Liverpool lost 1-0 to Brighton at Anfield on Wednesday evening as they lost their second game at Anfield in a fortnight after going on a record-breaking unbeaten home run that spanned almost four years.
The Reds have a lot to ponder after losing in such a fashion to a team that seemed to be battling against relegation just a fortnight ago, and one player Jurgen Klopp needs to seriously think about last night is Yves Bissouma.
Indeed, Liverpool have long been linked with a move for Bissouma, and Klopp has reportedly even gone on personal scouting missions to watch him, and after the Brighton game, he should’ve seen all he needs to see.
Bissouma is being touted as a potential replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum, and at Anfield he looked the superior player.
Of course, one game doesn’t take away from years of consistent performance from Wijnaldum, and it is a small sample size, but Bissouma’s performance against Liverpool should have Klopp seriously thinking about bringing him in.
The Malian ran the show against Liverpool, breaking down their attacks and keeping Albion ticking.
Indeed, Bissouma made five interceptions and two tackles, constantly harrying any Liverpool player looking to create anything, and doing a great job of shutting them down.
Perhaps the most telling stat though is that he made no clearances, despite doing a lot of work in and around his own box.
Bissouma wasn’t panicking and hoofing the ball up the field, he was looking to make things happen by either playing out from the back or sparking counter-attacks, launching four long-balls, with two of those finding their mark.
Meanwhile, Wijnaldum was wholly ineffective, making no key passes, no tackles, no interceptions and earning himself a lowly 5.74 rating on WhoScored.
Bissouma has shown for quite some time that he’s a quality player, hence why he’s been linked to the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool, but after seeing him dominate against his team, Klopp needs to really consider making a move for him.
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