3 minute read
12/1/2023 | 09:40pm
Liverpool could unearth their next Giorginio Wijnaldum in the mould of Valencia’s Yunus Musah.
What’s the word?
Jurgen Klopp, manager of USMNT International, has been interested in the USMNT international’s 20-year-old skill set.
Speak to Football FanCast, transfer insider Pete O’Rourke has claimed that the young Valencia midfielder – who boasts a release clause of £90m – could be the midfield presence to reignite the spark that has been missing within the Reds’ midfield.
O’Rourke said: “He’s a box-to-box midfielder and Liverpool haven’t really replaced Wijnaldum since he left the club. I think they’ve signed one midfielder in the last four and a half years.
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“So someone like Yunus Musah, who’s a young player and does play at the highest level in Spain, as well as on the international stage, is somebody they would definitely think could be an improvement for them.”
Gini 2.0
Having spent his formative years within Arsenal’s Hale End youth academy, impressing after making 18 appearances with the U18 side, registering five goals and three assists, Musah decided to make the switch to the Spanish La Liga in search of a foundation to kickstart his career.
Despite his tender age, Musah was a constant presence in the Valencia set up, making 15 appearances and serving two assists. He has also been building an all-encompassing toolkit, which is earning him plaudits.
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FBref reports that the pro ranks among the top 6% for dribbles completed and the top 11% of progressive passes received. He also ranks among the top 21% for touches inside the attacking penalty area. This indicates that he is a vibrant, constant presence on the pitch.
Indeed, much like Wijnaldum, Musah is the “real deal“, as praised by Ives Galarcep, and could bring life and energy back to a team that has lost the intensity levels that have gone in tandem with the philosophy under the enigmatic German manager.
After joining Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 on a free transfer, Wijnaldum, a master ball passer and tireless recycler of possessions, there is now a gap within the Merseyside team.
The Dutch phenom played 237 games, scoring 22 goals, and serving 16 assists. He was instrumental in winning the Premier League title and the Champions League.
As per Sofascore, Musah recorded an average rating of 6.75 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, starting all four matches as the USA clinched qualification to the knockout phase, notably drawing 0-0 in the group stage against England in a match that the nation will feel could’ve resulted in victory.
Let’s get started: How many points did Liverpool score in their 2021/22 Premier League campaign.
90
91
92
93
Musah’s average passing accuracy of 87% across the campaign, along with the 2.0 tackles, 0.5 interceptions and 1.0 possession wins per match, were integral within the endeavours, and an encapsulation of the robust presence he brings in Wijnaldum-esque fashion.
Hailed as the “connector” by national team head coach Gregg Berhalter, Musah is steadily earning his place as a glistening gem on the European scene, and with a move to Liverpool, under Klopp, he could ascend to the next level.