Liverpool Transfer News: Why Reds REALLY want special Momodou Sonko
It was early on in Momodou Sonko's footballing career when he arrived at Kirkby on a warm spring afternoon to begin a trial with Liverpool.
Only just 12 years old at the time, this was Sonko's first footballing adventure away from Sweden. His first trial at a foreign club.
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Sonko spent a few days with Liverpool's academy back in 2017 and was taken around the club's facilities and museum in what was an indelible moment for the youngster.
Ever since then, Liverpool have heavily monitored Sonko's progress. As Anfield Watch revealed exclusively the club continues to follow him even now and tried to sign the Swedish winger back in the January transfer window.
But just why are Liverpool so keen?
Why do Liverpool want to sign Momodou Sonko?
A right-footed left-winger, Sonko ended his final full season in Sweden's top flight as a mere teenager with 17 goal contributions in 29 matches.
He stood out during that season in the Europa League as well, completing the third most dribbles (7.72 per 90) out of wingers in the competition.
Sonko's ability to take players on one vs one and his physical attribute combined with his game intelligence makes him a unique prospect.
He thrives at darting between defenders and making space for his opponents.
So far in Belgium, he has had to acclimatise to a new life, living away from home and adjusting to a new style of football as well.
But he's recently started to make a mark and finally playing with confidence. His three goals so far this season may seem low, but as you can see in the above clip, he's been unlucky not to score more.
His energy means he has a brilliant defensive work-rate. In his last Europa Conference League match he made seven recoveries, which is pretty rare for a winger.
This season for Gent, he's averaged over four defensive duels and still wins over 60% of them as per Wyscout.
All of these aspects about his style of play are fundamental to Arne Slot's style of play.
That is why the club continue to monitor Sonko. At 19 he is still very young and if he can keep developing at Gent a future move to Anfield is definitely still on the cards.
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