Exclusively, Rousing the Kop spoke with the former coach of a player valued at £34 million who has recently been connected to Liverpool.

This summer, Liverpool is anticipated to focus on adding players in the attacking position. No matter who takes over as manager of the Reds to succeed Jurgen Klopp, they are rumored to be eager to add another winger.

Although Mohamed Salah has been playing exceptionally well this season, he has also showed some symptoms of weakness.

He missed many important matches earlier this year due to the longest injury layoff he has had in years. Including snippets of Egypt’s Carabao Cup final and African Cup of Nations campaign.

Liverpool should ideally try to get a backup attacker this summer who can replace Salah and offer competition.

One of the most intriguing young players in European football right now might be the best choice for that post.

How Johan Bakayoko distinguished himself against Harvey Elliott Arno Van den Abbeel, the coach of Belgium U15, still remembers clearly the first time he offered Bakayoko to join the national squad. His attention was instantly captured by his deceptively swift and cunning demeanor.

“We were convinced of his qualities the first time we saw him,” Van den Abbeel says to Rousing the Kop.

“We took him, even though he played at a lower level. Many of the players in our group were either from elite clubs or Anderlecht. However, the fact that he was at KV Mechelen already speaks volumes about him and how unique he was both at his club and at this level.

Thus, it goes without saying that even at an early age, we were aware of his potential and aptitude.

In his debut game for Belgium’s U15 team, Bakayoko faced England, who had Jude Bellingham and Harvey Elliott in their lineup.

“I recall playing that game. It’s the team from 2003. Van den Abbeel claims, “I played him, but that squad had a lot of good players.

It is our under-15s’ first annual activity. We have been doing this for the past five years. When we face England, who is always a challenge to play against, you can see the difference between guys who can step up to that level, keep up with the tempo, and even stand out and display incredible skills. There are other players who have difficulties. In actuality, he was the first.

He was distinctive and had a strong game.

Bakayoko, nevertheless, was impressive in both training and games. Van den Abbeel also believed that he needed to improve certain aspects of his game.

“His skills occasionally astounded us during training, but they weren’t as constant when he was playing for the under-15 national team. He has had to put a lot of effort into improving his defensive work and transitions.

That occurred after Bakayoko relocated to Anderlecht, where, in Van den Abbeel’s words, he developed into a “more complete player.”

After taking a significant stride forward and joining PSV Eindhoven, Bakayoko has since astounded not only his U15 coaches but also defenders across Europe.

The game of Johan Bakayoko and the reasons he is Europe’s most promising young wingerBakayoko, who is only 20 years old, has already helped PSV Eindhoven score 23 goals this season in all competitions. In a 3-0 victory for Belgium, he also scored his first goal as a senior international.

Van den Abbeel is eager to emphasize Bakayoko’s versatility as a finisher and a creative outlet.

He’s a highly creative player, so you can’t put him in a box. He has the ability to make defenders uncomfortable. He has two options. Go outdoors, then back inside. He is able to bring centers with both his right and left foot.

Bakayoko’s ability to cut in from the right and take shots with his left foot is one of his signature movements. Van den Abbeel has compared this talent to that of Arjen Robben.

When he gets the defender in his area and the defender is out of zone, he likes to go one-on-one because he can move quickly and take you inside.

For me, that makes him the most dangerous. He can shoot when he dribbles one-on-one because he takes the opponent inside. Perhaps in the vein of Arjen Robben in the past.

“I consider that to be the trademark move. Body move, enter, shot, and score a goal one-on-one. That is [his] most potent weapon, in my opinion.

Is Johan Bakayoko prepared to move forward?

Naturally, after solidifying his position as the center of PSV’s attack, there have been rumors that he may leave this summer. A £34 million transfer has been linked to Liverpool.

According to Van den Abbeel, Bakayoko is prepared to move forward and can establish himself in England.

He can take the next stage, in my opinion. It’s also evident with Jeremy Doku. He took the step now, and it worked.

 

“Time will tell, but I believe he would succeed with another elite club or in England as well.” I believe that trying to continue playing in the Champions League is the next step in Kayoko’s development. Being a member of a strong team that participates in the Champions League allows him to advance further.

 

“He is currently representing Belgium as an international, so he is taking the appropriate actions, and I believe he has everything planned out in his mind, so I won’t tell him what needs to be done. He probably knows what to do on his own. Up until now, he has made the correct choices. Thus, I am quite convinced that he will realize his dream and continue to make the right choices.

How about relocating to Liverpool?

Bakayoko of Liverpool has been recognized as a possible Mohamed Salah heir. According to Van den Abbeel, one cannot compare the two. He did, however, also imply that Bakayoko would be prepared to transfer to Anfield.

“I don’t think they can be compared. Bakayoko is Bakayoko, and Mo Salah is Mo Salah. However, since they both play the same position, Salah is, in my opinion, a very seasoned veteran. Johan is a young, promising individual. You have to remember that he is still a young man and has a lot of learning ahead of him.

But I believe he’s prepared. He can play at that level, in my opinion. He may be aspirational enough, in my opinion, to declare, “I can play for a team like Liverpool or any other team on that level.”

favored for a prosperous future

Nobody can truly predict what the future may bring. However, Van den Abbeel thinks Bakayoko’s potential is limitless.

“He needs to have the greatest possible dream. It is his aspiration. He aspires to be a premier player. Perhaps take home the Golden Ball or the Golden Boot. He must thus fully commit. He is headed toward being one of the best players in Belgium. Is the ceiling somewhere? I reject the idea of ceilings. I believe that in order to get the most out of it, you have to attempt to put the most into it.

“I believe that nothing is impossible for him; all he needs to do is take the correct actions, continue to grow, and maintain his physical fitness, and he will have a very successful career.”