Liverpool target Yan Diomande delivers MOTM display in World Cup debut for Ivory Coast | OneFootball

Liverpool are keen on bringing Yan Diomande to Anfield, and the Ivory Coast winger showed why with a terrific performance against Premier League-level opposition.

The Liverpool target’s West African giants defeated a dangerous Ecuador 1-0, a match that saw the 19-year-old square off directly against Arsenal’s Piero Hincapie.

Liverpool would have been happy with what they saw as Diomande tortured Hincapie and the Ecuador backline, which included Willian Pacho and Joel Ordonez.

Diomande, who is reportedly the club’s top target, won 11/14 duels, completed 4/6 dribbles, created one big chance, and played five key passes.

The RB Leipzig star showed why several top clubs are after his signature.

He was always looking to take on his man, and his ability to poke cute, dangerous passes in the final third is an unbelievable weapon. He is an exciting talent.

The Reds are losing Mohamed Salah and need an equally mercurial forward to replace the Egyptian legend, and Diomande is a precocious talent.

He is nowhere near Salah’s level, but can develop into a world-beater.

He bagged 13 goals and 10 assists in 36 appearances for the Saxony outfit, proving to be one of the revelations of the season.

Performances like this will only inflate Diomande’s price tag, but Liverpool cannot afford to hesitate.

Elite young wingers with his blend of creativity, ball-carrying ability and fearlessness in one-vs-one situations are incredibly difficult to find, which explains why Europe’s biggest clubs are circling.

He is already producing against top-level defenders and showing the personality to thrive on the biggest stages.

The eventual fee may look steep, but Liverpool are paying for potential as much as current quality.

If the Reds truly believe Diomande is Salah’s long-term successor, they must beat the competition and get the deal done.