Liverpool are back in the real deal, the European competition that really matters – and Brendan Rodgers will know very well that the Reds need to strengthen their squad to give the big boys a run for their money in the Champions League. Let’s take a look at three of Liverpool’s attacking targets – Andre Ayew, Xherdan Shaqiri and Yevhen Konoplyanka.
Andre Ayew
English clubs Liverpool and Newcastle have been put on alert as Marseille winger Andre Ayew has admitted that he wants to leave the club for a fresh challenge. The Ghanaian has one year left on his contract with Marseille and could come to Liverpool at a cut-price fee of around £10million.
The Marseille attacker has admitted that he would be unable to turn down an offer from Liverpool, according to French daily La Provence.
Ayew’s biggest asset is his versatility. He plays as a winger at club level, and a striker at the International level for Ghana. A product of Marseille’s youth system, Ayew has bags of pace, quick feet and a willingness to run at defenders that could provide Liverpool with a directness to their offensive play. Ayew predominantly prefers playing on the left wing, but is comfortable playing in an attacking midfield role or on the right wing. Ayew is an exceptional athlete, and his strength and ability to win the 50/50 duels is one of his major attributes.
Ayew likes to cut in from the left and directly attack opposition defenders with his powerful running and dribbling skills. And with Liverpool already having the likes of Coutinho, Suarez and Sterling who can play those intricate, defence splitting passes, Ayew’s driving runs could offer a new dimension to their attacking style. And Ayew’s acquisition would represent a significant upgrade over a Victor Moses or a Fabio Borini.