Jurgen Klopp’s nine-year tenure at Liverpool concluded at the end of the 2023/24 season. The renowned German manager bid farewell to the Anfield supporters on the final day, exiting with a 2-0 home victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, courtesy of goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Jarell Quansah.
Unfortunately for Klopp, his departure was not marked by the Premier League trophy he undoubtedly desired. Liverpool ended the season in third place, nine points adrift of league champions Manchester City, who secured their fourth consecutive title, and seven points behind second-place Arsenal.
Despite this, the Reds managed to clinch one trophy last season, defeating Chelsea in the Carabao Cup to give Klopp his final title as Liverpool manager.
They were ousted by the eventual winners of both the FA Cup and the Europa League, with Manchester United and Atalanta eliminating them from each competition, respectively.
Arne Slot, the new manager, will now face the challenge of dominating English football. This summer’s transfer window will be crucial for Slot, who arrives from Feyenoord, and Liverpool have already been linked with a star player potentially heading to Anfield.
Liverpool Eye La Liga Winger
The focus here is on Real Madrid and Brazil international winger Rodrygo. The 23-year-old has been the subject of transfer speculation ever since Kylian Mbappe’s signing was confirmed, suggesting a possible move could happen later this summer.
A report from Spain indicates that Liverpool have expressed interest in Rodrygo. According to the report, Liverpool offered £101 million for his services, but Real Madrid turned it down. Nevertheless, the Spanish club might consider an offer closer to £126.5 million, which would require Liverpool to make a record-breaking second bid.
In addition to Liverpool’s interest, Manchester City, led by Pep Guardiola, are also reportedly considering a bid for the Brazilian winger. The report mentions that it’s possible one of these two clubs will attempt again this summer to lure Rodrygo away from Madrid.
Despite these reports, Rodrygo himself dismissed the idea of leaving after helping Real Madrid secure their 15th Champions League title. He stated, “Of course I’m going to stay! Where am I going to go? I’m staying.”
Nonetheless, the reports imply that Real Madrid might still be open to a deal.
How Rodrygo Would Fit in at Liverpool
Rodrygo is widely regarded as one of the top talents in world football, a sentiment echoed by analysts and managers repeatedly.
Football talent scout Jacek Kulig praised the Brazilian on X, describing him as “simply incredible” after his impressive streak of five goals in four games between March and April.
In addition to this acclaim, Rodrygo received high praise from his manager, Carlo Ancelotti, after scoring twice against Athletic Club in March.
The legendary Italian manager highlighted Rodrygo’s “very high quality in his plays” and deemed him “the most important player of the match” against the Copa del Rey winners.
The 23-year-old had a remarkable season, scoring ten goals and providing five assists in La Liga, contributing to his team’s title victory. Rodrygo also made a significant impact in the Champions League, scoring five goals and assisting three times.
| Rodrygo 2023/24 season by numbers | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Competition | Games | Goals | Assists |
| La Liga | 34 | 10 | 5 |
| Champions League | 13 | 5 | 3 |
| Copa del Rey | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Supercopa | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Stats from Transfermarkt | |||
If Rodrygo joins Liverpool this summer, he could serve as a potential replacement for their star player, Mohamed Salah. Despite the Egyptian being linked with a move away from Anfield, a report from GIVEMESPORT indicates that the Reds expect their key player to remain beyond the transfer window.
Salah continued to showcase his brilliance during the 2023/24 season, scoring 18 times in the Premier League and providing ten assists.
His contributions in the Europa League were equally significant, with nine goal involvements in as many matches, bringing his total tally for Liverpool to an impressive 211 goals.
In considering Rodrygo as Salah’s eventual successor, Liverpool would be acquiring a player with a different skill set, as reflected in their Fbref statistics. Rodrygo excels as a ball carrier, utilising his low center of gravity and quick changes of direction to effortlessly maneuver past opponents.
Rodrygo averages 6.02 progressive carries, 4.02 carries into the final third, and 3.18 carries into the penalty area per 90 minutes. By comparison, Salah averages 3.48 progressive carries, 1.91 carries into the final third, and 2.38 carries into the penalty area per 90 minutes.
In one-on-one situations, Rodrygo is more successful, attempting an average of 5.57 take-ons per 90 with a completion rate of 2.27, compared to Salah’s 2.73 attempted take-ons per 90 and 0.96 completed take-ons.
However, Salah surpasses Rodrygo in terms of creativity on the wing. The 31-year-old averages 2.34 key passes, 1.99 passes into the final third, and 2.41 passes into the penalty box per 90 minutes.
In contrast, Rodrygo’s averages are lower, with 1.74 key passes, 1.59 passes into the final third, and 1.67 passes into the penalty box. Salah also excels in progressive passing, with 5.21 progressive passes per 90 minutes compared to Rodrygo’s 3.41.
Despite these differences, having both players in the same team at Anfield next season is not out of the question. They would form a complementary winger duo, with Rodrygo’s strength in ball carrying and Salah’s creativity.
Rodrygo’s ability to play on the left wing allows both players to start, providing Liverpool’s attack with a balanced dynamic, and preparing for Rodrygo to eventually take over from Salah in the future.
Bringing Rodrygo from the Santiago Bernabeu to Anfield this summer would be a costly endeavor. However, his addition would bolster Liverpool’s offensive threat and allow the 23-year-old to emerge as a key player, especially if the alternative signing of Mbappe would mean less playing time for him.
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