liverpool This season is at the crest of a wave but supporters fear it will all come crashing down at some point.
While in football it’s important not to look too far into the future, Anfield supporters are aware Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah Pre-contract agreements can be signed with overseas clubs at any time.
although FSG Staying positive in the face of shocking adversity, losing any of these players would be a negative blow.
Salah, for example, is one of Merseyside’s greatest ever strikers, Contributed 22 goals and 17 assists So far this season. Saudi suitors gain confidenceand Liverpool began to consider a successful plan.
Liverpool looking for replacement for Spanish Salah
According to Spanish reportsLiverpool are increasingly confident of signing Kubo at the end of the season as Slott begins to prepare for a potential future without Salah at the club.
Hidetoshi Kubo has a €60m (£51m) release clause in his contract, but Liverpool are reportedly prepared to offer €50m (£42m) plus Federico Chiesa – an offer they believe will be accepted.
While sporting director Richard Hughes will still push for the Egyptian king to sign a lucrative new contract with Liverpool, it feels like time is running out to reach a harmonious conclusion and Hidetoshi Kubo could be the answer.
Why Kubo Construction could replace Salah
Kubo is only 23 years old, but he has become a major player on the Spanish scene over the past few years, Contributed 38 goals Made 112 appearances for Real Sociedad.
According to FBrefThe quick-footed winger ranks in the top 2% of La Liga position players this season for improved dribbling, the top 1% for successful receptions and the top 9% for shots created per 90.
A successful catch is recorded when a player beats an opponent with the ball directly past him while maintaining possession.
The Japan international will bring quicker athleticism to Slott’s side than the 32-year-old Salah, who is one of the most powerful attacking forces in world football but is not as mobile as before.
2024/25: Kenfang Kubo vs Mohamed Salah |
||
---|---|---|
Match statistics* |
||
Game (start) |
20 (14) |
21 (21) |
Target |
4 |
18 |
Assist |
0 |
13 |
Photo taken* |
1.4(.) |
4.0 (2.0) |
missed opportunity |
0 |
14 |
Completed by |
77% |
73% |
created huge opportunities |
3 |
No. 17 |
Key Pass* |
1.2 |
2.3 |
Ball recovery* |
3.2 |
2.5 |
Tackle + Interception* |
1.4 |
0.7 |
Dribbling* |
1.9 |
1.6 |
Total number of duels (wins)* |
4.8 (49%) |
3.4 (43%) |
Statistics from Sofascore (* = per match) |
No winger in Europe (aside from Barcelona’s Raphinha) can compare to Salah this season, and there’s no doubt that Kubo still has a lot of work to do before he can perform satisfactorily for a team like Liverpool. But the ingredients for success are there.
Sure, he’s combative and creative, but perhaps the strangest thing is that Kubo hasn’t missed a single big chance in La Liga this season, which shows that he’s hitting the ball well, but he just doesn’t get into the game enough. ball position.
Spanish journalist Kiyan Sobhani Echoing that argument, he said last year: “Kubo is dusting off defenders this season and has been a relentless attacking threat. Always in attack mode.”
This could be improved upon in Liverpool’s system, especially if he is taught to incorporate some of Salah’s techniques into his own, which the Liverpool coach will undoubtedly be able to apply to his game.
The left-footer does need to hone his acumen in front of goal but his ability is unquestionable. With his complete skill set and ferocious energy, Kubo could be the perfect successor to Salah.
Look, Liverpool would be foolish to try to replace Salah with a winger who bears a striking resemblance to him – they just can’t get there. Instead, Kubo was able to add his own flair to the role and make it his own.