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Liverpool FC | 2024/25 Season
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Jarell Quansah outlines aims for 2024-25: 'I want to kick on and improve'
The centre-half's emergence for the Reds in 2023-24 saw him make 33 appearances in all competitions and receive widespread recognition.
It culminated in being called up to the England squad for the first time as he joined part of their build-up to Euro 2024.
Quansah wanted to reflect on those personal achievements during his summer break – but instead found himself striving for ways to develop further.
He told Liverpoolfc.com: "I was waiting for the moment for it to click and stuff like that, but I don't think I'm going to get used to what happened last season. I'm always a person who wants to improve and kick on.
"I look at the positives and the negatives, and I just try to take it all in and try to improve for the next season really. That's what my reflecting sort of told me – it was just about how to kick on and how to be the best version of myself.
"It's more of the same and to just keep improving. Like I said before, try to be the best version of myself and just keep getting better and better on the training pitch and being a sponge and taking everything around me that I can."
Quansah is now in his second week of pre-season training and growing more accustomed to the demands of Arne Slot with each session.
The 21-year-old believes the playing style the new head coach is looking to implement is a perfect match for his attributes.
On adjusting to Slot's tactical ideas, Quansah continued: "To be fair, I've had to do that in the past few seasons. It's not too much different.
"You always have to impress and there's always different styles they have to implement and you have to get used to. It's just adapting to that really and trying to implement his game plan.
"It's good. I think a lot of my strengths can be shown in the system he likes to play. Obviously I like playing with the ball as well, so I think what the gaffer likes to do is a lot that I like. But there's still a lot to improve on."
A new era brings excitement for Quansah and his teammates as they continue to gear up for the start of the competitive action at Ipswich Town on August 17.
"There's so much to look forward to," the No.78 stated. "We had a great year last year and I think there's a lot of positives we can look back at.
"Moving to this season, although it's a new coach and a new style of play, I think it'll suit us and it's times to be excited for."
Jarell Quansah outlines aims for 2024-25: 'I want to kick on and improve' - Liverpool FC
Jarell Quansah has outlined his plan to build on a brilliant breakthrough campaign in Liverpool's senior team.
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Szoboszlai goal gives Slot first win as Liverpool boss
Arne Slot earned his first win as Liverpool manager with a 1-0 victory over Real Betis courtesy of an excellent Dominik Szoboszlai finish in Pittsburgh.
The Reds were beaten 1-0 by Preston, external in a behind-closed-doors friendly at their training ground earlier this month but the post-Jurgen Klopp era is now up and running with their first win on their US tour.
Hungarian midfielder Szoboszlai opened the scoring after 34 minutes by sweeping in Mohamed Salah's through ball, while Betis striker Juanmi missed two chances in front of 42,679 fans.
Liverpool lost midfielder Curtis Jones on the half hour mark with Slot saying it was too early to say how bad the injury was.
The Reds face Arsenal in Philadelphia on Thursday and then take on Manchester United in Columbia on Sunday, 4 August.
Slot has taken over from Klopp, who was in charge for nine years, and the German's often dubbed 'heavy metal football' looked a little more soft rock under their new Dutch manager.
The changes in the style of play came in a fluid 4-2-4 formation and the Reds played without a striker.
Again, it was partly down to the limited personnel, but Klopp's gegenpressing style turned into a slower possession-based approach, typically favoured by Johan Cruyff-influenced Dutch coaches.
Slot delivered his instructions at the Pittsburgh Steelers's half-full Acrisure Stadium while constantly stood in the technical area and moved players into position with hand gestures and measured shouts.
Harvey Elliot and Szoboszlai took turns playing in the attacking midfielder number 10 role, so Liverpool were effectively without a striker for the majority of the game.
"I think during the season you will see us playing with a real striker but at this moment we have no-one with Darwin [Nunez] unavailable," Slot said.
"We played with two number 10s and put them in the position they will play during the season. That was maybe out of necessity.
"But for the rest of the style of play, we tried to build from the back, that is our style to control the game, not concede constant counter attacks.
"That will hopefully be our style during the season and there were also many things we can improve but that's normal after two weeks."
It looked similar to the unenforced but successful tactical approach taken by Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag in the FA Cup final, with Bruno Fernandes up front in the win against Manchester City.
For Liverpool, it worked well given they had so few senior players. They dominated early on with shots from Fabio Carvalho, Salah and Wataru Endo, albeit from difficult positions. Elliot then scuffed the first real chance from a good Conor Bradley cutback, before Szoboszlai's goal.
The second half was more of a non-event for the spectators as a host of youngsters disrupted the rhythm. Nabil Fekir hit the side netting from a good free-kick position and Carvalho had a shot saved by former Liverpool goalkeeper Adrian before coming off.
But it was an important exercise in fitness building, and introducing Slot's style to his players, the supporters and football world before the new Premier League season starts.
Defender Bradley was the pick of the starters, linking well with Salah on the right flank and created the majority of the best chances.
Meanwhile, Carvalho, fresh from a loan spell at Hull City, looked determined to impress with a number of dangerous moments.
There was ultimately a total change in line up as youthful substitutes Trey Nyoni, Vítezslav Jaros, Tyler Morton, Harvey Blair, Ben Doak, Luke Chambers, Nat Phillips, Luca Stephenson, Owen Beck, Stefan Bajetic, Kaide Gordon and Lewis Koumas all came on in the second half.
Nyoni, 17, excelled as the first of the youngsters coming on for an injured Curtis Jones. He dictated the play in the middle of the pitch and also created a big chance for Blair.
The youthful squad was down to Liverpool's policy to give their players from Euro 2024 and Copa America their full recommended three-week holiday, as dictated by players' union FIFPro, when many rivals cut them short.
Ibrahim Konate and Diogo Jota will return early, however, having had minimal involvement for their national teams.
The midfielder highlighted just how much he is enjoying Slot's approach before kick-off but he came off injured in the 28th minute and went straight down the tunnel.
After the match, Slot played down concerns about Jones' fitness saying: "I think it's too early to tell [how bad it is]. He maybe could have played on, but I think maybe you could see he was not at 100%."
Liverpool: Dominik Szoboszlai scores in 1-0 win over Real Betis in Pittsburgh
Hungarian midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai scores against Real Betis in Pittsburgh to give Arne Slot a first win in the post-Jurgen Klopp era.
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Liverpool reject Marseille's £11.8m offer for Endo
Liverpool have rejected a bid worth £11.8m from Marseille for midfielder Wataru Endo.
The Japan international, 31, joined Liverpool on a four-year deal from Stuttgart for about £16.2m last August.
He made 43 appearances, including 20 Premier League starts, and won the League Cup in his debut season at Anfield.
Marseille are managed by Roberto de Zerbi, who came up against Endo as Brighton boss last season.
The Reds are also aware of further interest in the defensive player from other German clubs.
Liverpool are yet to make a signing this summer following the arrival of manager Arne Slot.
BBC
Liverpool have rejected a bid worth £11.8m from Marseille for midfielder Wataru Endo.
The Japan international, 31, joined Liverpool on a four-year deal from Stuttgart for about £16.2m last August.
He made 43 appearances, including 20 Premier League starts, and won the League Cup in his debut season at Anfield.
Marseille are managed by Roberto de Zerbi, who came up against Endo as Brighton boss last season.
The Reds are also aware of further interest in the defensive player from other German clubs.
Liverpool are yet to make a signing this summer following the arrival of manager Arne Slot.
BBC
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Liverpool are undergoing 'post-Klopp reset'
Liverpool chief executive Billy Hogan says the club are undergoing a "post-Jurgen Klopp reset" under new head coach Arne Slot and the Reds' revamped football structure.
The club have implemented several changes behind the scenes at Anfield since Klopp, who won seven major honours in nine years, announced his departure in January.
Slot, 45, has replaced the German but Liverpool's parent company, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), has brought back former executives Michael Edwards and Julian Ward, who left in 2022, to build a new structure overseeing strategy for principle owner John W. Henry and the organisation's president Mike Gordon.
Hogan, who leads the business operation on Merseyside, told BBC Sport that Klopp's departure has "provided an opportunity for a reboot or reset and maybe to look at how things operate going forward."
Hogan, who is known to have a close personal bond with Klopp, added: "Jurgen departing was a seismic decision but clearly the right decision for him and his family, so by extension the right decision for the club.
"He was very clear about leaving the club in a better place than where he found it and I think he has done that. The timing of his announcement gave us an opportunity to go through a proper process."
Behind the scenes, Liverpool have appointed Richard Hughes from Bournemouth as the sporting director and Pedro Marques from Benfica as the technical director, which Hogan says will bring "new energy and vision."
Hughes and Marques will focus solely on transfers and supporting Slot but FSG will continue to explore a multi-club structure after insurmountable issues caused talks with French club Bordeaux to collapse.
Hogan said it was "sad" Bordeaux have filed for bankruptcy as alternative options are "something being looked at by Michael Edwards".
On financial controls within the Premier League, Hogan said Liverpool remain committed to strong rules.
"I think it is important that the rules have teeth and if clubs fall foul of that then the Premier League has a process to go through. We are supportive of those rules and being sustainable," he said.
But he backed the different interests within the league to find an alternative solution to Premier League profit and sustainability regulations as rules closer to UEFA's are being discussed.
"We are trying to find the best way to operate for all of us going forward," he continued.
"We have the most competitive and global league, and it's important we keep it that way."
Liverpool are among 10 clubs on tour of the United States, with others travelling to Asia or around Europe, and he addressed the environmental impact of such tours, which were detailed in BBC Sport's recent report.
"We have the foundation event here in Philadelphia with a group of people engaging with our supporters and bringing the club out to markets and supporters who may not get the opportunity to come to Anfield or Liverpool. In terms of the overall environmental impact, that's something we take very seriously."
Liverpool next face Arsenal in Philadelphia before taking on Manchester United in South Carolina to end their US tour.
BBC
Liverpool chief executive Billy Hogan says the club are undergoing a "post-Jurgen Klopp reset" under new head coach Arne Slot and the Reds' revamped football structure.
The club have implemented several changes behind the scenes at Anfield since Klopp, who won seven major honours in nine years, announced his departure in January.
Slot, 45, has replaced the German but Liverpool's parent company, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), has brought back former executives Michael Edwards and Julian Ward, who left in 2022, to build a new structure overseeing strategy for principle owner John W. Henry and the organisation's president Mike Gordon.
Hogan, who leads the business operation on Merseyside, told BBC Sport that Klopp's departure has "provided an opportunity for a reboot or reset and maybe to look at how things operate going forward."
Hogan, who is known to have a close personal bond with Klopp, added: "Jurgen departing was a seismic decision but clearly the right decision for him and his family, so by extension the right decision for the club.
"He was very clear about leaving the club in a better place than where he found it and I think he has done that. The timing of his announcement gave us an opportunity to go through a proper process."
Behind the scenes, Liverpool have appointed Richard Hughes from Bournemouth as the sporting director and Pedro Marques from Benfica as the technical director, which Hogan says will bring "new energy and vision."
Hughes and Marques will focus solely on transfers and supporting Slot but FSG will continue to explore a multi-club structure after insurmountable issues caused talks with French club Bordeaux to collapse.
Hogan said it was "sad" Bordeaux have filed for bankruptcy as alternative options are "something being looked at by Michael Edwards".
On financial controls within the Premier League, Hogan said Liverpool remain committed to strong rules.
"I think it is important that the rules have teeth and if clubs fall foul of that then the Premier League has a process to go through. We are supportive of those rules and being sustainable," he said.
But he backed the different interests within the league to find an alternative solution to Premier League profit and sustainability regulations as rules closer to UEFA's are being discussed.
"We are trying to find the best way to operate for all of us going forward," he continued.
"We have the most competitive and global league, and it's important we keep it that way."
Liverpool are among 10 clubs on tour of the United States, with others travelling to Asia or around Europe, and he addressed the environmental impact of such tours, which were detailed in BBC Sport's recent report.
"We have the foundation event here in Philadelphia with a group of people engaging with our supporters and bringing the club out to markets and supporters who may not get the opportunity to come to Anfield or Liverpool. In terms of the overall environmental impact, that's something we take very seriously."
Liverpool next face Arsenal in Philadelphia before taking on Manchester United in South Carolina to end their US tour.
BBC
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Joe Gomez could force Liverpool to make transfer after £45m deal collapsed at 11th hour
Liverpool may have to enter the market for a new defender if Joe Gomez does opt to pursue a transfer away from Anfield.
The England defender has been at the club since 2015 but has been unable to establish himself as an obvious starter and a desire for more game time is keeping his mind open. Joel Matip has just left but the emergence of Jarell Quansah to play alongside Virgil van Dijk means competition remains strong.
Gomez's versatility has long been a major asset for him and the Reds, but he was linked with a switch to Newcastle. The Magpies remain keen and the 27-year-old was potentially going to be part of a £45million deal that would've seen Anthony Gordon head to Anfield.
That move collapsed but Gomez's remains open minded about finding a new employer - where he could command regular minutes. If that were to materialise then Liverpool would likely up their recruitment for a new defender.
A potential medical was being prepared during the Euros ahead of Gomez's switch to Newcastle and, according to the Daily Mail, England teammates noted how the defender was happy at the chance of regular football in his favoured position of right sided centre back.
Newcastle's desire to pursue the deal was due to financial concerns around PSR but they pulled the plug at the eleventh hour. They found alternative solutions by selling Yankuba Minteh to Brighton and Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest and the Gordon-Gomez deal was called off.
Liverpool, who are yet to make a signing under Arne Slot, had defensive reinforcements lower down on their list of priorities but any departure would likely force them to change their approach in the market.
Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi is a player the Reds retain an interest in, but have yet to make any move for. The ex-Chelsea defender has continued to blossom at Selhurst Park and was one of England's leading lights at the Euros having been promoted to a starting berth.
Another player Liverpool could see depart is Dutchman Sepp van den Berg. The defender has been serially loaned out and continued to develop, most recently playing at Mainz in Germany. The Reds have placed a £20m price tag on the player, who has spoken out publicly about his future.
www.mirror.co.uk
Liverpool may have to enter the market for a new defender if Joe Gomez does opt to pursue a transfer away from Anfield.
The England defender has been at the club since 2015 but has been unable to establish himself as an obvious starter and a desire for more game time is keeping his mind open. Joel Matip has just left but the emergence of Jarell Quansah to play alongside Virgil van Dijk means competition remains strong.
Gomez's versatility has long been a major asset for him and the Reds, but he was linked with a switch to Newcastle. The Magpies remain keen and the 27-year-old was potentially going to be part of a £45million deal that would've seen Anthony Gordon head to Anfield.
That move collapsed but Gomez's remains open minded about finding a new employer - where he could command regular minutes. If that were to materialise then Liverpool would likely up their recruitment for a new defender.
A potential medical was being prepared during the Euros ahead of Gomez's switch to Newcastle and, according to the Daily Mail, England teammates noted how the defender was happy at the chance of regular football in his favoured position of right sided centre back.
Newcastle's desire to pursue the deal was due to financial concerns around PSR but they pulled the plug at the eleventh hour. They found alternative solutions by selling Yankuba Minteh to Brighton and Elliot Anderson to Nottingham Forest and the Gordon-Gomez deal was called off.
Liverpool, who are yet to make a signing under Arne Slot, had defensive reinforcements lower down on their list of priorities but any departure would likely force them to change their approach in the market.
Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi is a player the Reds retain an interest in, but have yet to make any move for. The ex-Chelsea defender has continued to blossom at Selhurst Park and was one of England's leading lights at the Euros having been promoted to a starting berth.
Another player Liverpool could see depart is Dutchman Sepp van den Berg. The defender has been serially loaned out and continued to develop, most recently playing at Mainz in Germany. The Reds have placed a £20m price tag on the player, who has spoken out publicly about his future.
Gomez could force Liverpool to make transfer after deal collapsed at 11th hour
Joe Gomez was poised for a potential Liverpool exit before a deal with Newcastle collapsed but the defender remains open to a move away - which would force the Reds into the transfer market
Couple of decent pre-season friendlies under our belt. From the highlights I've seen it seems there's more emphasis on patient buildup play under Slot.
Basically going back to our possession football roots under Shankly and Paisley. Might suit some players more than others.
The two goals were class but thought Tsimikas got turned too easily for Arsenal's goal.
Basically going back to our possession football roots under Shankly and Paisley. Might suit some players more than others.
The two goals were class but thought Tsimikas got turned too easily for Arsenal's goal.
KingKhanWC
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I thought we lost possession to easily last season & got caught often. Slot has a good style of play , let’s see if the players can adapt quickly . Ipswich away first up may be tricky as they attack at home .
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Liverpool reject Southampton offer for Carvalho
Liverpool have rejected an offer worth about £15m from Southampton for Fabio Carvalho.
It is believed Southampton have had a long-standing interest in the 21-year-old forward, but their bid falls significantly short of what the Reds would want to sanction a permanent move.
Carvalho has impressed during Liverpool’s pre-season tour in the United States, having scored in wins against Arsenal and Manchester United.
New Liverpool manager Arne Slot believes he can use him in his 4-2-3-1 formation unless a substantial offer convinces Liverpool to sell.
With the amount of players joining up late with his squad, Slot has been able to asses his young players and Carvalho, along with defender Sepp van den Berg, have stood out.
However, Carvalho may still find first-team opportunities limited when the rest of the Premier League club’s players, including forwards Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo, return from extended breaks after the Copa America and Euro 2024.
Other clubs have also expressed an interest in Carvalho, who spent last season on loan at RB Leipzig and Hull City.
He scored nine goals in 20 games for the Tigers and another loan move would be considered a last resort.
Fabio Carvalho: Liverpool reject Southampton offer for Portuguese forward
Liverpool have rejected an offer worth about £15m from Southampton for Fabio Carvalho.
www.bbc.com
KingKhanWC
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Only a friendly but 3-0 over Utd but more importantly Slots formation & possession football is pretty good to watch .
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Liverpool are exploring a move for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi as they look to make their first signing under new manager Arne Slot
Zubimendi was part of the Spain squad that won Euro 2024 and came on as a second-half substitute for Manchester City's Rodri when his country beat England 2-1 in the final.
The 25-year-old has been at Sociedad since 2011 and has a release clause worth €60m (£51.5m).
Zubimendi helped Sociedad finish sixth in La Liga last season, scoring four times in 31 league appearances.
The Spanish club also reached the last 16 of the Champions League in 2023-24 before they were beaten by Paris St-Germain.
Zubimendi would be the first arrival under Slot, who took over at the Anfield club following the departure of Jurgen Klopp.
Zubimendi has previously spoken, external of his admiration for ex-Spain international Xabi Alonso and occupies the same holding midfield position his fellow countryman did.
Alonso also came through the ranks as a player at Sociedad before joining Liverpool in 2004.
More recently, Alonso was in charge of Sociedad's B team before going on to become manager of German club Bayer Leverkusen.
Source: BBC
Zubimendi was part of the Spain squad that won Euro 2024 and came on as a second-half substitute for Manchester City's Rodri when his country beat England 2-1 in the final.
The 25-year-old has been at Sociedad since 2011 and has a release clause worth €60m (£51.5m).
Zubimendi helped Sociedad finish sixth in La Liga last season, scoring four times in 31 league appearances.
The Spanish club also reached the last 16 of the Champions League in 2023-24 before they were beaten by Paris St-Germain.
Zubimendi would be the first arrival under Slot, who took over at the Anfield club following the departure of Jurgen Klopp.
Zubimendi has previously spoken, external of his admiration for ex-Spain international Xabi Alonso and occupies the same holding midfield position his fellow countryman did.
Alonso also came through the ranks as a player at Sociedad before joining Liverpool in 2004.
More recently, Alonso was in charge of Sociedad's B team before going on to become manager of German club Bayer Leverkusen.
Source: BBC
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Just what is Trent Alexander-Arnold's best position?
It is a question pondered by fans, pundits and managers and, as the 25-year-old prepares for Liverpool's 2024-25 campaign, all eyes will be on new manager Arne Slot's answer.
He has spent the majority of his senior career with the Reds at right-back but, with lingering doubts over his defending, some believe he should be used in midfield - where he has lined up for England in six of his last seven starts.
Former England defender Gary Neville has described Alexander-Arnold as a generational talent, while ex-England boss Gareth Southgate said he has "as good a passing range as anybody in world football".
Alexander-Arnold was absent for Liverpool's tour of America but started Sunday's final pre-season friendly against Sevilla at right-back - a position youngster Conor Bradley has also impressed in.
But, with his contract expiring in the summer and persistent links to Real Madrid, is it time to utilise Alexander-Arnold in a more regular advanced role?
"He'd played in midfield in Pep Lijnders' Under-16s, at the base of the diamond," Tim Jenkins, a former analyst and assistant coach for Liverpool Under-21s, tells BBC Sport about Alexander-Arnold's early development.
"He was right in the middle of the pitch and involved in everything.
"When he went into the Under-18s with Neil Critchley, they started to help him use his physical attributes a bit, so he played on the outside as a right winger or a right full-back.
"And before the Under-16s, he'd played as a centre-half and a full-back for Michael Beale in the Under-15s age group."
It was with Critchley, now Blackpool manager, and his Under-18s side that Alexander-Arnold's transition into a right-back accelerated.
Before the 2016-17 season, aged just 17, he trained with the first team during pre-season.
"I remember he had a real purple patch after he'd done pre-season with the first team then came back to play with the Under-21s," says Jenkins, who is now assistant head coach at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
"We played one game against Leicester at home and Jurgen [Klopp] came to watch. We were 4-0 up before half-time and he'd created everything from the right. He looked like he'd gone up three or four levels.
"A week later, we played Tottenham away and it was the same again. He was head and shoulders the best player on the pitch. He scored a goal from long distance in that game. It wasn't too long after that he made his debut for the first team in the League Cup."
In January 2017, Alexander-Arnold made his first Premier League start in a 1-1 draw with Manchester United.
"That whole season he'd been building up to that moment," Jenkins says. "He had real momentum about what he was doing."
"The game has evolved now," says former Liverpool, Blackburn Rovers and Republic of Ireland player Jason McAteer, who, like Alexander-Arnold, played as a right-back and a central midfielder during his career.
"Today's full-back is a lot more like a wing-back. You've got to get forward. You've got to get balls into the box. And you have this hybrid role where you come into midfield.
"Trent has got that many attributes that you've got to get him into the team. You look at Trent now and he's grown up, he's evolved."
That evolution has seen Alexander-Arnold's influence at Anfield grow. With a range of passing, vision and creativity honed during his past as a midfielder, his unique skillset has allowed him to become a playmaker from full-back.
In the 2018-19 season - the first campaign in which he started more than half of Liverpool’s Premier League games - Alexander-Arnold registered 12 assists, the third-highest tally in the top flight.
His 13 assists the following season was second only to Kevin de Bruyne, and only team-mate Mohamed Salah bettered his tally of 12 for the 2021-22 campaign.
Last season, Alexander-Arnold's average of 5.25 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes in the Premier League and Europa League ranked in the 99th percentile among full-backs in Europe's top five divisions.
He was also in the 99th percentile when it came to expected assisted goals per 90 (0.37) and passes attempted (87.71) and the 98th percentile for progressive passes (8.69).
He ranked eighth among outfielders in the Premier League for total successful long passes (147) and third for switches of play (32).
"If you look at the assists from earlier in his career, they came from wide," Jenkins says. "More recently, he's been able to move inside into the half-space and deliver from there. Trent has had an ideal skillset to adapt to how the game has changed.
"If you see footage of him playing when he was little, he was basically the same player. You'd see all the driving runs, the physical attributes, his ball-striking and his passing over distance. He's just adapted his strengths into whatever position he plays."
"I started as a right-back and progressed into playing on the right wing," McAteer says of his own transition into midfield.
"When Bruce Rioch came to Bolton, I evolved into a centre-midfielder. I quickly had to learn that your head has got to be on a swivel, that the whole pitch is in play.
"You have to learn how to play with your back to play, how to open your body up and how to make runs to lose your marker and finish chances when they come along.
"Reading the game is a big thing for a central midfielder, knowing where you are on the pitch."
Those are all attributes Alexander-Arnold possesses. His distinctive approach to the full-back role, taking up positions near the middle of the pitch, gives him a leg-up when it comes to starting as a midfielder.
It was understandable, then, that Southgate deployed the Liverpool player centrally at Euro 2024 given he lacked an obvious midfield partner for Declan Rice.
McAteer, though, believes Alexander-Arnold was set up to struggle in Germany.
"We look at him as this passing genius, great with the ball at his feet and creative," he says.
"But in the modern game you need to be protected. I think with England he was hung out to dry a bit.
"His qualities are there to be seen, but you can be exposed. Time and space are your best mates in football. If you're not given that by the player alongside you, defending and taking players away, you're not going to flourish.
"Trent's weakest attribute is his defending and he was playing as a deep-lying midfielder. He was great on the ball, but without it he was exposed and he became a bit of a scapegoat."
In a press conference in June, Slot - who tends to play a 4-3-3 or 4-2-1-3 formation, was asked directly about where he planned to play Alexander-Arnold, but declined to answer.
"I think that hybrid full-back role is still his best position, where he can roll into the inside of the pitch," Jenkins adds.
"He can be a full-back when you haven't got the ball and a midfielder when you have.
"Klopp would say that sometimes Trent will be on the outside, sometimes he'll be on the inside – wherever he is, he’s just going to be Trent."
It is a question pondered by fans, pundits and managers and, as the 25-year-old prepares for Liverpool's 2024-25 campaign, all eyes will be on new manager Arne Slot's answer.
He has spent the majority of his senior career with the Reds at right-back but, with lingering doubts over his defending, some believe he should be used in midfield - where he has lined up for England in six of his last seven starts.
Former England defender Gary Neville has described Alexander-Arnold as a generational talent, while ex-England boss Gareth Southgate said he has "as good a passing range as anybody in world football".
Alexander-Arnold was absent for Liverpool's tour of America but started Sunday's final pre-season friendly against Sevilla at right-back - a position youngster Conor Bradley has also impressed in.
But, with his contract expiring in the summer and persistent links to Real Madrid, is it time to utilise Alexander-Arnold in a more regular advanced role?
"He'd played in midfield in Pep Lijnders' Under-16s, at the base of the diamond," Tim Jenkins, a former analyst and assistant coach for Liverpool Under-21s, tells BBC Sport about Alexander-Arnold's early development.
"He was right in the middle of the pitch and involved in everything.
"When he went into the Under-18s with Neil Critchley, they started to help him use his physical attributes a bit, so he played on the outside as a right winger or a right full-back.
"And before the Under-16s, he'd played as a centre-half and a full-back for Michael Beale in the Under-15s age group."
It was with Critchley, now Blackpool manager, and his Under-18s side that Alexander-Arnold's transition into a right-back accelerated.
Before the 2016-17 season, aged just 17, he trained with the first team during pre-season.
"I remember he had a real purple patch after he'd done pre-season with the first team then came back to play with the Under-21s," says Jenkins, who is now assistant head coach at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
"We played one game against Leicester at home and Jurgen [Klopp] came to watch. We were 4-0 up before half-time and he'd created everything from the right. He looked like he'd gone up three or four levels.
"A week later, we played Tottenham away and it was the same again. He was head and shoulders the best player on the pitch. He scored a goal from long distance in that game. It wasn't too long after that he made his debut for the first team in the League Cup."
In January 2017, Alexander-Arnold made his first Premier League start in a 1-1 draw with Manchester United.
"That whole season he'd been building up to that moment," Jenkins says. "He had real momentum about what he was doing."
"The game has evolved now," says former Liverpool, Blackburn Rovers and Republic of Ireland player Jason McAteer, who, like Alexander-Arnold, played as a right-back and a central midfielder during his career.
"Today's full-back is a lot more like a wing-back. You've got to get forward. You've got to get balls into the box. And you have this hybrid role where you come into midfield.
"Trent has got that many attributes that you've got to get him into the team. You look at Trent now and he's grown up, he's evolved."
That evolution has seen Alexander-Arnold's influence at Anfield grow. With a range of passing, vision and creativity honed during his past as a midfielder, his unique skillset has allowed him to become a playmaker from full-back.
In the 2018-19 season - the first campaign in which he started more than half of Liverpool’s Premier League games - Alexander-Arnold registered 12 assists, the third-highest tally in the top flight.
His 13 assists the following season was second only to Kevin de Bruyne, and only team-mate Mohamed Salah bettered his tally of 12 for the 2021-22 campaign.
Last season, Alexander-Arnold's average of 5.25 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes in the Premier League and Europa League ranked in the 99th percentile among full-backs in Europe's top five divisions.
He was also in the 99th percentile when it came to expected assisted goals per 90 (0.37) and passes attempted (87.71) and the 98th percentile for progressive passes (8.69).
He ranked eighth among outfielders in the Premier League for total successful long passes (147) and third for switches of play (32).
"If you look at the assists from earlier in his career, they came from wide," Jenkins says. "More recently, he's been able to move inside into the half-space and deliver from there. Trent has had an ideal skillset to adapt to how the game has changed.
"If you see footage of him playing when he was little, he was basically the same player. You'd see all the driving runs, the physical attributes, his ball-striking and his passing over distance. He's just adapted his strengths into whatever position he plays."
"I started as a right-back and progressed into playing on the right wing," McAteer says of his own transition into midfield.
"When Bruce Rioch came to Bolton, I evolved into a centre-midfielder. I quickly had to learn that your head has got to be on a swivel, that the whole pitch is in play.
"You have to learn how to play with your back to play, how to open your body up and how to make runs to lose your marker and finish chances when they come along.
"Reading the game is a big thing for a central midfielder, knowing where you are on the pitch."
Those are all attributes Alexander-Arnold possesses. His distinctive approach to the full-back role, taking up positions near the middle of the pitch, gives him a leg-up when it comes to starting as a midfielder.
It was understandable, then, that Southgate deployed the Liverpool player centrally at Euro 2024 given he lacked an obvious midfield partner for Declan Rice.
McAteer, though, believes Alexander-Arnold was set up to struggle in Germany.
"We look at him as this passing genius, great with the ball at his feet and creative," he says.
"But in the modern game you need to be protected. I think with England he was hung out to dry a bit.
"His qualities are there to be seen, but you can be exposed. Time and space are your best mates in football. If you're not given that by the player alongside you, defending and taking players away, you're not going to flourish.
"Trent's weakest attribute is his defending and he was playing as a deep-lying midfielder. He was great on the ball, but without it he was exposed and he became a bit of a scapegoat."
In a press conference in June, Slot - who tends to play a 4-3-3 or 4-2-1-3 formation, was asked directly about where he planned to play Alexander-Arnold, but declined to answer.
"I think that hybrid full-back role is still his best position, where he can roll into the inside of the pitch," Jenkins adds.
"He can be a full-back when you haven't got the ball and a midfielder when you have.
"Klopp would say that sometimes Trent will be on the outside, sometimes he'll be on the inside – wherever he is, he’s just going to be Trent."
Liverpool: Trent Alexander-Arnold - what is his best position?
Trent Alexander-Arnold will once again be a key player for Liverpool this season, but what is his best position?
www.bbc.com
MK7Z
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Zubi dubi do. Another player rejects liver-no-pull
Add that to other high profile players.
JUDE
caicedo
Enzo
Lavia
Managers to... Oh dear
Most of successful club in England can't attract top players... It's an odd one
Add that to other high profile players.
JUDE
caicedo
Enzo
Lavia
Managers to... Oh dear
Most of successful club in England can't attract top players... It's an odd one
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MK7Z
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Do Liverpool fans just hang out in the Arsenal thread then?
Talk to me.
Actually I have a genuine question... When was the last time a big player who was sought after by many clubs chose to Join Liverpool?
No banter... Genuine question so please don't reply with the default "where are Arsenal's champions leagues"
.
Talk to me.
Actually I have a genuine question... When was the last time a big player who was sought after by many clubs chose to Join Liverpool?
No banter... Genuine question so please don't reply with the default "where are Arsenal's champions leagues"
.
KingKhanWC
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Do Liverpool fans just hang out in the Arsenal thread then?
Talk to me.
Actually I have a genuine question... When was the last time a big player who was sought after by many clubs chose to Join Liverpool?
No banter... Genuine question so please don't reply with the default "where are Arsenal's champions leagues"
Lol he refused arsenal much quicker .
Hes decent but not PL proven in a very tough no 6 position in this league. Not a huge blow at all .
Liverpool have a good squad . I expect it will be city & then Liverpool & Arsenal fighting for 2nd . Liverpool may go far in the CL tho , we have pedigree in this cup .
MK7Z
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You avoided my question.
I'm honestly trying to think of some players but I am struggling so please help me out.
KingKhanWC
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I don’t realise this was a quiz for stupid questions. Start a new thread perhaps?
This thread is about Liverpools upcoming season.
MK7Z
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Touch a nerve did I?
I am asking about Liverpool on a Liverpool thread...
Upcoming season you say? Does that mean you'll stop mentioning arteta's past lack of success constantly on the Arsenal thread and discuss this season only?
Didn't know pool fans were so sensative... It's all love bro. Don't be offended.
My question is still there. A Liverpool question on a Liverpool thread.
KingKhanWC
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Your question is a historic one which would only be an opinion with no correct answer. If Klopp was still here , it would be fair but Slot doesn’t need any huge new signing. Liverpool secured Salah , VVD , Alison who were sought after , leading the club to PL & CL success in consecutive seasons .
With less injuries hopefully, this season Liverpool will score a lot of goals & challenge for all silverware. League will be tough to win as a new style & system arrives but 2nd is on .
MK7Z
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Who else was after Salah at the time? Or even Allison and VVD?
Where I will give Credit to Liverpool is that they improve players which is what a top coach does.
Salah, Mane, Gini, etc became world class while at Liverpool.
My question was genuine as Liverpool seem to miss out on targets quite regularly.
MK7Z
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Didn't you say previously you'd win the league? I can't remember if it was you
KingKhanWC
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You have to back your team if you feel they will challenge. Last season I felt we had a chance but Salahs injury & perhaps Klopp going saw a decline in results late in the season.
MK7Z
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KingKhanWC
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What's all this about....
Not sure but I’m very sure he won’t go 4 seasons without winning anything lol
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Liverpool still trying to strengthen – Slot
Liverpool manager Arne Slot says the club are still looking to strengthen the squad before the transfer window closes.
The Reds tried to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad but missed out after the Spain midfielder decided against the move.
It means Liverpool are the only Premier League side who have not made a major signing this summer, with the transfer window closing at 23:00 BST on Friday, 30 August.
"I've said many times already that our squad is really strong and it's not so easy to find players who can help us or even strengthen the squad," said Slot.
"Zubimendi was one of them to be fair, but he decided not to come. We go forward with the ones we have. [Wataru] Endo did well in pre-season so we're in a good place.
"In the background, [sporting director] Richard [Hughes] is trying to strengthen the squad as he can but, unfortunately, Zubimendi decided not to come.
"He did every effort to bring him in but, if a player decides not to come, then it's obvious he's not coming."
Slot has replaced Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager after the German, who led the Reds to the Carabao Cup and a third-placed top-flight finish last season, left the club at the end of 2023-24.
The Dutchman's first Premier League game will be at promoted Ipswich Town on Saturday (12:30 BST).
“We are always talking about transfers but also a very positive thing that we kept our players and they are in a good place. Jurgen left the team in a good place and we are trying to build from there.
“Last season was also a season where they won a trophy with this team so we are hoping and aiming for the same but it's not going to be easy because there are a lot of good and strong teams in the Premier League who have strengthened their squads. We are looking forward to the challenge.”
This summer, Liverpool have sold forward Fabio Carvalho to Brentford in a deal worth £27.5m, while defender Joel Matip, midfielder Thiago Alcantara and keeper Adrian have left the club.
Slot was asked if not adding to the squad would make a team weaker but he rejected the suggestion.
"If you don’t strengthen the team you get weaker, that’s a bit weird," he said. "Normally, you either stay the same and I truly believe on the training ground that you can help players and the team to improve.
“Maybe what you mean is if the clubs around you strengthen the team then maybe they become better but it’s not always true that if you bring in players that the team become stronger.
“We - and I mean Richard and me - are trying to strengthen the squad and if we think we’ve found someone we try to bring him in.
"Unfortunately, the one we thought could help us said no. In the background, Richard is trying to improve the team but my main focus is on Ipswich.”
BBC
Liverpool manager Arne Slot says the club are still looking to strengthen the squad before the transfer window closes.
The Reds tried to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad but missed out after the Spain midfielder decided against the move.
It means Liverpool are the only Premier League side who have not made a major signing this summer, with the transfer window closing at 23:00 BST on Friday, 30 August.
"I've said many times already that our squad is really strong and it's not so easy to find players who can help us or even strengthen the squad," said Slot.
"Zubimendi was one of them to be fair, but he decided not to come. We go forward with the ones we have. [Wataru] Endo did well in pre-season so we're in a good place.
"In the background, [sporting director] Richard [Hughes] is trying to strengthen the squad as he can but, unfortunately, Zubimendi decided not to come.
"He did every effort to bring him in but, if a player decides not to come, then it's obvious he's not coming."
Slot has replaced Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager after the German, who led the Reds to the Carabao Cup and a third-placed top-flight finish last season, left the club at the end of 2023-24.
The Dutchman's first Premier League game will be at promoted Ipswich Town on Saturday (12:30 BST).
“We are always talking about transfers but also a very positive thing that we kept our players and they are in a good place. Jurgen left the team in a good place and we are trying to build from there.
“Last season was also a season where they won a trophy with this team so we are hoping and aiming for the same but it's not going to be easy because there are a lot of good and strong teams in the Premier League who have strengthened their squads. We are looking forward to the challenge.”
This summer, Liverpool have sold forward Fabio Carvalho to Brentford in a deal worth £27.5m, while defender Joel Matip, midfielder Thiago Alcantara and keeper Adrian have left the club.
Slot was asked if not adding to the squad would make a team weaker but he rejected the suggestion.
"If you don’t strengthen the team you get weaker, that’s a bit weird," he said. "Normally, you either stay the same and I truly believe on the training ground that you can help players and the team to improve.
“Maybe what you mean is if the clubs around you strengthen the team then maybe they become better but it’s not always true that if you bring in players that the team become stronger.
“We - and I mean Richard and me - are trying to strengthen the squad and if we think we’ve found someone we try to bring him in.
"Unfortunately, the one we thought could help us said no. In the background, Richard is trying to improve the team but my main focus is on Ipswich.”
BBC
MK7Z
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He'll have to work on his trophy poses then. My man thinks he auditioning for Miss World or something
KingKhanWC
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He'll have to work on his trophy poses then. My man thinks he auditioning for Miss World or something
Dunno bro , not into men’s poses myself . Lol
But he’ll be doing the running pose if he doesn’t do well with the squad he’s been given
MK7Z
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FearlessRoar
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Why Harvey Elliott feels it's time to make 'the next step' in 2024-25
Harvey Elliott has expressed his determination to cement a place in Liverpool's starting XI in the forthcoming campaign.
The 21-year-old made 53 appearances – 27 of which were starts – for the Reds in all competitions last season.
That was his highest tally since arriving from Fulham in the summer of 2019, though Elliott certainly isn't resting on his laurels as he enters year No.6 on Merseyside.
He said: "I feel it's time for me now to make the next step, to try to establish myself and cement my spot in the team. I feel like I'm confident enough now.
"I've come off the back of a season that was kind of my breakthrough season, I would say. I played a lot of games, although I didn't start many.
"I feel like now it's time to try to change that and have my role when starting. It's going to be very hard, it's going to be difficult and I need to work as hard as I possibly can to make sure I get that."
The No.19 is looking to become a much-relied-upon figure for new Liverpool head coach Arne Slot.
"I think the positions [in the] formations that he plays, there's a few that are very my style of play, especially the No.10 role," Elliott stated. "I play it at England [U21s], so I know it very, very well.
"I feel like it's my most comfortable position, especially where I can receive it, how to receive it. It's kind of the bread and butter for me and I know it to a tee."
Asked if the No.10 position is where he wants to be playing in this side, Elliott replied: "I hope so, yeah.
"It's something I'm working towards. I need to prove it – it's not really going to be given to me, especially with the quality that we have in and around the team. It's going to be very hard.
"I'll be happy to play wherever but if I had to choose a specific position, it would be there."
Elliott is targeting personal and collective success in 2024-25, which begins with a trip to Ipswich Town in the Premier League on Saturday lunchtime.
He believes anything is possible for Liverpool this season with a talented squad and incredible support.
"I think we can achieve everything," Elliott declared. "In all the seasons we can achieve everything.
"It's just down to us as players to go and prove it and make sure we do it.
"We have the team, we have the backing from everyone and, most importantly, we have the fans. Wherever we go, they're travelling in numbers and always supporting us.
"I feel like as a club we can achieve great things again and we just need to keep pushing for it."
Why Harvey Elliott feels it's time to make 'the next step' in 2024-25 - Liverpool FC
Harvey Elliott has expressed his determination to cement a place in Liverpool's starting XI in the forthcoming campaign.
www.liverpoolfc.com
FearlessRoar
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KingKhanWC
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Average in the first false , players not sure of tactics & tempo while Ipswich came out with energy & motivation.
2nd half totally dominated , should have been 4/5 . Salah on fire .
Good start for Arne Slot , 3 points on the board
2nd half totally dominated , should have been 4/5 . Salah on fire .
Good start for Arne Slot , 3 points on the board
aboveandbeyond
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Under slot you guys seem to have better control in possession, therefore better in transitions, and less chances conceded
Enjoyed the match yesterday. First half we looked disjointed and didn't create a single shot on target. However second half Ipswich didn't have the legs to maintain their intensity and we cut them open repeatedly.
One thing that immediately stands out is Slot's ruthlessness. He subbed Quansah for Konate at half time because he wasn't winning enough aerial duels. That's a bold thing to do in your first league game as manager. Most others would've waited to make the change.
If you also see his interviews, and maybe it's a Dutch thing, he's straight to the point and unafraid to publicly criticise the team. Very different approach to Klopp and one we need.
One thing that immediately stands out is Slot's ruthlessness. He subbed Quansah for Konate at half time because he wasn't winning enough aerial duels. That's a bold thing to do in your first league game as manager. Most others would've waited to make the change.
If you also see his interviews, and maybe it's a Dutch thing, he's straight to the point and unafraid to publicly criticise the team. Very different approach to Klopp and one we need.
FearlessRoar
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Putting numbers up
KingKhanWC
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Joy to watch . Even with a new style , the players play their game knowing their skills.
Tougher opposition to come esp for the defence but Liverpool attackers look potentially very lethal this season.
Man Utd away will be a better example of Slots team but so far shown his standards to be very high
Tougher opposition to come esp for the defence but Liverpool attackers look potentially very lethal this season.
Man Utd away will be a better example of Slots team but so far shown his standards to be very high
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Liverpool considering move for Juventus winger Chiesa
Liverpool are considering a move for Juventus' Italy winger Federico Chiesa.
The 26-year-old attacker has been deemed surplus to requirements by Juve manager Thiago Motta, who took charge of the Serie A side earlier this summer.
Chiesa, who was part of Italy's squad at Euro 2024, reportedly has one year left on his contract.
He was not named in the squad for Motta's first league game in charge against Como and was also absent when Juventus played Hellas Verona on Monday.
Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes said earlier this summer that the club would be "opportunistic if we can" when it came to making signings.
The process has involved the Reds showing exploratory interest in a number of players and it is understood the interest in Chiesa has not yet gone further than that.
Liverpool are closing in on a deal for Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili but have yet to make a signing so far this summer under new manager Arne Slot.
They did try to sign Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi but he chose to stay at Real Sociedad.
Chiesa joined Juventus from Fiorentina in 2020 in a fee worth up to £54m.
He has played 131 times for the club and was part of Italy's Euro 2020-winning squad, but form and injuries have limited his appearances in recent seasons.
BBC
Liverpool are considering a move for Juventus' Italy winger Federico Chiesa.
The 26-year-old attacker has been deemed surplus to requirements by Juve manager Thiago Motta, who took charge of the Serie A side earlier this summer.
Chiesa, who was part of Italy's squad at Euro 2024, reportedly has one year left on his contract.
He was not named in the squad for Motta's first league game in charge against Como and was also absent when Juventus played Hellas Verona on Monday.
Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes said earlier this summer that the club would be "opportunistic if we can" when it came to making signings.
The process has involved the Reds showing exploratory interest in a number of players and it is understood the interest in Chiesa has not yet gone further than that.
Liverpool are closing in on a deal for Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili but have yet to make a signing so far this summer under new manager Arne Slot.
They did try to sign Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi but he chose to stay at Real Sociedad.
Chiesa joined Juventus from Fiorentina in 2020 in a fee worth up to £54m.
He has played 131 times for the club and was part of Italy's Euro 2020-winning squad, but form and injuries have limited his appearances in recent seasons.
BBC
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Liverpool agree deal for Valencia keeper Mamardashvili
Liverpool have agreed to sign Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia in a deal worth up to £29m.
The 23-year-old will join, subject to a work permit and international clearance, for a fee of £25m plus £4m in add-ons.
However, he will remain with the La Liga club this season before moving to Merseyside for the start of the 2025-26 campaign.
Brazil international Alisson Becker remains the Reds' first-choice goalkeeper, while new manager Arne Slot also has Republic of Ireland stopper Caoimhin Kelleher at his disposal this season.
Mamardashvili played in Georgia's four games at Euro 2024 before they were knocked out by eventual winners Spain in the last 16.
He has made 102 appearances for Valencia since joining them in 2021 and started both their fixtures this season - defeats against Barcelona and Celta Vigo.
Liverpool moved for Mamardashvili now as it appeared that with growing interest he may not have been available to them in the next 12-24 months.
Alisson has two years and the option of a further year left on his Liverpool contract.
The 31-year-old Brazilian has been aware and supportive of the move for Mamardashvili, who is seen as being capable of strengthening the club's depth of talent in that position for the future.
BBC
Liverpool have agreed to sign Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia in a deal worth up to £29m.
The 23-year-old will join, subject to a work permit and international clearance, for a fee of £25m plus £4m in add-ons.
However, he will remain with the La Liga club this season before moving to Merseyside for the start of the 2025-26 campaign.
Brazil international Alisson Becker remains the Reds' first-choice goalkeeper, while new manager Arne Slot also has Republic of Ireland stopper Caoimhin Kelleher at his disposal this season.
Mamardashvili played in Georgia's four games at Euro 2024 before they were knocked out by eventual winners Spain in the last 16.
He has made 102 appearances for Valencia since joining them in 2021 and started both their fixtures this season - defeats against Barcelona and Celta Vigo.
Liverpool moved for Mamardashvili now as it appeared that with growing interest he may not have been available to them in the next 12-24 months.
Alisson has two years and the option of a further year left on his Liverpool contract.
The 31-year-old Brazilian has been aware and supportive of the move for Mamardashvili, who is seen as being capable of strengthening the club's depth of talent in that position for the future.
BBC
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Liverpool agree £10m fee for Juventus winger Chiesa
Liverpool have agreed a deal to sign Juventus winger Federico Chiesa.
The Reds have agreed a fee of £10m for the Italy international, with a further £2.5m in add-ons based primarily on team performance.
Chiesa, 26, is on his way to Liverpool for a medical and if all goes to plan he would become Arne Slot's first signing to arrive at the club.
Speaking to Italian network Sportitalia, external outside an airport on Wednesday, Chiesa said he was "ready for this new adventure".
The forward was a star of the Italy squad that beat England on penalties in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley.
Chiesa scored 32 goals in 131 appearances for Juventus, including 10 in 37 matches last season.
However, newly-appointed Juventus boss Thiago Motta has left him out of his first two matchday squads this season.
Liverpool agreed to sign Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia in a deal worth up to £29m on Tuesday - but he will not join until next season.
BBC
Liverpool have agreed a deal to sign Juventus winger Federico Chiesa.
The Reds have agreed a fee of £10m for the Italy international, with a further £2.5m in add-ons based primarily on team performance.
Chiesa, 26, is on his way to Liverpool for a medical and if all goes to plan he would become Arne Slot's first signing to arrive at the club.
Speaking to Italian network Sportitalia, external outside an airport on Wednesday, Chiesa said he was "ready for this new adventure".
The forward was a star of the Italy squad that beat England on penalties in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley.
Chiesa scored 32 goals in 131 appearances for Juventus, including 10 in 37 matches last season.
However, newly-appointed Juventus boss Thiago Motta has left him out of his first two matchday squads this season.
Liverpool agreed to sign Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia in a deal worth up to £29m on Tuesday - but he will not join until next season.
BBC
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Risk free business by Liverpool
KingKhanWC
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In the euros in England, I thought he’s world class. If he can regain that form it’s an incredible signing for the price. Let’s see
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Arne Slot on potential Federico Chiesa debut and Liverpool injury news
The Italy forward completed a transfer from Juventus on Thursday but Arne Slot does not expect him to feature at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
“He’s going to train with us today but it’s a bigger chance that he is not in the squad for Sunday than he is,” the head coach said during Friday morning’s pre-match press conference.
“If injuries might come up in the upcoming two days we might need him, but I don’t expect him to be in but I cannot guarantee this.”
Meanwhile, Curtis Jones is the Reds’ only injury concern ahead of the trip to face United.
Slot stated: “At the moment there are not any other injuries except for Curtis Jones and he will not train with us today. But the rest will train with us today.”
Arne Slot on potential Federico Chiesa debut and Liverpool injury news - Liverpool FC
Federico Chiesa is unlikely to make his Liverpool debut against Manchester United.
www.liverpoolfc.com
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Liverpool midfielder Bajcetic joins Salzburg on loan
Liverpool midfielder Stefan Bajcetic has joined Red Bull Salzburg on loan for the rest of the 2024-25 season.
The 19-year-old Spaniard has played 22 times for Liverpool since his debut in August 2022, but only made three appearances last season.
He missed much of the campaign with a thigh injury sustained in March 2023 and has not been in the squad for Liverpool's opening two Premier League games under new head coach Arne Slot.
At the Austrian club he will be managed by Pep Lijnders, who was an assistant coach at Liverpool under former manager Jurgen Klopp.
hey signed Liverpool midfielder Bobby Clarke earlier in the window for a fee believed to be worth about £10m.
Red Bull Salzburg are top of the Austrian Bundesliga with three wins from three and qualified for the Champions League group phase this week.
"I would like to win the league and impress in the Champions League too with my new team," Bajcetic said.
"An important reason for my move is that Salzburg have focused on developing young players for many years - it's a club with lots of potential.
"Pep Lijnders, who I know from Liverpool and value, is the perfect coach for that. I am looking forward to it all."
BBC
Liverpool midfielder Stefan Bajcetic has joined Red Bull Salzburg on loan for the rest of the 2024-25 season.
The 19-year-old Spaniard has played 22 times for Liverpool since his debut in August 2022, but only made three appearances last season.
He missed much of the campaign with a thigh injury sustained in March 2023 and has not been in the squad for Liverpool's opening two Premier League games under new head coach Arne Slot.
At the Austrian club he will be managed by Pep Lijnders, who was an assistant coach at Liverpool under former manager Jurgen Klopp.
hey signed Liverpool midfielder Bobby Clarke earlier in the window for a fee believed to be worth about £10m.
Red Bull Salzburg are top of the Austrian Bundesliga with three wins from three and qualified for the Champions League group phase this week.
"I would like to win the league and impress in the Champions League too with my new team," Bajcetic said.
"An important reason for my move is that Salzburg have focused on developing young players for many years - it's a club with lots of potential.
"Pep Lijnders, who I know from Liverpool and value, is the perfect coach for that. I am looking forward to it all."
BBC
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Liverpool could move for Crystal Palace and England centre-back Marc Guehi, 24, next summer, when he will only have a year left on his contract. Guehi was a target for Newcastle in this summer's transfer window.
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Liverpool legend Yeats dies aged 86
Legendary former Liverpool captain Ron Yeats has died at the age of 86.
The ex-Scotland defender was part of the Liverpool side that won the Second Division title under Bill Shankly in 1962.
Yeats went to win two top-flight titles, the FA Cup and the Charity Shield three times, helping establish Liverpool as one of the most successful clubs in the country.
He played 454 games before joining Tranmere as player-manager in 1971.
More than 400 of those appearances were as captain, a tally bettered only by Steven Gerrard.
In January he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
"Liverpool FC is mourning the passing of legendary former captain Ron Yeats," read a club statement. "In the words of Bill Shankly, a 'colossus' in club history.
"The thoughts of everyone at LFC are with Ron's wife, Ann, all of his family and his friends at this incredibly sad time."
Flags at Anfield and Liverpool's training grounds will be lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect.
Yeats won two caps for Scotland in 1964 and 1965.
He began his career at Dundee United before joining Liverpool in 1961. He also played for Stalybridge Celtic and Barrow and had a spell in the American Soccer League.
Yeats returned to England for short spells at Formby and Rhyl before retiring from playing in 1977.
In 1986 he rejoined Liverpool as chief scout and remained in the role before retiring in 2006.
BBC
Legendary former Liverpool captain Ron Yeats has died at the age of 86.
The ex-Scotland defender was part of the Liverpool side that won the Second Division title under Bill Shankly in 1962.
Yeats went to win two top-flight titles, the FA Cup and the Charity Shield three times, helping establish Liverpool as one of the most successful clubs in the country.
He played 454 games before joining Tranmere as player-manager in 1971.
More than 400 of those appearances were as captain, a tally bettered only by Steven Gerrard.
In January he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
"Liverpool FC is mourning the passing of legendary former captain Ron Yeats," read a club statement. "In the words of Bill Shankly, a 'colossus' in club history.
"The thoughts of everyone at LFC are with Ron's wife, Ann, all of his family and his friends at this incredibly sad time."
Flags at Anfield and Liverpool's training grounds will be lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect.
Yeats won two caps for Scotland in 1964 and 1965.
He began his career at Dundee United before joining Liverpool in 1961. He also played for Stalybridge Celtic and Barrow and had a spell in the American Soccer League.
Yeats returned to England for short spells at Formby and Rhyl before retiring from playing in 1977.
In 1986 he rejoined Liverpool as chief scout and remained in the role before retiring in 2006.
BBC
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Too early imo. There was immense pressure at the end of the league with City and Arsenal neck to neck. We need to assess after halfway point to get a decent idea
RIP Ron Yeats.
One of the club's greatest ever signings. Bought by Bill Shankly, he was a colossus of a CB who was key in the transformation of Liverpool from mediocre Second Division status in the 60s to the powerhouse they would become.
None of the modern day success, the six European Cups, the league titles of the 70s and 80s, the worldwide following etc would happen without Shanks and his first great team with Yeats, St John, Hunt etc.
He also spotted Sami Hyypia as Chief Scout who was another fantastic CB and club captain.
Poor. Proper post-international break performance. Quality of final pass today was awful with Salah the biggest culprit. He should've been hooked along with Jota and Diaz.
Forest were defensively organised and had a few chances on the break.
Credit to Nuno, he set them up perfectly. He's done what Brian Clough never did and win at Anfield.
Forest were defensively organised and had a few chances on the break.
Credit to Nuno, he set them up perfectly. He's done what Brian Clough never did and win at Anfield.
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Oh... Anfield hype didn't work today for Baldy
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@KingKhanWC 
oh dear
oh dear
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Amjid Javed
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Liverpool's Alisson a doubt to face Bournemouth
Liverpool manager Arne Slot says goalkeeper Alisson Becker is a doubt to face Bournemouth in Saturday's Premier League game because of a muscle issue.
Alisson has played in all of the Anfield side's four league games this season and was in goal for their Champions League win at AC Milan on Tuesday.
He also played for Brazil in the Copa America during the summer as well as the recent international break.
When asked about the expanded fixture schedule before the game in Milan, the 31-year-old said "nobody asks the players" about their workload.
"It is a doubt if Alisson can train on Friday," said Slot.
"If he can't, then he probably won't play. We have to wait and see."
Alisson was then not seen during a section of training that was open to certain broadcast media, with Caoimhin Kelleher and Vitezslav Jaros in goal.
Kelleher deputised for Alisson when the Brazilian, who played 42 matches for club and country last season, was out for more than two months.
"He [Alisson] has a slight issue with one of his muscles and we wonder if this game is too early or not," added Slot.
"He didn't get it in the Milan game, it happened a bit before, but after the Milan game he felt it more and more.
"We have to wait and see if he will be in goal on Saturday or if we have to wait a few extra days."
Liverpool manager Arne Slot says goalkeeper Alisson Becker is a doubt to face Bournemouth in Saturday's Premier League game because of a muscle issue.
Alisson has played in all of the Anfield side's four league games this season and was in goal for their Champions League win at AC Milan on Tuesday.
He also played for Brazil in the Copa America during the summer as well as the recent international break.
When asked about the expanded fixture schedule before the game in Milan, the 31-year-old said "nobody asks the players" about their workload.
"It is a doubt if Alisson can train on Friday," said Slot.
"If he can't, then he probably won't play. We have to wait and see."
Alisson was then not seen during a section of training that was open to certain broadcast media, with Caoimhin Kelleher and Vitezslav Jaros in goal.
Kelleher deputised for Alisson when the Brazilian, who played 42 matches for club and country last season, was out for more than two months.
"He [Alisson] has a slight issue with one of his muscles and we wonder if this game is too early or not," added Slot.
"He didn't get it in the Milan game, it happened a bit before, but after the Milan game he felt it more and more.
"We have to wait and see if he will be in goal on Saturday or if we have to wait a few extra days."
Liverpool injury: Alisson Becker doubtful for Bournemouth
Liverpool manager Arne Slot says goalkeeper Alisson Becker is a doubt to face Bournemouth on Saturday because of a muscle issue.
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Trophies not my main motivation' - Liverpool's Alisson meets Joe Hart
Alisson Becker's mum, Magali Lino de Souza Becker, was a goalkeeper in handball at school. His late father, Jose Agostinho Becker, played between the posts for his work team.
His great-grandfather was a keeper in amateur football in Novo Hamburgo in Brazil, while his older brother Muriel started out in goal at Internacional.
So the Liverpool and Brazil stopper was probably always destined to be a goalkeeper, even though his "role model" brother tried to talk him out of it at one point.
"My brother knew how hard it was to be a goalkeeper and he told me: 'No, go and play striker, play somewhere else - you will suffer too much,'" Alisson told Joe Hart in an interview for Football Focus.
"I did one session in midfield and then said: 'No, not for me.'
“I enjoyed watching him [Muriel] between the posts, diving and making saves. I chose the position as well and love to be a goalkeeper."
Alisson was at Internacional with his brother, who he calls his "biggest inspiration as a keeper, a man, human being, father and husband" but he names Brazil’s Claudio Taffarel, Italy's Gianluigi Buffon and Germany's Manuel Neuer - all World Cup winners - as his idols.
Taffarel has been a goalkeeping coach at Liverpool since November 2021.
"I like to work hard, he knows that and he likes to work hard," said Alisson of the relationship between the pair.
"We have a really good relationship as friends and it makes us harder with each other.
"He is a cool guy. We understand each other in the way we look to each other - [he is] a guy who helps me a lot. He is a model as person and having him on my side, I am so lucky."
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Liverpool boss Arne Slot on injuries picked up by Diogo Jota and Federico:
"Diogo missed out on two sessions after the game against Wolves. He took a knock. So I am expecting him to be with us tomorrow. That he is available to play.
"Federico trained with us yesterday. He came today with some problems so not expecting him to be with us. It's a shame for him because he was looking forward to a Champions League night at Anfield, and especially because we face an Italian team. It's a pity for him. How long is he out? It's always difficult because it happened yesterday but I am not expecting him to be out for a very long period of time. We will see if he can be in the team for Saturday."
"Diogo missed out on two sessions after the game against Wolves. He took a knock. So I am expecting him to be with us tomorrow. That he is available to play.
"Federico trained with us yesterday. He came today with some problems so not expecting him to be with us. It's a shame for him because he was looking forward to a Champions League night at Anfield, and especially because we face an Italian team. It's a pity for him. How long is he out? It's always difficult because it happened yesterday but I am not expecting him to be out for a very long period of time. We will see if he can be in the team for Saturday."
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Arne Slot's press conference ahead of Liverpool's trip to Crystal Palace in the Premier League
On how he sees the chance to go four points clear in the lunchtime kick-off, with games against Chelsea and Arsenal after the international break…
You always look at the first one and that's Crystal Palace. I think they already showed how tough of an opponent they are against the big teams, like [Manchester] United and Chelsea. In both situations they got a result. That's the first game and that's why it's the most important one, and a difficult one for us: 12.30 kick-off after playing on Wednesday evening late in the Champions League, facing again a team that has a whole week to prepare. But that is part of working at a top club, that we face those teams and we have to be ready for those teams. And that's what we are tomorrow. I don't look at this moment about one point, three points, four points; it's after the weekend then it's interesting to look at the league table and not after the game we've played.
On Ryan Gravenberch's progress and the numbers Mohamed Salah keeps producing…
I think why players play well has first of all to do with the quality they have as players. Mo has a lot of quality, Ryan has a lot of quality. Actually, every player that plays here has a lot of quality. Now it's up to us – and I say us because it's not only me and my staff, it's also the players – to play in the best possible way as a team and then individuals will do special things. It was an unbelievable finish from Mo [on Wednesday night] but the only reason he got the chance to finish was because Trent Alexander-Arnold made an overlapping run and that's why it opened up on the inside. And if you give that space to Mo, he can score a special goal. That's about his quality. It's about Ryan's quality, but the amount of times Virgil [van Dijk] or Ibou [Konate] play balls through to Ryan where Ryan can turn and play his balls towards all the good attackers we have, that makes it in my opinion a team performance, which is really good. Then as a result of that you see individuals playing well also.
On any updates regarding new contracts at the club…
I was hoping in your last question that you didn't use the word 'contract' because I was saying 'Trent is doing like this and he is doing like this…' It's the same boring answer as always and I could really understand if you ask me this once every two weeks but if you ask me this after two or three days again then you still get the same answer and people feel that I'm boring them! So, try it after the international break again.
On 'how much further' Gravenberch can improve…
If you look at all the signings we have made at this club in the past I don't know how many years, most players were under 24, 25. I think there is also a reason for this, because you expect players from 22, 23, especially if they come to a club like Liverpool and this environment and the way it works here, that you expect progress, more than you expect it probably from a player that is 33 or 34. Then it is not that big of a surprise if you bring the quality [of someone] like Ryan Gravenberch in that if you start to work with him, do the right programme and he has the teammates that he has, that he can progress. And that's what we are seeing at the moment. Now it's up to him to keep the standards as they are at this moment. That is a challenge because he, like all the others, has to play every three days. That is also a challenge for all of us, but also for him because he hasn't played a lot of games last season. I think now he already played more 90-minute games than he did in the past two seasons. So, interesting to see how he copes with it but until now he does really well.
On Palace's start to the season and the challenge he expects on Saturday…
I said many times when it comes to us and I said it also in relation to Wolves last week, that if you play six games it's so hard to judge the league table. The weird thing or maybe that's not weird, but they got some results against United and Chelsea, two top teams. The other results were not as they would have probably wanted it. Last season they finished really strong. Lost one or two good players, that's also clear. I said it about Wolves last week and I can say the same about this team, that they will do better during the season. Hopefully not tomorrow, of course.
On whether he thinks any of his players will need their minutes 'managed' over the next few weeks...
No, the first thing I look at is tomorrow and then we will wait and see if again we are the team where… I think you guys told me that we had 10 players playing all the minutes and the next one was five. I don't know if it's true but that's what you guys told me, so I have to assume it's true. Journalists always speak the truth, don't they? In England they do! I don't look forward yet towards the games that are coming after the international break. But the difference between this international break and the last one is this time we play a late kick-off [on] Sunday and last time on Saturday. It gives us one extra day of rest, which is always helpful, especially for the ones that come back with jet lag from South America.
On whether Darwin Nunez needs to 'adapt' to Liverpool's way of playing or vice versa...
It's both. I think it's the challenge we as staff always have to bring the best out of the individuals. We try to find different ways of positioning Darwin than Diogo [Jota] because they are not the same players. Their teammates also adjust to the player they are playing with. That's also what I as a manager have to do and also what we are doing. Yes, he didn't score in his last game because he was offside as well. When we bring him the chances, he is able to score but unfortunately we couldn't bring him that much in the position we want to. If I'm completely honest, which I like to be just as you journalists, even Diogo didn't have [many goals]. I think the most goals we score come from our wingers until now and Diogo scored two when we played West Ham when he played from the No.10 position. So maybe it's also for us something to look at, although we score a lot of goals, to bring our striker if it's Diogo or Darwin even more in positions to score.
On whether he's wary of people 'getting carried away about being top of the table'...
No, we are Liverpool, so players are used to being on top of the league. It would be very weird if a player at Liverpool is all of a sudden with his head in the clouds. So, no. But if we don't play well tomorrow, people will probably come up with that instead of saying that Palace did well or we maybe did other things wrong. But I don't see this and it would definitely not be normal – for two reasons. These players are experienced enough to understand the league table after six games as well and the schedule we have compared to some other teams. Second of all, Virgil, Ali [Alisson Becker], Trent, Robbo [Andy Robertson], Mo, they won the league here, they won the Champions League here. For them it's a nice thing to be on the top of the table, but I'm not expecting them to watch their mobile every second of the day seeing them being top of the table.
On 12.30pm kick-offs away from home...
In general, I think the league where I'm coming from in Holland, they are more aware and try to help the teams that play in Europe more than it happens over here. But to be fair to the English FA, our schedule here is so tight that it's so, so difficult. And I think it's something that has to do with the people that are sitting in front of me, so television stations – I have a feeling I do an interview every day. That's why we play at 12.30 because I think they can pick which team they want to have on at 12.30 and then it's nine out of 10 times Liverpool is included. I don't think it has so much to do with the 12.30 kick-off, for me it has to do [with] that every away game is difficult.
I showed them last week that 10 out of 19 away games last season didn't lead to a win. So you can then argue if it's 12.30 or is it just difficult to play an away game? And we can come up with Newcastle, Forest and there were two others where there were last-second winners. So, that shows you how difficult it is to play an away game, especially for us, in this league. Because we play so many times then at 12.30, people talk about 12.30. I think we have to talk about an away game and [how] that is difficult, because if 12.30 was a difficult time to perform then I'm a really stupid manager because we train every day at 12 o'clock. I don't see the idea behind it being that difficult performing at that time.
www.liverpoolfc.com
On how he sees the chance to go four points clear in the lunchtime kick-off, with games against Chelsea and Arsenal after the international break…
You always look at the first one and that's Crystal Palace. I think they already showed how tough of an opponent they are against the big teams, like [Manchester] United and Chelsea. In both situations they got a result. That's the first game and that's why it's the most important one, and a difficult one for us: 12.30 kick-off after playing on Wednesday evening late in the Champions League, facing again a team that has a whole week to prepare. But that is part of working at a top club, that we face those teams and we have to be ready for those teams. And that's what we are tomorrow. I don't look at this moment about one point, three points, four points; it's after the weekend then it's interesting to look at the league table and not after the game we've played.
On Ryan Gravenberch's progress and the numbers Mohamed Salah keeps producing…
I think why players play well has first of all to do with the quality they have as players. Mo has a lot of quality, Ryan has a lot of quality. Actually, every player that plays here has a lot of quality. Now it's up to us – and I say us because it's not only me and my staff, it's also the players – to play in the best possible way as a team and then individuals will do special things. It was an unbelievable finish from Mo [on Wednesday night] but the only reason he got the chance to finish was because Trent Alexander-Arnold made an overlapping run and that's why it opened up on the inside. And if you give that space to Mo, he can score a special goal. That's about his quality. It's about Ryan's quality, but the amount of times Virgil [van Dijk] or Ibou [Konate] play balls through to Ryan where Ryan can turn and play his balls towards all the good attackers we have, that makes it in my opinion a team performance, which is really good. Then as a result of that you see individuals playing well also.
On any updates regarding new contracts at the club…
I was hoping in your last question that you didn't use the word 'contract' because I was saying 'Trent is doing like this and he is doing like this…' It's the same boring answer as always and I could really understand if you ask me this once every two weeks but if you ask me this after two or three days again then you still get the same answer and people feel that I'm boring them! So, try it after the international break again.
On 'how much further' Gravenberch can improve…
If you look at all the signings we have made at this club in the past I don't know how many years, most players were under 24, 25. I think there is also a reason for this, because you expect players from 22, 23, especially if they come to a club like Liverpool and this environment and the way it works here, that you expect progress, more than you expect it probably from a player that is 33 or 34. Then it is not that big of a surprise if you bring the quality [of someone] like Ryan Gravenberch in that if you start to work with him, do the right programme and he has the teammates that he has, that he can progress. And that's what we are seeing at the moment. Now it's up to him to keep the standards as they are at this moment. That is a challenge because he, like all the others, has to play every three days. That is also a challenge for all of us, but also for him because he hasn't played a lot of games last season. I think now he already played more 90-minute games than he did in the past two seasons. So, interesting to see how he copes with it but until now he does really well.
On Palace's start to the season and the challenge he expects on Saturday…
I said many times when it comes to us and I said it also in relation to Wolves last week, that if you play six games it's so hard to judge the league table. The weird thing or maybe that's not weird, but they got some results against United and Chelsea, two top teams. The other results were not as they would have probably wanted it. Last season they finished really strong. Lost one or two good players, that's also clear. I said it about Wolves last week and I can say the same about this team, that they will do better during the season. Hopefully not tomorrow, of course.
On whether he thinks any of his players will need their minutes 'managed' over the next few weeks...
No, the first thing I look at is tomorrow and then we will wait and see if again we are the team where… I think you guys told me that we had 10 players playing all the minutes and the next one was five. I don't know if it's true but that's what you guys told me, so I have to assume it's true. Journalists always speak the truth, don't they? In England they do! I don't look forward yet towards the games that are coming after the international break. But the difference between this international break and the last one is this time we play a late kick-off [on] Sunday and last time on Saturday. It gives us one extra day of rest, which is always helpful, especially for the ones that come back with jet lag from South America.
On whether Darwin Nunez needs to 'adapt' to Liverpool's way of playing or vice versa...
It's both. I think it's the challenge we as staff always have to bring the best out of the individuals. We try to find different ways of positioning Darwin than Diogo [Jota] because they are not the same players. Their teammates also adjust to the player they are playing with. That's also what I as a manager have to do and also what we are doing. Yes, he didn't score in his last game because he was offside as well. When we bring him the chances, he is able to score but unfortunately we couldn't bring him that much in the position we want to. If I'm completely honest, which I like to be just as you journalists, even Diogo didn't have [many goals]. I think the most goals we score come from our wingers until now and Diogo scored two when we played West Ham when he played from the No.10 position. So maybe it's also for us something to look at, although we score a lot of goals, to bring our striker if it's Diogo or Darwin even more in positions to score.
On whether he's wary of people 'getting carried away about being top of the table'...
No, we are Liverpool, so players are used to being on top of the league. It would be very weird if a player at Liverpool is all of a sudden with his head in the clouds. So, no. But if we don't play well tomorrow, people will probably come up with that instead of saying that Palace did well or we maybe did other things wrong. But I don't see this and it would definitely not be normal – for two reasons. These players are experienced enough to understand the league table after six games as well and the schedule we have compared to some other teams. Second of all, Virgil, Ali [Alisson Becker], Trent, Robbo [Andy Robertson], Mo, they won the league here, they won the Champions League here. For them it's a nice thing to be on the top of the table, but I'm not expecting them to watch their mobile every second of the day seeing them being top of the table.
On 12.30pm kick-offs away from home...
In general, I think the league where I'm coming from in Holland, they are more aware and try to help the teams that play in Europe more than it happens over here. But to be fair to the English FA, our schedule here is so tight that it's so, so difficult. And I think it's something that has to do with the people that are sitting in front of me, so television stations – I have a feeling I do an interview every day. That's why we play at 12.30 because I think they can pick which team they want to have on at 12.30 and then it's nine out of 10 times Liverpool is included. I don't think it has so much to do with the 12.30 kick-off, for me it has to do [with] that every away game is difficult.
I showed them last week that 10 out of 19 away games last season didn't lead to a win. So you can then argue if it's 12.30 or is it just difficult to play an away game? And we can come up with Newcastle, Forest and there were two others where there were last-second winners. So, that shows you how difficult it is to play an away game, especially for us, in this league. Because we play so many times then at 12.30, people talk about 12.30. I think we have to talk about an away game and [how] that is difficult, because if 12.30 was a difficult time to perform then I'm a really stupid manager because we train every day at 12 o'clock. I don't see the idea behind it being that difficult performing at that time.
Every word from Arne Slot's press conference ahead of Crystal Palace v Liverpool - Liverpool FC
Read a full transcript from Arne Slot's press conference ahead of Liverpool's trip to Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
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Liverpool's Alisson set for at least one month out
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson is expected to be out until at least mid-November with a hamstring injury.
The Brazil international was hurt in the 1-0 win at Crystal Palace on Saturday and was replaced by Vitezslav Jaros after 79 minutes.
Liverpool do not expect Alisson to be back before the next international break, which takes place 11-19 November following a round of league games.
Prior to that, the Premier League leaders face top-flight matches against Chelsea, Arsenal, Brighton and Aston Villa, while they play RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League and Brighton in the Carabao Cup.
Caoimhin Kelleher missed the game at Palace because of illness but is expected to replace Alisson in goal.
"It is quite clear then that he [Kelleher] is the number two," said Liverpool boss Arne Slot following the game at Selhurst Park.
"Otherwise, the last time Alisson was injured I would have played Vit, but I played Caoimhin. So Caoimhin is the number two and did really well."
Kelleher came in for Alisson when the 32-year-old had a spell out in September, playing in a league win against Bournemouth and League Cup victory against West Ham.
Liverpool's first game following the November international break is at Southampton on 24 November, before they then face Real Madrid, Manchester City, Newcastle United and local rivals Everton.
BBC
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson is expected to be out until at least mid-November with a hamstring injury.
The Brazil international was hurt in the 1-0 win at Crystal Palace on Saturday and was replaced by Vitezslav Jaros after 79 minutes.
Liverpool do not expect Alisson to be back before the next international break, which takes place 11-19 November following a round of league games.
Prior to that, the Premier League leaders face top-flight matches against Chelsea, Arsenal, Brighton and Aston Villa, while they play RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League and Brighton in the Carabao Cup.
Caoimhin Kelleher missed the game at Palace because of illness but is expected to replace Alisson in goal.
"It is quite clear then that he [Kelleher] is the number two," said Liverpool boss Arne Slot following the game at Selhurst Park.
"Otherwise, the last time Alisson was injured I would have played Vit, but I played Caoimhin. So Caoimhin is the number two and did really well."
Kelleher came in for Alisson when the 32-year-old had a spell out in September, playing in a league win against Bournemouth and League Cup victory against West Ham.
Liverpool's first game following the November international break is at Southampton on 24 November, before they then face Real Madrid, Manchester City, Newcastle United and local rivals Everton.
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Sources: Liverpool to finalise new deal for elite star after agreeing Konate contract
Liverpool will aim to resolve the contract situation of club captain Virgil van Dijk after ramping up talks with his centre-back partner Ibrahima Konate, TEAMtalk can reveal.
Liverpool are under a new era with head coach Arne Slot coming in and bringing changes to a side that has been so successful under former boss Jurgen Klopp. It has been a superb start under the Dutchman, with the Reds firmly in the title race and currently sitting top of the table.
www.teamtalk.com
Liverpool will aim to resolve the contract situation of club captain Virgil van Dijk after ramping up talks with his centre-back partner Ibrahima Konate, TEAMtalk can reveal.
Liverpool are under a new era with head coach Arne Slot coming in and bringing changes to a side that has been so successful under former boss Jurgen Klopp. It has been a superb start under the Dutchman, with the Reds firmly in the title race and currently sitting top of the table.
Sources: Liverpool to finalise new deal for elite star after agreeing Konate contract
Liverpool are on the verge of tying down Ibrahima Konate to a new contract and are already planning talks with one of his team-mates, TEAMtalk can reveal.
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Ex-Liverpool and Cameroon defender Matip retires
Former Liverpool defender Joel Matip has announced his retirement from football aged 33.
The defender joined the Reds in 2016 from German side Schalke and went on to make 201 appearances for Liverpool, winning five major trophies.
Matip provided an assist in the 2019 Champions League final for Divock Origi's goal in the 2-0 victory against Tottenham in Madrid, helping Liverpool win their sixth European Cup.
Injuries limited the defender to just nine appearances in Liverpool's 2019-20 Premier League-winning side, which ended the club's 30-year wait for a league title.
Matip left Liverpool at the end of the 2023-24 campaign, having sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury which curtailed his final season at the club.
He earned 27 caps for his country and retires as a free agent, having failed to join another club following his departure from Liverpool.
BBC
Former Liverpool defender Joel Matip has announced his retirement from football aged 33.
The defender joined the Reds in 2016 from German side Schalke and went on to make 201 appearances for Liverpool, winning five major trophies.
Matip provided an assist in the 2019 Champions League final for Divock Origi's goal in the 2-0 victory against Tottenham in Madrid, helping Liverpool win their sixth European Cup.
Injuries limited the defender to just nine appearances in Liverpool's 2019-20 Premier League-winning side, which ended the club's 30-year wait for a league title.
Matip left Liverpool at the end of the 2023-24 campaign, having sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury which curtailed his final season at the club.
He earned 27 caps for his country and retires as a free agent, having failed to join another club following his departure from Liverpool.
BBC
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Van Dijk and Salah released from international duty
Liverpool duo Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah will return to the club earlier than expected after being released from international duty.
Netherlands captain Van Dijk was sent off during his side's 1-1 draw with Hungary on Friday and is suspended for Monday's Nations League match against Germany.
Egypt captain Salah scored in a 2-0 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier victory over Mauritania in Cairo on Friday.
He had been expected to feature in Tuesday's return fixture but, like Van Dijk, he has been released early.
It is a boost for Liverpool manager Arne Slot, whose side host Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday, 20 October (16:30 BST).
The Reds went into the international break at the top of the table, one point above champions Manchester City.
Liverpool: Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah released early from international duty
Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk return to Liverpool after being released early from international duty.
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Slot wants scheduling rethink after Alisson injury
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has urged a rethink of the domestic calendar after losing his first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker to injury.
The Brazil international sustained a hamstring injury in a win at Crystal Palace on 5 October and is expected to be sidelined until at least the next international break, in mid-November.
Alisson played in a Champions League tie on the Wednesday evening before getting injured in the Premier League's 12:30 Saturday game.
Slot's predecessor Jurgen Klopp called the lunchtime kick-off "a crime" and the Dutchman wants the packed schedule looking into.
"The 12:30 kick-off is not a problem because we train at the same time but what might be something to think about for the English FA [is that] if you play a Champions League game on a Wednesday evening and then to play on Saturday at 12:30 might be a disadvantage when it comes to injuries," said Slot.
"What is very good in Holland is that I’m 99.9% sure that all the teams that play in the Champions League in the upcoming week don’t play on a Sunday.
"They get extra rest to prepare in the best possible way for the Champions League game. That is not something that is common here in England."
Liverpool host Chelsea at 16:30 BST on Sunday before a Champions League game away at RB Leipzig on Wednesday.
Alisson has already missed two games this season through injury and was out for more than two months from February to April last season.
"It’s a bit uncommon for goalkeepers," said Slot. "For me, it’s common because the goalkeeper I had at Feyenoord [Justin Bijlow] also had his issues with injury, also muscle injuries. That’s not what you see a lot, so these two are more of an exception.
"We are looking into it and what could be the reason.
"One of the things that we all know is that if you've had one, then the chances of getting another one always go up so we've tried to be really careful with him."
Alisson, 32, will miss his side's league game against Chelsea on Sunday along with top-flight matches against Arsenal, Brighton and Aston Villa, Champions League meetings with RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen and a Carabao Cup game against Brighton.
Irish keeper Caoimhin Kelleher is expected to play for the Reds.
BBC
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has urged a rethink of the domestic calendar after losing his first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker to injury.
The Brazil international sustained a hamstring injury in a win at Crystal Palace on 5 October and is expected to be sidelined until at least the next international break, in mid-November.
Alisson played in a Champions League tie on the Wednesday evening before getting injured in the Premier League's 12:30 Saturday game.
Slot's predecessor Jurgen Klopp called the lunchtime kick-off "a crime" and the Dutchman wants the packed schedule looking into.
"The 12:30 kick-off is not a problem because we train at the same time but what might be something to think about for the English FA [is that] if you play a Champions League game on a Wednesday evening and then to play on Saturday at 12:30 might be a disadvantage when it comes to injuries," said Slot.
"What is very good in Holland is that I’m 99.9% sure that all the teams that play in the Champions League in the upcoming week don’t play on a Sunday.
"They get extra rest to prepare in the best possible way for the Champions League game. That is not something that is common here in England."
Liverpool host Chelsea at 16:30 BST on Sunday before a Champions League game away at RB Leipzig on Wednesday.
Alisson has already missed two games this season through injury and was out for more than two months from February to April last season.
"It’s a bit uncommon for goalkeepers," said Slot. "For me, it’s common because the goalkeeper I had at Feyenoord [Justin Bijlow] also had his issues with injury, also muscle injuries. That’s not what you see a lot, so these two are more of an exception.
"We are looking into it and what could be the reason.
"One of the things that we all know is that if you've had one, then the chances of getting another one always go up so we've tried to be really careful with him."
Alisson, 32, will miss his side's league game against Chelsea on Sunday along with top-flight matches against Arsenal, Brighton and Aston Villa, Champions League meetings with RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen and a Carabao Cup game against Brighton.
Irish keeper Caoimhin Kelleher is expected to play for the Reds.
BBC
Good result although not the best performance against Chelsea. Rare to see opposition dominate possession at Anfield.
However given what happened after the last international break against Forest, you can't complain too much. Unlike the Forest game, Slot did rotate and it paid off.
Curtis Jones was excellent, boundless energy and worked hard in both boxes.
Disappointing to have another injury, this time to Jota, and it looks like he'll be out for Leipzig. Hopefully he's back for Arsenal which'll be another tough test.
However given what happened after the last international break against Forest, you can't complain too much. Unlike the Forest game, Slot did rotate and it paid off.
Curtis Jones was excellent, boundless energy and worked hard in both boxes.
Disappointing to have another injury, this time to Jota, and it looks like he'll be out for Leipzig. Hopefully he's back for Arsenal which'll be another tough test.
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Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has said he has opened talks with the club about signing a new deal
The 33-year-old has been at Anfield since January 2018 and his current contract runs out at the end of the season.
"Discussions are ongoing, we will see what happens in the future," said Netherlands centre-back Van Dijk.
"My full focus is on Liverpool, wanting to win games that are ahead of me and nothing else.
"What the future will bring I have no idea at the moment. I can only tell you that discussions have started and we will see."
England international Trent Alexander-Arnold and Egypt forward Mohamed Salah are also out of contract next summer but there has been no update on their situations.
The Reds signed Van Dijk for £75m from Southampton and he has helped the Anfield club win the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup and Fifa Club World Cup.
Under new manager and fellow Dutchman Arne Slot, he has helped Liverpool to the top of the Premier League this season with seven wins from their opening eight games.
"I feel good, physically, mentally and I am having fun," added Van Dijk, who was speaking after Sunday's 2-1 win over Chelsea.
"When it's time to make a decision, you guys [the media] will know it as well."
Van Dijk has been instrumental in Liverpool conceding just three goals this season, giving them the best defensive record in the Premier League.
"At the start of the season, we saw numbers about what happens if your opponent is in the final third, how many bodies do we have behind the ball and that has definitely changed," said Van Dijk.
"I wouldn't say it's [just] the last line and the goalkeepers making a difference, it's the guys in front of us, it's a team effort.
"Me and Ibou [Konate] as the centre-backs, or the goalkeepers, will get the credit for the clean sheets but it's about everyone in the team and credit to everyone who is doing that."
Source: BBC
The 33-year-old has been at Anfield since January 2018 and his current contract runs out at the end of the season.
"Discussions are ongoing, we will see what happens in the future," said Netherlands centre-back Van Dijk.
"My full focus is on Liverpool, wanting to win games that are ahead of me and nothing else.
"What the future will bring I have no idea at the moment. I can only tell you that discussions have started and we will see."
England international Trent Alexander-Arnold and Egypt forward Mohamed Salah are also out of contract next summer but there has been no update on their situations.
The Reds signed Van Dijk for £75m from Southampton and he has helped the Anfield club win the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup and Fifa Club World Cup.
Under new manager and fellow Dutchman Arne Slot, he has helped Liverpool to the top of the Premier League this season with seven wins from their opening eight games.
"I feel good, physically, mentally and I am having fun," added Van Dijk, who was speaking after Sunday's 2-1 win over Chelsea.
"When it's time to make a decision, you guys [the media] will know it as well."
Van Dijk has been instrumental in Liverpool conceding just three goals this season, giving them the best defensive record in the Premier League.
"At the start of the season, we saw numbers about what happens if your opponent is in the final third, how many bodies do we have behind the ball and that has definitely changed," said Van Dijk.
"I wouldn't say it's [just] the last line and the goalkeepers making a difference, it's the guys in front of us, it's a team effort.
"Me and Ibou [Konate] as the centre-backs, or the goalkeepers, will get the credit for the clean sheets but it's about everyone in the team and credit to everyone who is doing that."
Source: BBC
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Liverpool expect to make more than £60m a year from new Adidas kit deal
Liverpool expect to make more than £60m a year from a new kit deal with Adidas that will come into effect from the start of the 2025-26 season.
The German sportswear company will become Liverpool’s kit supplier when Nike’s five-year contract expires. In a tender process for a five‑year contract Adidas, which last supplied the Anfield club’s kit between 2006 and 2012, won against Nike and Puma.
The club believe it will bring their kit earnings into line with Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea, who all receive £60m-£65m from deals with Adidas, Puma and Nike respectively.
Liverpool receive £30m a year from Nike as a guaranteed base figure. With commercial tie-ins, performance‑related bonuses and 20% royalty payments on net sales of replica sportswear, promoted by people such as the basketball star and Liverpool shareholder LeBron James, the total can be closer to £60m a season.
The Premier League record is the £90m a season received by Manchester United from Adidas.
Arne Slot, meanwhile, believes Liverpool’s performance level is “not there yet” despite taking them top of the Premier League and in sight of two club records when they visit RB Leipzig on Wednesday.
No Liverpool team in history has won 11 of the opening dozen games of a season or won six away matches in a row from the beginning of a campaign. Slot’s players will achieve both should they maintain their 100% start in the Champions League with victory against Leipzig, when Diogo Jota will be absent with a rib injury he sustained against Chelsea on Sunday.
Liverpool’s head coach has no complaints over results, the Nottingham Forest defeat last month notwithstanding, but insists there is more to come from his team in terms of dominating with the ball and against high-calibre opposition.
“You cannot ask for much more with results but there is always room for improvement,” Slot said.
“I don’t think we outplayed Chelsea. We certainly did not. I think they were more dominant than us with the ball. In an ideal world I would have seen us dominate the complete game. We are not there yet. The good thing is, if we face a team like Chelsea and United, you see a team fighting for every centimetre or every moment that can be decisive in the game.
“I am hoping in the future, hopefully the near future, we will play a game like Milan or [Manchester] United and become more dominant than we were against Chelsea.
“Maybe that says a lot more about Chelsea. A lot of people in England made fun of them in the summer about investing so much money. In my opinion, they have done so well to bring many talented players in. With such a strong squad and manager, they will be up there in the coming years. That’s my opinion, let’s see if I’m right.”
Jürgen Klopp, Red Bull’s incoming head of global soccer, will not attend the game on Wednesday as he continues to enjoy a holiday. The Liverpool midfielder and former Leipzig player Dominik Szoboszlai said of Klopp: “It’s different job to a coach but I am happy he is back. He is such a name in football that you don’t want to forget about him and it is good he stays in football.”
Liverpool will also be without Conor Bradley, Federico Chiesa and the long-term injury absentees Alisson and Harvey Elliott against Leipzig, who have made a fine start in the Bundesliga but were beaten by Juventus and Atlético Madrid in their opening Champions League fixtures.
GUARDIAN
Liverpool expect to make more than £60m a year from a new kit deal with Adidas that will come into effect from the start of the 2025-26 season.
The German sportswear company will become Liverpool’s kit supplier when Nike’s five-year contract expires. In a tender process for a five‑year contract Adidas, which last supplied the Anfield club’s kit between 2006 and 2012, won against Nike and Puma.
The club believe it will bring their kit earnings into line with Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea, who all receive £60m-£65m from deals with Adidas, Puma and Nike respectively.
Liverpool receive £30m a year from Nike as a guaranteed base figure. With commercial tie-ins, performance‑related bonuses and 20% royalty payments on net sales of replica sportswear, promoted by people such as the basketball star and Liverpool shareholder LeBron James, the total can be closer to £60m a season.
The Premier League record is the £90m a season received by Manchester United from Adidas.
Arne Slot, meanwhile, believes Liverpool’s performance level is “not there yet” despite taking them top of the Premier League and in sight of two club records when they visit RB Leipzig on Wednesday.
No Liverpool team in history has won 11 of the opening dozen games of a season or won six away matches in a row from the beginning of a campaign. Slot’s players will achieve both should they maintain their 100% start in the Champions League with victory against Leipzig, when Diogo Jota will be absent with a rib injury he sustained against Chelsea on Sunday.
Liverpool’s head coach has no complaints over results, the Nottingham Forest defeat last month notwithstanding, but insists there is more to come from his team in terms of dominating with the ball and against high-calibre opposition.
“You cannot ask for much more with results but there is always room for improvement,” Slot said.
“I don’t think we outplayed Chelsea. We certainly did not. I think they were more dominant than us with the ball. In an ideal world I would have seen us dominate the complete game. We are not there yet. The good thing is, if we face a team like Chelsea and United, you see a team fighting for every centimetre or every moment that can be decisive in the game.
“I am hoping in the future, hopefully the near future, we will play a game like Milan or [Manchester] United and become more dominant than we were against Chelsea.
“Maybe that says a lot more about Chelsea. A lot of people in England made fun of them in the summer about investing so much money. In my opinion, they have done so well to bring many talented players in. With such a strong squad and manager, they will be up there in the coming years. That’s my opinion, let’s see if I’m right.”
Jürgen Klopp, Red Bull’s incoming head of global soccer, will not attend the game on Wednesday as he continues to enjoy a holiday. The Liverpool midfielder and former Leipzig player Dominik Szoboszlai said of Klopp: “It’s different job to a coach but I am happy he is back. He is such a name in football that you don’t want to forget about him and it is good he stays in football.”
Liverpool will also be without Conor Bradley, Federico Chiesa and the long-term injury absentees Alisson and Harvey Elliott against Leipzig, who have made a fine start in the Bundesliga but were beaten by Juventus and Atlético Madrid in their opening Champions League fixtures.
GUARDIAN
Decent point for Liverpool considering how poor we were 1st half. Robertson looks cooked, he's struggled 1v1 against a few wingers this season and conceded a disappointing goal. Been critical of Tsimikas but he really bolstered that left hand side.
Our subs overall improved us and we grew in confidence as Arsenal lost players to injury. But don't think we deserved more.
Our subs overall improved us and we grew in confidence as Arsenal lost players to injury. But don't think we deserved more.
FearlessRoar
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Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk tells Rio Ferdinand what he thinks of comparisons to his face
Virgil van Dijk doesn't pay any attention to comparisons between him and Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand.
The term Rolls Royce defender is often used to describe elite center-backs who make the game look easy, and that term has been used to describe both Van Dijk and Ferdinand down the years.
Ferdinand was one of the best center-backs in the Premier League for well over a decade, while Liverpool captain Van Dijk is now into his 10th season in Englan, and for much of that time, he has been deemed to be the best defender in the country.
However, despite their similar traits and the high regard they are both held by football fans, Van Dijk doesn't waste any energy thinking about how he stacks up against greats of the game from previous eras.
"I don't think you can compare players that play in this era with players who played in eras from 10 years or 20 years ago," Van Dijk told Rio Ferdinand Presents. I think you all have to respect what they did in their time and that's how I see it.
"I respect what you did in your time, I respect what Cannavaro and Maldini did in their times. I've only got respect because there's no point to compare because you have no idea.
"You didn't play in this era against the strikers I've played against, I didn't play in the era of the strikers and the way football has been played in that era. You just have to, in my eyes, respect what has been done on the highest level and what you and I, in this case, have meant for centre-backs out there today."
Van Dijk is out of contract at Liverpool at the end of the season having joined the Reds in January 2018 and won several major trophies with the Anfield club. Speaking last week, the Dutchman confirmed talks over a renewal are ongoing.
"We will see what happens in the future," Van Dijk said. "My full focus is on Liverpool, wanting to win games that are ahead of me and nothing else. What the future will bring I have no idea at the moment. I can only tell you that discussions have started and we will see."
www.liverpool.com
Virgil van Dijk doesn't pay any attention to comparisons between him and Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand.
The term Rolls Royce defender is often used to describe elite center-backs who make the game look easy, and that term has been used to describe both Van Dijk and Ferdinand down the years.
Ferdinand was one of the best center-backs in the Premier League for well over a decade, while Liverpool captain Van Dijk is now into his 10th season in Englan, and for much of that time, he has been deemed to be the best defender in the country.
However, despite their similar traits and the high regard they are both held by football fans, Van Dijk doesn't waste any energy thinking about how he stacks up against greats of the game from previous eras.
"I don't think you can compare players that play in this era with players who played in eras from 10 years or 20 years ago," Van Dijk told Rio Ferdinand Presents. I think you all have to respect what they did in their time and that's how I see it.
"I respect what you did in your time, I respect what Cannavaro and Maldini did in their times. I've only got respect because there's no point to compare because you have no idea.
"You didn't play in this era against the strikers I've played against, I didn't play in the era of the strikers and the way football has been played in that era. You just have to, in my eyes, respect what has been done on the highest level and what you and I, in this case, have meant for centre-backs out there today."
Van Dijk is out of contract at Liverpool at the end of the season having joined the Reds in January 2018 and won several major trophies with the Anfield club. Speaking last week, the Dutchman confirmed talks over a renewal are ongoing.
"We will see what happens in the future," Van Dijk said. "My full focus is on Liverpool, wanting to win games that are ahead of me and nothing else. What the future will bring I have no idea at the moment. I can only tell you that discussions have started and we will see."
Liverpool's Van Dijk tells Ferdinand what he thinks of comparisons to his face
Virgil van Dijk and Rio Ferdinand have been likened to each other due to their calmness on the ball combined with their world-class defending, and Van Dijk has now addressed those comparisons
What a tense game that was. Honestly, Brighton hammered us for the first 45 minutes and we easily could've been 0-3 down.
We were second to every 50/50 and so sloppy in possession. Brighton play out from the back so well and easily beat the press of our front 4 time and again.
Second half we were a different team. More aggressive in all areas and you could see Brighton began to crack under the pressure defending in front of the Kop. The subs did great especially Joe Gomez who even could've scored a couple of headers.
With rivals dropping points that feels like a massive win.
We were second to every 50/50 and so sloppy in possession. Brighton play out from the back so well and easily beat the press of our front 4 time and again.
Second half we were a different team. More aggressive in all areas and you could see Brighton began to crack under the pressure defending in front of the Kop. The subs did great especially Joe Gomez who even could've scored a couple of headers.
With rivals dropping points that feels like a massive win.
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Arne Slot on fans chanting his name last night:
And obviously the results are excellent too.
Absolute class act. When you lose faith in humanity around the world, to see somebody conduct themselves with such grace and dignity is so refreshing.
And obviously the results are excellent too.
KingKhanWC
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Leverkusen is a top side .
The way Liverpool attacked in the 2nd made them look ordinary .
If Nunez can find form , with Jota back this team can score against anyone .
A long way to go but if everyone stays fit , a 7th champions league is on .
The way Liverpool attacked in the 2nd made them look ordinary .
If Nunez can find form , with Jota back this team can score against anyone .
A long way to go but if everyone stays fit , a 7th champions league is on .
KingKhanWC
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Liverpool should sign ?
Made very hard work of that against a Southampton team that looked vulnerable defensively. Van Dijk and Konate well below their usual standards with the penalty conceded being extremely sloppy.
Robertson looks past his best. Tsimikas may be better option as first choice. Youngster Bradley looked our best defender but doesn't give the same attacking outlet as Trent.
Salah making the decisive contributions yet again, I worry if he leaves because Nunez was not impactful at all. Gakpo a tad unlucky to be subbed as he was our most threatening attacker in 1st half.
Nevertheless it's the first game back after international break and wasn't easy conditions for football. Main thing was capitalising on the City defeat, and 8 points is a nice lead.
Robertson looks past his best. Tsimikas may be better option as first choice. Youngster Bradley looked our best defender but doesn't give the same attacking outlet as Trent.
Salah making the decisive contributions yet again, I worry if he leaves because Nunez was not impactful at all. Gakpo a tad unlucky to be subbed as he was our most threatening attacker in 1st half.
Nevertheless it's the first game back after international break and wasn't easy conditions for football. Main thing was capitalising on the City defeat, and 8 points is a nice lead.
KingKhanWC
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Liverpool dominated the first half but were not clinical .
Southampton played well but in defence but I had no doubt Liverpool would come away with 3 points
8 points means a huge match v city at home . Can’t lose it but a win will make many believe it’s possible…
Southampton played well but in defence but I had no doubt Liverpool would come away with 3 points
8 points means a huge match v city at home . Can’t lose it but a win will make many believe it’s possible…
KingKhanWC
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Wow!
Liverpools best performance in 18 months . From kick off to whistle , Liverpool dominated Madrid. No team on the planet would have kept up . should have been 4/5-0
Connor is an extensional talent . Man of the match for me . Owned Mpabbe most of the match . His tackle was incredible .
Liverpools best performance in 18 months . From kick off to whistle , Liverpool dominated Madrid. No team on the planet would have kept up . should have been 4/5-0
Connor is an extensional talent . Man of the match for me . Owned Mpabbe most of the match . His tackle was incredible .
