FC Dallas and the United States international forward Ricardo Pepi’s name is buzzing around. Several reports suggest Liverpool are interested in Ricardo Pepi and are monitoring a move to bring him to Anfield.
According to reports of 90min states that Pepi has handed in a transfer request at FC Dallas. As per the CBS Sports report, an offer in the region of $12m – $15m would convince FC Dallas to sell.
The current form of Pepi is impressive scoring 13 goals in 27 games for FC Dallas. While in the recent games, he has three goals already in two games for the United States and looks to be the man in form at the moment.
why are Liverpool showing interest in Ricardo Pepi ?
The 18-year-old Pepi is making headlines for his impressive goal-scoring form. Pepi’s 13 goals and 2 assists in 27 outings have generated a lot of interest across European clubs.
But there remains one interesting thing alongside goals that suit Jurgen Klopp’s playing style.
According to StatsBomb data on Fbref.com apart from his goals, his pressing games catch everyone’s eyes. His pressing forward stands at 90 percentile as he applies pressures 22 times per match.
He clearly stands out from all the forwards in MLS.
Klopp’s Gegenpressing is worldwide known these days, where his frontline players require to press forward with complete focus to close down opposition defenders.
We often see how Liverpool’s team presses opponents. For instance, particularly the team’s number 9 Roberto Firmino presses all over the pitch.
Pepi is the one who does the dirty work, he ranks high for tackling in the defensive half and winning the ball back for his team by making crucial interceptions.
To be a Liverpool forward, pressing game is an essential requirement. Therefore, we can understand why there is interest from Liverpool to bring Pepi to Anfield.
Hopefully, Fenway Sports Group and James LeBron can use their American connections to snap up Pepi to Liverpool.
Pepi – The next Bobby Firmino
While sometimes Firmino doesn’t get the credit for his work, the guy literally gives everything for the team. Wherever Klopp tells him to play he plays there.
His cheeky and tricked passes are a treat to watch for the Reds fans. And TBH, it will be hard to find someone like Firmino.
But Pepi could be someone to fill Firmino’s void in the future. We all know Firmino’s form isn’t the same as a couple of seasons back and he’s approaching thirty.
And thus, Liverpool should go all out for the teenager, as he is very young and talented with lots of potentials. He has already proved in a Half decent league and Klopp can make him achieve unbelievable height.
A player like Ricardo Pepi could be a good addition to the team as he offers a lot apart from just goals.
