have already made an important step towards signing Diomande. Recent reports suggest they are still pushing hard to win the race for the RB Leipzig winger. There is, however, an obvious issue with the price.
Leipzig are expected to hold firm, and a strong World Cup showing will only strengthen their position. If Diomande keeps playing like this, he will not get any cheaper.
Bouaddi’s performance was just as impressive, and arguably even more mature.
The 18-year-old started against Brazil and looked completely comfortable. He had 88 touches, won 11 duels, completed 30 passes in the opposition half and finished with 93 per cent passing accuracy.
Liverpool’s interest in Bouaddi was reported before the January window, when the club were said to be ready to challenge for the Lille midfielder. That was earlier in the season, but recent reports have again placed Liverpool around him, with scouts said to have watched him against Brazil.
Bouaddi fits a profile Liverpool could use in midfield. He has legs, composure, defensive strength and the technical quality to play through pressure.
Diomande would help fill the right-sided void left by Salah, while Bouaddi would bring long-term energy and control to the middle of the pitch.
Neither signing will be straightforward. Leipzig will not let Diomande go cheaply, and Bouaddi could quickly become the subject of a serious bidding war.
But that is the reality of the market. Performances like these drive up prices.
Liverpool cannot sign every World Cup breakout star, but Diomande and Bouaddi fit clear needs at Anfield. If the club truly believe in both players, these debuts only strengthen the argument for paying what it takes this summer.
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