Johan Bakayoko celebrates his goal. (Image: Getty)
It was the moment that might just have warmed the heart of , and ironically, it came when his own side conceded a goal. were leading their final group stage match in PSV when 35 minutes in, Johan Bakayoko produced the game’s defining moment.
The 21-year-old expertly brought down a long ball forward with his shoulder, before audaciously dummying a shot on goal that left defenders Andy Robertson and Jarell Quansah sprawled on the floor.
And when the Belgian star did finally shoot, the result was sublime .
The goal capped an individual display where Bakayoko was a constant threat throughout. While he could have been more decisive with his end product in the latter stages, the winger’s willingness to get on the ball and draw in players was too much for ’s makeshift back four to cope with.
And there was no shortage of confidence on display either. Indeed, TNT Sport commentator Steve McManaman was left laughing in bemusement as the PSV star produced ‘no-look’ passes in injury time with his team 3-2 up.
The performance came just months after Bakayoko was linked with a summer move to Anfield. That followed an unsuccessful bid from , and while a switch to Anfield never materialised, the 18-cap international has continued to be tracked by a host of European clubs.
Arne Slot would have watched the Belgian star with interest. (Image: Getty)
In this current window, he’s not commanded the media attention of the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and . But as his star continues to rise, the smart money would be on a prosperous move not being far away.
And his reported ambitions also work in Slot’s favour. Bakayoko seemingly isn’t interested in a sideways move that will stall his career, but will only consider talks with a club capable of challenging for titles in one of Europe’s top-five leagues.
This side under Slot currently fits that bill. The player has been cautiously touted as an eventual long-term replacement on Merseyside for , and while Bakayoko admittedly has a considerable way to go to fulfil such expectations, the similarities are apparent.
A left-footed winger who can play on the right, possessing genuine pace and goal threat, it’s a notion that will sound familiar to fans of the Reds. The numbers, however, aren’t there yet, with Bakayoko scoring 28 times in 110 games for PSV, but the raw potential undoubtedly is.
And his 14 strikes en route to the Eredivisie title last season came accompanied by 14 assists. He’s on track to exceed both those figures this time around, and a move from owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) – whether it be late in this window or the summer – may just provide Slot with a bargain that could add an extra dimension to his ranks.