-Credit:Getty Images
Liverpool is said to be in the market for a long-term replacement for Andy Robertson, with a somewhat familiar name popping up as a potential option – don’t worry, it isn’t who you might think it is.
Robertson’s performances have shown some inconsistency in recent months, raising concerns that he may be nearing the latter stages of his career. To ensure the Reds remain well-equipped for the future, the club is said to be actively exploring the market for potential successors to the 30-year-old.
According to Senegalese news outlet D Sports, Liverpool believes that El Hadji Malick Diouf could be an ideal option for the future with the club reportedly approaching the player’s agent to assess the feasibility of a potential transfer.
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The Reds are said to be huge admirers of the Slavia Prague full-back’s talent. However, bringing the 20-year-old to Anfield will cost the Reds $26m (£21m/€25m), which is a hefty price tag for a player who is yet to play for a team in one of the top five leagues in Europe.
Malick Diouf is making waves with his exceptional performances for Slavia Prague this season. Described as a brilliant dribbler, the full-back combines speed and agility to take on players with ease.
Despite his youth, he has already contributed nine goal involvements in 18 league appearances so far this season, showcasing his attacking prowess.
According to FBref, Diouf ranks in the 89th percentile for take-ons attempted (3.5 per 90) and the same percentile for successful take-ons (1.75 per 90).
El Hadji Malick Diouf has also attracted interest from Crystal Palace -Credit:Getty Images
He also sits in the 79th percentile for progressive carries (3.11 per 90). These numbers are even more impressive when considering that Slavia Prague has struggled in European competitions, winning just one of their first six matches.
What truly sets Diouf apart, however, is his creativity. He ranks in the 95th percentile for shot-creating actions (4.86 per 90), an outstanding statistic for a full-back.
Diouf has already been linked with a move to the Premier League this month, with Crystal Palace reportedly having a $15.2m (£12.5m/€14.9m) offer rejected by Slavia. According to The Standard, Palace is now expected to give up on the chase for the defender, which could pave the way for Liverpool to make its move.
Diouf’s name will of course conjure up some bad memories for Liverpool fans, given his namesake’s disastrous spell at Anfield back in the 2000s. If the defender does arrive on Merseyside, hopefully he makes a much better impression.