Liverpool have been linked with a few forwards this summer; Swede Alexander Isak (From Liverpool Echo) and Jeremy Doku (Source The Independent) to name just two.

But maybe The Reds could and should be looking a little closer to home for a new attacker.

During the opening weekend of the Premier League, Watford returned with aplomb as they defeated Aston Villa in a 3-2 victory (BBC Match Report).

The standout man for the newly promoted Hornets was Ismaila Sarr.

As well as grabbing a goal the Senegalese star also played a big part in his side’s opening goal.

His constant direct running and pace caused Villa all sorts of trouble, especially in the first half at Vicarage Road.

Aston Villa leftback Matt Targett was given a torrid time. Anytime the fullback got close, Sarr would just spin around and leave Targett for dust. If he stood off Sarr, then the Watford man would either just drive at him or he’s put in an early dangerous ball. Targett was hauled off at the halftime interval as he just couldn’t cope with what Ismaila was throwing at him (CONSTANTLY).

Sarr, playing on the right, was a consistent threat. Only Emmanuel Dennis would take more shots at goal than Sarr’s three efforts. No player would beat the Senegal international’s total of four key passes. The wideman also completed more dribbles than anyone else on the park (Stats from Whcoscored).

The twenty-three year old was also his team’s star player during their last season in the English top flight, where he notched up five goals and created four assists.

Last year in The Championship, Sarr was again a standout as he grabbed thirteen strikes and four more assists as he helped his club secure promotion in the first time of asking.

Being such an attacking threat on either wing, he would suit the style that Jurgen Klopp likes to deploy at Anfield. He also has the pace and directness that will see supporters get off of their seats!

He’s such an exciting talent and he proved that once again on Saturday against Villa.

In 2019, compatriot and Liverpool forward Sadio Mane was full of praise for Ismaila:

“He’s rapid. I think defenders will struggle. Last time I was speaking to Robbo [Andy Robertson] I said ‘Watford have a really good player. I will need to help you more otherwise Ismaila Sarr will kill you, because he is a good dribbler and very, very fast.’”

Via 90Min.com

I believe Liverpool want a new forward and one with pace. To get that player I think they still need to sell Xherdan Shaqiri or Divock Origi or possibly both.

But if the Merseyside giants can offload those two from their pool and want an attacker who already knows of the rigours you get in the Premier League, then Ismaila Sarr should be topping their list.

That’s not to say that they’ll get their man.

If Watford want to give themselves the best possible chance of staying up this term then they need to keep their best players and Ismaila is, for me, their best player!

Posted on August 16th, 2021 by scott
Filed under: Article