Emile Heskey weighs in on Szoboszlai, Yan Diomande and Curtis Jones

With the January transfer window now closed, Liverpool’s focus turns to the remainder of the season as they look to make up ground after a largely underwhelming campaign so far. The Reds did add French centre-back Jérémy Jacquet during the window, but much of the discussion remains around what happens between now and the end of the season heading into the summer.

We caught up with former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey to get his thoughts on a number of key talking points, including Yan Diomande, who had been linked with a move to Anfield and appears to remain a target for the summer, Curtis Jones, who was reportedly close to a January exit, and the form of midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai, one of the few standout performers this season.

Should Yan Diomande be Liverpool’s summer target?

RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande was linked with a move to Liverpool before the window shut, with many wondering whether he would have offered an upgrade on Cody Gakpo. Heskey outlined the qualities that make Diomande such an intriguing player and option for Liverpool to explore this summer.

“Someone like Yan Diomande gives you that unpredictability and runs in behind and creates chances. The thing with Diomande is that you can put him up front as well. Defenders don't like when players are running behind all the time, and that is what he does because he is a winger.”

Heskey also noted that modern forwards often lack this kind of initiative and Diomande’s style could open space for the rest of the team.

“These are the things that I think forwards have lost a little bit. Generally now, they don't want to get involved in the game, they want to wait in the box. But we need those players, especially after Diaz left.”

“The defenders would have to take two steps back when playing against Diomande, which creates more room and then other players can produce more.”

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Curtis Jones’ versatility proving to be a double-edged sword

Curtis Jones was another player attracting transfer talk in the recent window, but Heskey was clear that selling him would not have been the right move.

“I would love to see Curtis Jones get more game time, the question is just what position. The problem with him is that he is able to play so many different positions, but he is not able to command one.”

While versatile, Jones’ ability to adapt can sometimes work against him.

“I actually think he did really well as a right back, but he will do very well in that position for two games, but that position is not consistent for him. I think he is a very good number eight, but then they might have to take players out or change formation.”

“We have to be careful dealing with our local lads. Just like Harvey Elliot, I love him. I think he is brilliant, but he is another one that needs to find his position. He is not a winger, but maybe an eight or a ten. Are teams playing with a number ten? A lot of teams are playing with a six and two eights.”

“So, you have to be careful, and I think Curtis Jones should stay.”

Dominik Szoboszlai: consistency is key

Finally, attention turned to Dominik Szoboszlai, a player whose reliability has been a standout feature in an extremely difficult season for the club.

“I don't know if Dominik Szoboszlai has been the best player, but he has been the most consistent player. He doesn't really put a foot wrong. He is making the right decisions and scoring goals.”

The Englishman highlighted that Szoboszlai’s consistency makes him essential:

“He is the one that the team can rely on. Wirtz has been great, but he has not been as consistent. Is Szoboszlai better than others? Probably not, but with his consistency he is shining and you can't drop him. They need him in the midfield.”

“They need more players like him. If we look at MacAllister, I really love him, but he is not covering the ground enough. Elliot Anderson covers the ground better, but I love the way he passes the ball and finds his teammates.”

“I hate when players are always passing sideways or backwards, because you need to go forward and he can do that.”

Read more as Emile Heskey talks about Liverpool's potential future transfer targets