Ibrahim Mbaye: How did Liverpool target play in first game for PSG since Reds stepped up transfer chase
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Liverpool supporters have been spending the past few days learning everything they can about Ibrahim Mbaye, after the Paris Saint-Germain forward was named as a target.The Reds are reportedly trying to sign Mbaye along with Bradley Barcola in a double raid on PSG.Fans already know plenty about Barcola having watched him play at the top-level, including a handful of times against Liverpool, over the past half-decade. But Mbaye is much more of an unknown quantity, and for those desperate to get to know him better, they could tune in for PSG’s pre-season friendly against Mallorca on Wednesday, where the 18-year-old got a full hour of action.
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Photo Credit: Getty Images/SIMON WOHLFAHRT / AFP/ Andy Buchanan Mbaye impresses for disappointing PSGSome Liverpool fans may have seen snatches of Mbaye before, including at this summer’s World Cup, where he scored an excellent goal against France, but many have likely been forming their opinions from YouTube compilations of the teenager.Wednesday was Mbaye’s first game back with PSG since the tournament, and was also the first time Liverpool fans could put the spotlight on him as a legitimate transfer target.Strangely, PSG were well beaten, going down to a 3-0 defeat against Mallorca, but that didn’t stop Mbaye from showing glimpses of his quality.Importantly, as far as Liverpool are concerned, the youngster started on the right for Luis Enrique’s team, which is where he would likely play most of his football for the Reds.READ MORE: Victor Munoz confirms if he’s fit to play for Liverpool and make debut vs Monaco at AnfieldPhoto by JAIME REINA / AFP via Getty ImagesDespite his team’s disappointing performance, Mbaye had their most threatening moment of the match, surging past his full-back on the edge of the area before unleashing a shot from a tight angle which beat the goalkeeper but clipped the crossbar.That was Mbaye’s only shot of the game, and though it did not go down as an effort on target, it was a good one nonetheless.Andoni Iraola likes his wingers to be dribblers, and Mbaye completed one of his two attempts on Wednesday, while also making three progressive passes.His passing in general was tidy, and he posted a 96% success rate from 25 attempts, while three defensive contributions showed his tenacity going back the other way.It was by no means a perfect display from Mbaye, and his tally of three out of six ground duels won may need to improve a little, but it was still a positive 60-minute outing which showed why Liverpool are taking a further look into adding him to the squad this summer. Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox