Liverpool are ready to battle Arsenal and Manchester United for the signing of Brighton’s Yves Bissouma.
The 24-year-old has been a stand-out performer for the Seagulls this season and is quickly gaining a good reputation.
Now Jurgen Klopp’s Reds are keen on his signature as a replacement for potential departure Georginio Wijnaldum.
Jonathan Shrager has claimed to be in contact with Bissouma’s agent, who confirmed Liverpool’s “significant interest” in the player.
I have just spoken with Bissouma’s representative, Michaël N’Cho, who confirmed to me that there is significant interest in Yves from #MUFC, Liverpool, Monaco, two La Liga teams, and also Arsenal
— Jonathan Shrager (@JonathanShrager) December 19, 2020
The journalist also noted the interest of Liverpool’s rivals Arsenal and Man United, as well as Monaco and a pair of Spanish sides.
Meanwhile, ESPN have noted the fact that Liverpool may target the Mali international as Wijnaldum’s replacement. They also pointed out that he would cost around £30 million.
Bissouma a player on the rise
While he has only really come to public attention this season, Bissouma has quietly put up excellent numbers since he moved to the English south coast. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BY GOAL MIRROR.
Bissouma would be a very sensible target for Liverpool, as well as most top sides. This is particularly the case considering the possible departure of Wijnaldum.
The Dutchman is in the final year of his Anfield contract and is yet to agree a new deal.
Sources close to Anfield Central have stated that the 30-year-old has made his demands, which the club seem reluctant to grant.
Bissouma would be a perfect replacement. He has been excellent, but under the radar, since joining Brighton from Lille as a 21-year-old in 2018.
Inconsistency has been an issue, but he has had a superb start to this season. He has played as a No 6, a No 8 and in a double-pivot throughout his Brighton career.
Bissouma is a good athlete at just under 6-foot tall. He also has a good turn of pace, as seen when he strides forward with the ball.
In fact, he is making 1.5 dribbles per game. He also carries the ball forward an average 141.7 yards per 90, despite being capable of better as seen during his final season at Lille.
While clearly a strong dribbler, Bissouma’s best strength is his ball-winning ability. He is currently making an outstanding 3.83 tackles and interceptions per 90.
He wins a very respectable 60.7% of his aerial duels, which is even more impressive when compared to Wijnaldum’s 35.3%.
Bissouma’s defensive nous would make him an ideal man to play in Liverpool’s midfield. He is more used to playing as a 6 but should adapt to a No 8 role with ease.
One thing that he must improve on if he is to go straight into the Wijnaldum role is his ball retention. He is dispossessed 1.2 times a game, compared to the Dutchman’s 0.8. He is successful with 86.2% of his passes, while Wijnaldum’s success rate is 92.6%.
All the same, Bissouma has the energy and the football intelligence to adapt to Jurgen Klopp’s system. And having only recently turned 24, he is only going to improve.
If Wijnaldum does leave and Jurgen Klopp decides that Yves Bissouma is the man to replace him, Liverpool fans should be incredibly excited.
