Despite suffering the loss of Virgil van Dijk and eventual replacement Fabinho, Liverpool are showing no signs of struggling without these key players. The Reds have deployed the likes of Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams to plug the leaks, which is proving to be effective so far.
But that’s not to say the reigning English champions are out of the woods. They must be proactive going into the January window to avoid any further injuries rocking their season. Former Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland feels that a new centre-back signing is “definitely now” on the cards for the Reds.
A centre-back signing is on the cards for Liverpool
“I would be amazed if they didn’t already have a target,” the Colne goalkeeping coach told Football FanCast. “I think we needed someone anyway to be honest. Obviously [Dejan] Lovren went and he played a lot of games for Liverpool and did really well.
“He lost favour towards the end but I do think we needed someone anyway, and definitely so now.”
Indeed, the business done on Lovren over the summer was a great haul for the club, who pocketed just shy of £11million. But with no replacement coming in, it’s a decision that has come to bite Liverpool where it hurts. January’s priority will undoubtedly be someone who can partner Joe Gomez in defence, allowing Fabinho to return to midfield once he is back to full fitness.
“Yes, the players score the goals which wins your game but you only win games if you’re keeping clean sheets,” Kirkland continued. “And the back unit is vital. I know they’ll be looking at players and they’ll already have targets.”
Despite the fact Liverpool continue to show their unwavering form, bolstering their backline will improve their chances of winning a second Premier League title. A chance many thought had been thwarted through van Dijk’s ACL injury.
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The Dutchman could be set to miss the rest of the season and Joel Matip’s injure proneness isn’t something Jurgen Klopp will feel he can rely on. Diogo Jota has proven that he is more than a good enough backup for the front three, which gives the club the freedom to put all their focus on a new centre-back.
Potential centre-back options for Klopp
The Merseysiders have been linked with a number of defenders ahead of the winter window, with names including David Alaba, Conor Coady and Ozan Kabak cropping up regularly.
Alaba in particular is an attractive target due to the fact he will be available for pre-contract negotiations in January. Arriving at Anfield on a free transfer will be music to FSG’s ears, but a recent revelation of his £400,000 per week wage demand could put the club off.
Even former target Kalidou Koulibaly has reappeared on the radar, despite Napoli demanding a mammoth £65million for his services.
Whatever option Klopp chooses will be a well-thought out decision. There will be players queuing up to join the Premier League champions so the list of targets isn’t a short one, but any addition will be a positive one amid Liverpool’s current injury crisis.
In other news, Liverpool right not to pursue summer move for disappointing Kai Havertz…
According to Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness), West Ham star Felipe Anderson is on his way out of the club this summer.
What’s the word?
The Brazilian had a largely disappointing campaign last season, managing just one goal and five assists in 27 games across all competitions – a far cry from his impressive debut year in English football when he netted ten times.
Best of the Decade: Top scorers & creators – Can you name them?
Now, Italian publication Corriere dello Sport claim that Anderson is set for an exit from the London Stadium, and that a return to the Serie A is considered an “ideal destination” for him – his former club Lazio have even been name-checked as a potential suitor.
The report adds that his representatives are searching for potential options in the transfer market, and that he would “gladly return” to Lazio if given the opportunity to do so.
David Moyes must be ruthless
After enjoying an impressive first season at West Ham, Anderson’s second year at the club was hugely disappointing. He failed to really kick on, and if anything, took a major step backwards in terms of his end product and overall performances.
Speaking back in October, former Premier League striker Darren Bent delivered a stinging criticism of the 27-year-old’s below-par displays. He said: “He is one who frustrates me as I’m a big fan of his. I’ve seen him before rip teams to shreds on his own. But yesterday…he has too many of these indifferent games, I wouldn’t even say indifferent he just isn’t doing anything, yeah you kind of forget he’s there.
“He is one of their most influential players as he has that burst of speed which means he can destroy sides, and sometimes it’s just too far between as he’ll play really well then go missing for several games.”
As Bent admits, there is definite quality within Anderson, but that frustrating inconsistency means he is unlikely to be someone David Moyes can truly rely upon over the course of a whole campaign. It was no surprise that following the Premier League’s restart back in June, the Brazilian played just 89 minutes of top-flight football, including not even being named in the squad for three of the games.
This summer should see the Hammers be ruthless with the £22.5m-rated star.
After the Euro 2020 Championships was pushed back until next year due to the impact and devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic, it began to feel as though forever would pass before getting to watch our beloved England National Team partake in another international tournament after the joy and heartache of the 2018 World Cup – which saw us reach the semi-finals of the competition for the first time in 28 years.
Many fans were looking towards this year’s Euro’s with great optimism – due to the recent ability of the England team as well as the abundance of young English talent coming through the ranks over recent years, giving many fans like myself a reason to hope again that the National Team will again one day bring football home.
Despite the competition being moved to next year – there are still plenty of positives to take from that. It ultimately gives Gareth Southgate more time to prepare and plan, and also gives plenty more youngster and England internationals to fight for a spot and prove themselves given they have another season to perform at their best ahead of Southgate’s final 23-man squad.
With all that being said, it would be interesting to try and take a stab at how Southgate might lineup in their countries first game of the Euro’s next season – and with that being said, this is my predicted starting XI for England’s first game of Euro 2020 in a favoured 4-3-3 formation…
GK – Dean Henderson
This season will be the 23-year-olds first full season at United since being loaned out to Sheffield United in 2018 for two seasons, which saw him get promoted with the Blades to the Premier League, eventually finishing in 9th place in their first season back.
Henderson kept 13 clean sheets in 36 league appearances last campaign, and next season it is likely that he will establish himself as United’s new No.1 after the poor form of Spanish shot-stopper David De Gea. It is likely that if Henderson plays first-team football regularly next season, he will be Southgate’s first choice for the Euro’s over Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
RB – Trent Alexander-Arnold
The youngster has become one of the biggest talents in world football over recent years, becoming Liverpool’s first-choice right-back, and winning the Premier League Young Player of the Year Award last season.
The club’s title-winning campaign saw Alexander-Arnold register 13 assists and scored 4 goals at full-back, and the 21-year-old will likely be a shoo-in for Southgate at right-back for the tournament next year, with the player essentially helping to revolutionise the way full-backs operate in modern football.
CB – Joe Gomez
Soccer Football – Euro 2020 Qualifier – Group A – England v Montenegro – Wembley Stadium, London, Britain – November 14, 2019 England’s Joe Gomez REUTERS/David Klein
Another Liverpool defender in the mix – Joe Gomez has become one of the countries best defenders over the past few seasons. Along with Virgil van Dijk at the Reds, Gomez has evolved his game from full-back to a competent and reliant central defender, who possesses great speed and physicality.
Last season during the club’s title-winning campaign, the 23-year-old averaged 1.4 interceptions, 2.1 clearances, and 2.5 aerial duels won per game. The player has also become a great passer of the ball, something that Southgate has favoured in his choice of defenders over the past couple of years, averaging an 88% pass success rate – and will likely be one of the managers first-choice centre-backs next year.
CB – Harry Maguire
Since his world-record move to Manchester United last season, the defender has helped the clubs defensive record in the league immensely. The season before joining, the Red Devils conceded 54 goals in the league, but last season the club only conceded 36, garnering the third-best defence in the league.
His individual stats for the last campaign were also impressive – averaging 1 tackle, 1.9 interceptions, 4.1 clearances, and 4.6 aerial duels won per game. If he can carry this form into next season, there is no doubt that he will be Southgate’s other first-choice centre-back for England in their opening game.
LB – Ben Chilwell
The left-back recently moved to Chelsea this month, and will likely become the club’s first choice over Marco Alonso and Emerson. Last season saw the defender finish 5th in the league with Leicester City – and his stats boasted a fine run of form for the season.
The 23-year-old finished with 3 goals and 3 assists, as well as averaging 1.6 tackles, 1 interception, 2 clearances, and 2.1 aerial duels won per game – and has been one of the countries first choice options at left-back for some time now. His recent move to Chelsea will certainly help him progress further as a player, and will likely make him a guarantee at left-back for Southgate and his team.
CM – Declan Rice
Since making the switch from the Republic of Ireland to England, the 21-year-old has been capped once for the Three Lions in an impressive performance against the Czech Republic – and had a stellar season for the Hammers last time out.
Last season, Rice averaged 3.1 tackles, 2 interceptions, 1.3 clearances, and 1.4 aerial duels won per game from defensive midfield – all stats and aspects that would benefit England in that position, with them failing to find a proper defensive midfielder for some time now. Rice looks the right player to fill this void, and will likely be Southgate’s go-to in midfield.
CM – Jordan Henderson
Jordan Henderson lifting the Premier League trophy for Liverpool.
The 30-year-old has become one of Liverpool’s most important players over recent years since becoming the club’s captain – and last season lifted the Premier League trophy for the club, along with the Champions League the season before.
For England, it has often been the same case, with Henderson becoming a regular choice for Southgate’s squads during each international break. At Euro 2020 the midfielder will be 31 and will provide the squad with some much-needed experience in midfield as well as in the dressing room at big tournaments for the country, making him the managers second go too in deep midfield alongside Declan Rice.
CAM – Jack Grealish
The Aston Villa captain finally received his first England call up this month, a well-deserved accolade after an impressive season for the Villans in their return to the Premier League.
Last season saw Grealish finish the campaign with 8 goals and 6 assists – as well as creating the second most amount of chances in the Premier League, sitting behind only Kevin De Bruyne. Grealish could be the attacking midfielder with the creativity that England has needed for some time now, with many tournaments highlighting our lack of flair from attacking midfield. If Grealish can have another stellar campaign for Villa next season, it is almost certain that Southgate should choose him in attacking midfield for England.
RW – Jadon Sancho
Another player that is a certain shoo-in for the starting XI at Euro 2020 – Jadon Sancho has gone on to become one of the best players in the world last season in the Bundesliga, the 20-year-old scored 17 goals with 16 assists, an incredible record for a player so young – but clearly the stats showcase the talent and ability that Sancho possesses.
England only have a handful of top class wingers at their disposal, but from the right-hand side, there is no other player to start at right-wing for Southgate other than Jadon Sancho.
LW – Raheem Sterling
Raheem Sterling has been one of England’s best players for the past few seasons now – last season saw the winger produce one of his best goal-scoring seasons yet, with 20 goals and 1 assist in the Premier League for City, finishing as the club’s top goalscorer in the league. Sterling has proven himself as a world-class player, and there is no other person to start at left-wing for England come the Euro’s next year – and will be one of Southgate’s go-to players to rely on during the tournament.
ST – Harry Kane
Our final player to make the starting XI – it is no other than England captain Harry Kane. We can go over the stats, such as his 143 goals in 210 games Premier League appearances for Spurs, but we all know the ability and goalscoring prowess that he posseses – and will be the first name on Southgate’s teamsheet every time.
With Kane finishing off the England front three, there is no doubt in my mind that this starting XI has the capability to win the Euro’s next year – and if Southgate were to opt for anything close to this, then we should all be very excited for next summer.
Antonio Rudiger has admitted he helped convince Timo Werner to snub Liverpool and join Chelsea instead.
In a recent interview with Chelsea TV, the defender revealed he was in contact with his international teammate throughout the process of the move. Werner looked sold on joining Liverpool, especially after he said he would be a ‘good fit’ for Jurgen Klopp’s system.
However, in a shock swoop, the Blues announced that they had poached the 24-year-old star for themselves. He will link up with the club next month after forfeiting his place in RB Leipzig’s Champions League run in order to do so.
“I did speak to him before because we have known each other for a long time,” Rudiger told the club. “We spoke a lot during the lockdown and he told me he was interested in coming to England. Of course then I did my bit, what I had to do.”
Werner has penned a five-year deal at Stamford Bridge and will look to assist Frank Lampard in his battle for another Premier League title next season.
“I hope he adapts very quickly when he comes because as we all know this competition is different than others,” Rudiger continued. His former Stuttgart teammate has tallied an extremely impressive 26 goals in his 32 Bundesliga appearances and a total of 32 goals in 44 games across all competitions (via Transfermarkt).
As it stands, Chelsea could qualify for Champions League football with their current fourth-placed position in the Premier League. With the additions of Werner and recent signing Hakim Ziyech, the Blues could really make a statement in the 2020/21 season.
Where do you think Chelsea will finish next campaign, Blues fans? Have your say in the comments below!
Newcastle United are set to rival Crystal Palace, Leicester City and West Ham United for AFC Bournemouth ace David Brooks, according to Sky Sports.
As per the outlet, he is likely to leave Eddie Howe’s team following their relegation from the Premier League, with several clubs from the top flight set to swoop in for his signature.
The £18 million-valued ace had unfortunately missed the majority of the 2019/20 season as he had to have ankle surgery, which had limited him to just nine games in England’s highest division, scoring one goal (via Transfermarkt).
However, this should not put the Tyneside club off as he has demonstrated his qualities before. scoring a relatively impressive seven goals and making a further five assists 30 matches in the league in the 2018/19 campaign (per the website).
The 23-year old has also shown that he can play in a variety of different roles, which may be useful to Steve Bruce for when he wants to change his system.
Brooks is also a full Welsh international, having scored one goal in 12 senior caps, as he also crowned the Wales Footballer of the Year back in 2018, according to Transfermarkt.
If the attacking midfield player can get over his injury woes from the last term, he may prove to be a good addition at St. James’ Park.
The kind of figure that the Cherries would ask for has not yet been disclosed, but it may well be a cut-price given their relegation.
Whether the Magpies decide to take up the opportunity to sign Brooks is another question, but they may have to act fast given the competition that they may face for his services.
Geordies, would Brooks be a good signing? Comment below!
This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
Jose Mourinho can win over the doubters quicker than expected at Tottenham Hotspur.
Fresh from a 5-0 win over Burnley at the weekend in which teenage striker Troy Parrott made his Premier League debut, Spurs are preparing to face Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
This is a game in which the result really doesn’t matter. They are already confirmed to be finishing second in Group B and have no way of overhauling the German giants ahead of the knockout stages.
Mourinho has already said that Harry Kane will not play in midweek, with Parrott set to make his European bow.
Spurs die-hards are getting 70% on this Ultimate Tottenham Quiz. Can you beat them?
A number of doubts were expressed about the Portuguese’s willingness to bring through the youngsters at the club, with Mauricio Pochettino having been known for his willingness to promote from within.
The London Evening Standard states that a number of players could be allowed to go on loan but that the manager has taken a shine to Parrott and is set to give him the chance to work his way into the first-team, amid interest from Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund, who previously snaffled Jadon Sancho away from Manchester City.
It makes sense to convince the youngster his future lies in north London and bringing him through would win plaudits for the manager, too.
There is nothing Spurs fans love more than singing about one of their own and Parrott ticks that box.
He has been with the club since 2017 and has made a significant impression in the youth teams, scoring at every single age level. He is also the top scorer in the UEFA Youth League with six goals to his name.
This is a player with a ceiling as high as anyone at the club and Mourinho, it appears, is ready to give him special treatment.
That will go down a treat in north London, particularly if he hits the goal trail for the senior side, starting on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Mourinho has shown signs of emulating Pochettino at Spurs.
A report by The Sun (7 June, page 61, via HITC) has claimed that Burnley will make a £10m move for sign Genk defender Joakim Maehle this summer.
With the Premier League returning next week, Sean Dyche’s side will be busy preparing to meet Manchester City on Monday 22 June.
Sitting 10th in the league table as things stand, Dyche has guided his team to another solid season and it now looks almost certain that the club can look forward to a fifth successive year in England’s top flight next term.
Looking ahead to next season, a transfer link has emerged linking Maehle with a potential move to Turf Moor.
Maehle has previously been linked with Burnley and those links are now starting to re-emerge as Dyche looks to improve his defensive options this summer.
The 23-year-old Danish defender has enjoyed regular football this term in the Belgian league, playing predominantly as a right back and featuring in 25 games in the 2019/20 season, with four assists to his name, along with starting all six of their Champions League group matches (as per TransferMarkt). A match average of 3.3 successful tackles in Europe shows that he is adept at breaking up play.
Under contract at Genk until the summer of 2023, De Smurfen would undoubtedly like to keep hold of the youngster, but Burnley’s interest is now starting to move at pace.
A lot of Burnley’s transfer business this summer will be determined by how they are as a club financially, especially after the postponement of football and the pending behind-closed-door games depriving them of income.
Signing Maehle seems a good bit of business, however, and with Phil Bardsley’s contract set to expire, the 23-year-old could almost instantly walk straight into the starting XI if he comes to Turf Moor.
Do you think Joakim Maehle would be a good signing for Burnley? Let us know in the comments section below…
Leeds United fans have been heaping praise upon Alfie McCalmont after he played a brilliant through ball for Jordan Stevens’ goal in Leeds U23s’ 2-0 win against Wigan.
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It really is a joke of a pass as he unlocks the defence with a beautifully disguised through ball that allowed Stevens a clear look at goal.
Supporters couldn’t help but wax lyrical about the midfielder’s contribution here, and you can’t blame them as the pass really was reminiscent of something a Barcelona player would do rather than a Leeds U23 man.
Hopefully, this isn’t the last time we see the youngster playing balls like this, and if he carries on this form it surely won’t be long until he’s doing it at Elland Road for the first team.
The youngster has had a breakthrough campaign, earning his debut for Northern Ireland and playing the Carabao Cup as well.
Here’s what United supporters have been saying on social media…
In other news, have a look at what Leeds fans have been saying about a signing they missed out on earlier this year.
The Ballon d’Or may have been and gone, but that doesn’t mean that the football awards season is over.
Next up is the shortlist for the African Player of the Year award, which will be given to one of 10 players in January of next year. Like so many of the individual accolades recently, Liverpool are represented, with Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah both receiving nominations.
The news was shared by the Anfield outfit on their official Twitter page, and the fans were eager to share their thoughts on who should take home the trophy.
Some fans were quick to praise the pair on their nominations.
These two have been in fantastic form for Liverpool over the past 18 months. Last season, they scored 44 goals between them in the Premier League, winning the Champions League as well. They fully deserve their places on the list.
However, it seems that majority of Reds fans think there is only one winner.
It is hard to argue with their opinion. The 27-year-old stood out last term, winning the Premier League Golden Boot – albeit shared with Mohamed Salah and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – whilst he also helped Senegal to the final of the African Cup of Nations. All of this earned him a fourth-placed finish in the Ballon d’Or rankings.
No clues: Can you name the season these iconic Liverpool images belong to?
Talking about that most prestigious of individual awards, some supporters made reference to Lionel Messi’s victory. It seems they were unhappy that the diminutive Argentina international was the victor, and they suggested – tongue-in-cheek, you would expect – that he would prevail here as well.
Although the likes of Mane, Salah and Virgil van Dijk all had big seasons last term – the latter finished second in the Ballon d’Or vote – Messi’s 51 goals in 50 Barcelona games shows he is deserving of the recognition.
We’ll find out at the start of next year who the winner is!
In other news, Liverpool fans react to unpopular figure’s controversial quotes.
Jonjo Shelvey played the full 90 minutes as Newcastle United recorded a 2-1 win over Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.DeAndre Yedlin and Ciaran Clark scored the goals for the Magpies, who recovered from an early deficit with Harry Wilson sending the visitors ahead in the early exchanges.Shelvey’s performance was the subject of much debate on social media.And it would be fair to say that the Newcastle fans have mixed views when it comes to the former Liverpool midfielder’s display.The statistics show that the 27-year-old had three shots and made two tackles, but WhoScoredÂalso reveal that his pass success rate was down at 61%, with just 19 of his 31 passes considered accurate.
There is no question that the result was impressive for Steve Bruce’s side, who have now won their last two in the Premier League.
However, Shelvey did not convince all of the fans on Saturday afternoon, as shown by the mixed messages below: