Liverpool's latest transfer target, Yan Diomande, has earned high praise from ITV pundits Gary Neville and Ian Wright following his impressive performance for Ivory Coast against Germany at the World Cup. The 19-year-old RB Leipzig winger assisted Franck Kessie's opening goal and consistently troubled Germany's defence, particularly veteran right-back Joshua Kimmich.
Diomande's World Cup Impact
Diomande, who also shone in Ivory Coast's opening match against Ecuador, delivered a standout display on Saturday evening despite Germany eventually winning 2-1. Speaking at half-time, when Kessie's strike still separated the teams, Neville lauded the teenager's performance.
"On the counter-attack, they've got massive strength down that left-hand side with Diomande," Neville said on ITV. "A little bit of Amad on the right, but mainly Diomande on this left-hand side, he's been absolutely brilliant."
Former Everton striker Duncan Ferguson added: "The big players turned up, didn't they? Diomande, great pace down the left-hand side, and it was a great delivery. He's had a fantastic game, and Kimmich has really struggled against him."
Pundits Praise Fearless Display
Neville elaborated on Kimmich's difficulties: "He's one of the most experienced right-backs in the world, and he's toiling in this first half." Ian Wright interjected: "He looks afraid of him," to which Neville agreed: "He is. He's a 19-year-old kid; they've had 56 per cent of their attacks down that side, which is massive. And I've been there as an ageing right-back when you've got a young kid who's fearless, and it's not pleasant."
Wright continued: "He's definitely lived up to the hype. They've just taken over, and he, in particular, Diomande, has just gone to another level in the game, lived up to the hype. His pressing is brilliant, his taking on is brilliant; he's just absolutely tearing them to pieces."
Neville added: "When you've got someone who's skilful, who can go both ways, and he's quick, you need support. They're trying to get over three or four German players now, are trying to get over near Diomande, but even that, at times, isn't enough."
Liverpool's Pursuit of Diomande
Liverpool have accelerated negotiations with RB Leipzig following weeks of dialogue. The Reds are now prepared to table an £86 million bid for the winger, having already secured Victor Munoz, and have communicated this to the Bundesliga outfit. Despite already agreeing a deal for the Spain international, they remain intent on bringing in another wide forward following Mohamed Salah's departure and Hugo Ekitike's ruptured Achilles.
Leipzig, however, are understood to be holding firm on a fee closer to £112 million and would prefer Diomande to sign a new contract rather than sanction a sale.
