Liverpool's search for a wide forward has taken them down a familiar path of scouring the Bundesliga for untapped potential, but the latest whispers a...
Liverpool's search for a wide forward has taken them down a familiar path of scouring the Bundesliga for untapped potential, but the latest whispers around Köln's Said El Mala come with a heavy dose of caution. The 18 year old speedster has racked up an impressive 18 goals and assists this season, but sources close to the situation have serious doubts about whether Anfield is the right destination at this stage of his development.Let's be honest here. The Premier League is a graveyard for young wingers who arrive before they're ready to handle the physical and mental demands of a midweek trip to Turf Moor or a high intensity derby at Goodison Park. El Mala possesses the kind of raw pace that terrifies defenders sitting in a low block, but his game is still built around transitional moments and exploiting space on the break. That is a luxury Liverpool rarely enjoy against the deep lying defences they face week in, week out.Christian Falk, a well connected figure in German football, has indicated to GoalZaza that there is always Premier League interest in the Köln attacker. But interest and a successful transfer are two very different beasts. The question that lingers is whether Liverpool's current tactical setup under Arne Slot demands a more polished wide man who can operate in tight spaces and produce clinical finishing from half chances. At the moment, El Mala's game looks better suited to a side that can offer him consistent minutes in a less demanding league.There is also the matter of Anfield's recent track record with young wide forwards. For every Raheem Sterling success story, there are half a dozen cases where promise never translated into regular first team football. Liverpool's front line is still built around Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz, with Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez jostling for minutes. Where exactly does an 18 year old from Köln fit into that mix without risking stagnationThe sensible approach here would be a loan back to the Bundesliga or a move to a Premier League side where he can play 30 games a season. Liverpool have the scouting network and the financial muscle to get this done, but the real test is whether they have the patience to develop El Mala properly. Right now, the smart money says this one stays in the 'interesting but unlikely' pile.
