Faster Than Mbappé: Can Victor Muñoz Fill Liverpool’s Salah-Sized Void?

Soccer · By Marcus Chen · June 18, 2026
Faster Than Mbappé: Can Victor Muñoz Fill Liverpool’s Salah-Sized Void?
Liverpool FC are known for their shrewd recruitment and bold moves in the transfer market, and the latest name linked to Anfield has turned heads for more reasons than one. Osasuna winger Victor Muñoz is being touted as the Reds’ potential answer to the looming departure of their talisman, Mohamed Salah—a player whose shoes few would dare to fill. The 21-year-old Spanish winger’s most eye-catching attribute is his explosive speed. Muñoz has reportedly clocked sprint times even faster than French superstar Kylian Mbappé, making him one of the quickest players in top-flight European football. His acceleration and ability to beat defenders on the dribble have been key factors in his rapid rise at Osasuna, a club that has steadily built a reputation for nurturing young talent.
  • Muñoz’s top speed has been compared favorably with Mbappé’s, a benchmark for elite wingers.
  • He offers genuine width on the right, a trait Salah has provided with devastating effect at Liverpool.
  • At just 21, Muñoz has already established himself as a starter for Osasuna in La Liga.
The question, however, is whether this raw speed and direct style can translate into Premier League success—especially at a club with the ambition and pressure of Liverpool. Salah, who has been pivotal in Liverpool’s trophy-laden era under Jürgen Klopp, is not only a prolific scorer but also brings intelligence and composure in the final third. Muñoz’s game, while thrilling, is still developing in terms of end product and decision-making. Liverpool’s recruitment team has a history of identifying young talents ready to make the leap, as seen with the likes of Luis Díaz and Diogo Jota. Muñoz’s ability to stretch defenses and beat a man one-on-one would fit well in Liverpool’s high-intensity, counter-attacking system. His potential arrival signals a commitment to maintaining width and pace in the squad, crucial elements as the team plans for life after Salah. Despite his youth, Muñoz has not shied away from big moments in La Liga. He’s consistently demonstrated the confidence to take on defenders and create chances from wide areas. His willingness to track back and contribute defensively also aligns with the demands placed on Liverpool’s wide forwards. The challenge for Muñoz, should he move to Anfield, will be adapting to the physicality and speed of the Premier League, where defenders are quicker and space is at a premium. The pressure of expectation—stepping into a role defined by one of Liverpool’s modern greats—will be immense. Still, Liverpool’s track record of nurturing young talent and their tactical setup could provide Muñoz with the ideal environment to realize his potential. Fans and pundits alike are watching closely. If Muñoz can harness his electric pace and develop the finishing and decision-making to match, he could prove to be an inspired signing and a key figure in Liverpool’s next chapter.

Sources

  1. [1]ESPN Soccer