Liverpool could soon be looking for a new figurehead to lead their forward line
The Reds have one of the most feared attacks in Europe and are, inevitably, the highest scorers in this season’s Premier League.However, there is certainly still room for improvement in the Liverpool squad.
The main issue facing Arne Slot is that he cannot quite rely on a central striker to play through the middle.
Darwin Nunez looks likely to leave Liverpool having failed to convince during his two-and-a-half years at Anfield. Meanwhile, Diogo Jota’s quality is not in question, but his fitness record is.There are high hopes for Jayden Danns, who has already made a splash at senior level, and perhaps the 19-year-old could be the answer. But, as it turns out, there may be a second solution going under the radar in the Liverpool academy, too.Keyrol Figueroa makes ‘complete’ claim
Danns scored again on Wednesday as he backed up his goal for the senior side last week with another for the U21s.
Liverpool’s decision not to sign Stefanos Tzimas – another exciting young forward talent – looks set to benefit Danns and his rise through to being a more permanent member of the first-team.But if Liverpool look to their underage sides, Danns is not the only striker making waves. 18-year-old Keyrol Figueroa has been a fairly consistent scorer over the years, too.
An interview with Figueroa is featured on liverpoolfc.com on Thursday, and the son of former Wigan man Maynor has given Reds supporters an insight into his game.
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“When I was younger, I was just about old enough to watch [Didier] Drogba, [Sergio] Aguero,” he says. “I watched Luis Suarez as well. I think [Fernando] Torres when he was at Atletico Madrid was someone I tried to embody. Daniel Sturridge as well when he was at Liverpool. Those are the types of players that I looked up to.
I’d say I’m powerful, I’d say I’m good [with my] back to goal. I think I’m a complete, total finisher – I can finish with my left, my right or my head.”
Will Figueroa ever play for Liverpool?
With Slot on the lookout for options in attack, it stands to reason that he should evaluate what he already has at his disposal in the academy.
Rousing The Kop understands that Liverpool are considering a loan move for Danns this January, which could then open the door for someone like Figueroa.Having scored two goals in 11 appearances this season across various competitions, the USA U20 international has not exactly been prolific, thoughBut Figueroa did once score 90 goals in a single season at youth level and he clearly knows where the back of the net is.
If Danns makes a temporary exit and fitness problems flare up over the Spring, maybe opportunity could yet knock for Keyrol