Liverpool leading Diaz's team-mate “one of the best players in the PL”

Andy Robertson cut a somber figure during his post-match interview as Scotland captain last weekend. The Tartan Army had failed to muster enough quality to make history and become the first Scottish team ever to reach the knockout stages of the European Championships.

Robertson endured an injury-riddled 2023/24 campaign after Liverpool's disastrous 2022/23 campaign, which saw Jurgen Klopp's side miss out on the Champions League and spectacularly drop out of the Premier League.

At 30 years old, 'Robbo' may have seen his last chance, his incredible chance, to make history with his nation, and his attitude was evident during the endless discussion after Hungary's final interview.

However, he has enjoyed a good career with Liverpool; Signed by Hull City for just £10m in 2017, the defender was one of the mainstays as Klopp, who made 297 appearances, scored 76 goals and won silverware.

Starting just 18 Premier League games last season, however, there is a chance that new Liverpool boss Arne Slot will be looking for a long-term replacement at some point, with an exciting target already in the works.

Liverpool are lining up Robertson's heir

According to journalist Abdel Hamed, Rayan Ait-Nouri is set to leave Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer and Liverpool are considered to be the frontrunners. Hamed, who interviewed the defender earlier this year, also said that Chelsea and Manchester City are also looking at this situation.

Despite signing a new contract at Anfield in 2023, Kostas Tsimikas, 28, could leave this summer after failing to cement a first-team place on Merseyside, potentially opening the door for Ait-Nouri.

The Wolves defender impressed in the Premier League last season. He wouldn't come cheap, with the Old Gold putting a £60m price tag on his name.

How will Rayan Ait-Nouri fit in at Liverpool?

Slot was welcomed at Liverpool for his forward-footed delivery, purposeful press and emphasis on sharp technical ability and versatility. The Dutchman drew comparisons with his Liverpool predecessor, who played a role in FSG's selection process, although Slot declared himself a “control freak” like Pep Guardiola.

Liverpool supporters can expect remnants of style from a bygone era in the Slot brand but he will change things up, with full-backs and inversions in midfield a feature during his days with Feyenoord.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has already shown adeptness in completing this transition, increasing his impressive passing range in the middle of the park, but Robertson may struggle to replicate it, playing a more traditional, wide role.

Ait-Nouri, however, has the kind of athleticism and power that I could see him flourishing. According to FBref, he ranks in the top 20% of defenders in Europe's top five leagues in the past year for goals, top 14% for pass completion, top 2% for successful wins and top 13% for 90 seconds .

This means a wide skill set, which shows his breakneck quality, effectively taking opponents and leaving them in his wake.

It's no wonder the £10k-a-week ace has been described as “one of the best players in the Premier League in 2024” by Sky Sports' Dougie Critchley, completing 87% of his passes in England's top flight while averaging 1.6 dribbles, 4.1 rebounds and 6.3 successful duels per game, according to Sofascore.

He could also prove to form a lethal partnership down the left flank with Luis Diaz, who has been linked with a move away in recent weeks but is currently regarded as a key member of Slot's first team.

How can Ait-Nouri and Luis Diaz succeed

Diaz is on Barcelona's radar, ​​but a move to the Camp Nou is unlikely given the La Liga outfit's financial difficulties. Contracted until 2027, the Colombian is worth €75m (£63m) and this makes his move unlikely.

Fleet-footed and tireless, Diaz does not have the final product but he plays an important role in Liverpool and this can be increased under Slot, whose system relies on a wide turbo-charged success.

So, enter Ait-Nouri. The Algerian's style of play is something to behold and will allow him to ride the 27-year-old, also showing tactical flexibility to drift inside when called upon, something that could see his goal threat sharpened at Anfield.

Diaz, while somewhat wasted in front of goal, ranked among the top 6% of attacking midfielders and midfielders in Europe's top five leagues last year for pass completions and the top 12% for shooting actions per 90, so he knows the source of support needed to the player who plays on the left back wins.

Robertson is clearly a top defender and will feel like he could play a big role in the slot over the next few years, but Liverpool may regret missing out on a talented star in Ait-Nouri this summer, as he could easily leave. to a Premier League rival if the pursuit is dismissed.

Having been hailed for his “amazing” start to life in England by The Athletic's Tim Spiers, Liverpool must now provide him with the platform to take the next important step in what promises to be an impressive career.