It’s been a tough few hours for the Liverpool fans who saw they team get beat by Real Madrid in the Champions League final. The Reds will nevertheless want to push on next season and the transfer window presents a good opportunity for Jürgen Klopp and co. to strengthen the side and do one better next season.
The Reds have a pretty good playing XI but the biggest problem is that of the depth. Against Real Madrid, Klopp could only sub on Adam Lallana while their opponents had the luxury of bringing on Gareth Bale and Marco Asensio, something that made a telling different last night.
Latest reports have linked the side with a player that the fans might not necessarily think will add more quality to the squad. Attacker Jordan Ayew moved to the Welsh side following Aston Villa’s relegation but he hasn’t really had a major impact at the club.
Swansea gave it a real go under Carlos Carvalhal but fell short in the end. The team had enough quality to stay up but unless you actually realise the potential, you’re not going to go anywhere in the top flight.
Ayew is someone who has a lot of potential but hasn’t been performing consistently enough.
Jordan Ayew – Stats
The Ghanaian has featured in 36 games this past season and scored seven times. Six of those goals came when he was used as a centre-forward, so his strongest position is up top. However, considering he had 1.8 shots per game, the goal return was pretty poor.
One of the areas where he can improve is releasing the ball quicker. He was disposed 2.8 times a game on an average and that cannot happen at Liverpool considering their style of play.
Klopp’s side play a high-intensity game that revolves around players combining well, so Ayew cannot dwell on the ball for too long.
Where will he fit in?
One thing you can’t accuse Ayew of not doing is defending. He has an excellent work rate and could be a decent replacement for Roberto Firmino who often drops deep and helps his midfielders doing the pressing off the ball.
Ayew can play up top and on the left as well, as his versatility will give Klopp more options. He is still 26 and could be a decent addition.
It’s too early to judge if he’d be a worthless buy just because Swansea were relegated. Klopp has managed to get his signings right and Gini Wijnaldum is one who impressed after a below-par season at Newcastle. Can Ayew replicate that?
Stats via Whoscored