
Johan Bakayoko was the star of the show as PSV Eindhoven pulled off a remarkable 3-2 victory over high-flying Liverpool in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
The Belgian winger was named Man of the Match for his outstanding performance, which saw him score a stunning first-half goal to level the scores after Cody Gakpo had put the Reds ahead.
Receiving the ball on the edge of the Liverpool area, Bakayoko controlled it with his thigh before feinting a shot, sending Andrew Robertson and Jarell Quansah to the ground. He then fired into the net with his supposedly weaker right foot.
Second-half goals from Ismael Saibari and Ricardo Pepi sealed Liverpool’s first European defeat of the season and secured PSV's spot in the Champions League knockout phase play-offs.
Bakayoko's goal was his eighth of the season for PSV across all competitions, with his excellent form already leading to links with a move to Stamford Bridge.
If that transfer happens, the 21-year-old would follow in the footsteps of former PSV teammate Noni Madueke, who joined Chelsea from the Philips Stadion in 2023.
After Bakayoko’s impressive display against Liverpool, Chelsea fans are now questioning why the club chose to sign Madueke—who has faced heavy criticism for his performances in West London—over his ex-teammate.
"Chelsea went to PSV, saw Bakayoko and decided to come back with Madueke," one fan wrote on X.
Another wrote: "Johan Bakayoko was right there and Chelsea insisted to go for Madueke instead."
A third fan fan wrote: "Chelsea choosing to sign Noni Madueke instead of Johan Bakayoko is damning reflection of the club’s poor recruitment in recent years. He’s twice the player and more."

Like Bakayoko, Madueke has also scored eight goal this season.
However, the Chelsea winger, 22, has frequently been reprimanded by manager Enzo Maresca, who has accused him of underperforming in training and slacking off during matches.
Fans, too, have often labeled Madueke as greedy, growing increasingly frustrated with his perceived inability to make the right decisions in the final third.
Chelsea should try and land Bakayoko
Everything Chelsea says...
In our eyes, it’s clear that Bakayoko, who scored 14 goals and provided 14 assists for PSV last season and was named Eredivisie's Young Player of the Year, is by far the superior player compared to Madueke.
While the Englishman may have a slight edge in terms of raw pace, Bakayoko’s tight control, ability to score with both feet, and footballing intelligence far surpass Madueke’s.
Moreover, Bakayoko is not afraid to track back and contribute defensively—something Madueke has been criticized for lacking, with his work rate often questioned.

With just a few days left in the January transfer window, Chelsea should do everything in their power to secure Bakayoko’s signature.
Not only would he be a significant upgrade on a player who has consistently struggled to deliver for Chelsea and appears resistant to constructive feedback, but he could also help rejuvenate Chelsea's attack after a challenging couple of months in front of goal.
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