Liverpool
Liverpool gives ‘Joško Gvardiol’ vote of faith to Andy Robertson as transfer ‘target’ signs deal
Andy Robertson was presented with a free pass of sorts over the course of the summer transfer window. Jürgen Klopp entered the market with one overwhelming area of concern to address, and that was his midfield department, which had grown tired and jaded over time.
Fve senior figures left the Anfield engine room this summer: skipper Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keïta. Liverpool had to navigate a major renovation job, with four additions signing on the dotted line on Merseyside.
Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endō and Ryan Gravenberch all arrived as new faces with fresh legs, and since, the Reds have benefited on the pitch, winning three of their opening four matches in the Premier League this term. Robertson is still very much a starter for Klopp’s outfit, but he is perhaps the least suited to the current system.
Back in April, Klopp tampered with the make-up of his customary 4-3-3 formation, instructing his players to adopt a new 3-2-5 shape whenever possession was under control. That left right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold to drift inside and become a fourth midfielder alongside Fabinho, Henderson and Curtis Jones.
At the back, Robertson was instructed to tuck inside alongside Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté to form a back three, and he’s still attempting to do so, with Klopp leaning on the new dynamic over the course of Liverpool’s last 15 matches. In fact, since adopting the new shape, the Reds are unbeaten.
The tactical shift seems to have benefited the team and many players within the squad — especially Alexander-Arnold — and it is also worth noting that attack-minded midfielders such as Jones and Szoboszlai have been presented with a platform to thrive in advanced areas because of the players positioned behind them.
Robertson, on the other hand, has been forced to play within himself. He is a naturally forward-thinking defender, but he is no longer being encouraged to overlap to the same extent.
The captain of Scotland has performed admirably in the role, and his recent showing against Aston Villa was arguably his best in a red shirt for some time, but he is not a seamless fit as a wide center-back. As much as he seems willing to adapt, he is always going to be inclined to attack and advance towards the final third.
Manchester City and Arsenal have embraced similar tactical ideas over the past year, but both Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta have used central defenders in Robertson’s role, with Nathan Aké and Ben White occupying those wide defensive spots.
Indeed, Guardiola invested in another option this summer in Joško Gvardiol, who is regarded as one of the best left-footed defenders on the planet. The Croatian international is known to be a boyhood Reds supporter, but he will play his football at the Etihad Stadium this term.
Gvardiol and Aké are two left-footed options for Manchester City. Arteta also has two in Gabriel Magalhães and Jakub Kiwior. Erik ten Hag has Lisandro Martínez at Manchester United, Newcastle United has Sven Botman and Dan Burn, Chelsea has Levi Colwill, and Aston Villa has Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres.
Klopp doesn’t actually have a single left-footed center-back in his ranks, with Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Ibrahima Konaté and Joël Matip all being righties. The Reds boss could have addressed that void this summer, but his midfield department rightly assumed the spotlight, allowing Robertson to continue as a starter.
This week, the Scotland international received another ‘boost’, with Liverpool-linked Arthur Theate signing a contract extension with Rennes until 2027. L’Equipe claimed during the summer that he had been ‘shortlisted’ by the Reds.
The 23-year-old Belgian could have been ideal for the role in question at Anfield, as he has experience as a left-back and as a center-back. But Klopp failed to move for him this summer and now, he seems to be tied down in France.
The market for left-footed central defenders appears to be shrinking with every passing month. Liverpool won’t be particularly pleased with that growing development, but if there’s one person who will have no complaints, it is Robertson — who, for the time-being, has been given the vote of faith to play the Gvardiol role.
‘The ball doesn’t want to go in’ – Nunez feels goal drought down to ‘bad luck’
Darwin Nunez has scored just once in his last 13 appearances in all competitions, and knows he must raise his performance levels.
Darwin Nunez conceded he has not been performing “as well as I should”, but has felt like “the ball doesn’t want to go in” during his recent goal drought.
Nunez is underperforming his 10.55 xG, while he boasts a modest 11.11% shot conversion rate.
The Uruguay international’s struggles continued as he saw a penalty saved in the shootout that saw the Reds exit the Champions League at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain.
The truth…
Despite leading the Premier League by 12 points, Arne Slot’s side were beaten by Newcastle United in last weekend’s EFL Cup final, while they suffered a shock FA Cup defeat against Championship side Plymouth Argyle.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1902114065524158733
Nunez knows he must raise his performance levels, but does believe much of his difficulties in front of goal have been purely down to bad fortune.
“It’s been a tough few weeks for me, personally,” he said. “These are moments that you go through in football.
“I’m not someone who throws in the towel because I can’t play; I’m going to fight to be able to play every game. I know I’m not performing as well as I should.
“It’s difficult because when you’re doing well or playing well, your confidence changes. But the next game, you find out you’re not playing, and that makes you feel down.
“But I always try to train to be well and help my team-mates in any way I can; that’s what matters. The ball doesn’t want to go in. I’m running a lot, playing well, and not being able to score a goal. It’s bad luck.”
Liverpool
‘Agreement is complete’ – Liverpool player has agreed all details on Anfield exit, now needs signing
Over the past year or so, multiple claims from Spain have stated Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold is a target for Real Madrid.
The right-back’s contract expires in June and Los Blancos tried to sign him in January, but the Reds refused to sell for a bargain fee.
AS claim the Liverpool player, Real Sociedad’s Martín Zubimendi and AFC Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen are the names that ‘stand out’ in Real Madrid’s list.
With regards to the England international’s move to Real Madrid, AS state ‘agreement between the parties is complete’.
The right-back has agreed all details of the agreement and only his signing is missing for it to be made official. The newspaper states he knows the duration of the contract and the salary he will receive from the Spanish giants. At this stage, his signing is ‘99% done’.
Real Madrid have done their part and it’s down to Alexander-Arnold to sign the contract, which he’s expected to do so.
Liverpool are aware of his desire to join the La Liga club but haven’t given up on renewing his contract.
The report claims the 26-year-old is unlikely to sign an extension at Anfield unless there’s a last-minute surprise. At this point in time, it’s not expected for him to change his stance about leaving Liverpool.
Tears for Trent: Young Liverpool Fan Isaac Reacts to Rumors of His Departure
Liverpool fans worldwide are struggling to come to terms with the possibility of Trent Alexander-Arnold leaving the club. But for one young fan, the news has been particularly devastating. Isaac, a passionate seven-year-old Liverpool supporter, was left heartbroken when his parents spoke to him about Trent’s potential departure. According to his mother, the news hit him so hard that he cried himself to sleep.
Trent has been a hero to many young Liverpool fans, embodying loyalty, passion, and skill. For Isaac, the right-back represents everything he loves about the club. The thought of watching a Liverpool team without Trent is almost unthinkable for the young Red. His emotional reaction mirrors the sentiments of countless fans who have taken to social media, urging the club to do everything possible to keep their vice-captain.
Tears for Trent have not been limited to Isaac alone. Across social platforms, the hashtag #StayForIsaac has started gaining traction, with fans pleading for Trent to reconsider any plans of leaving. The young defender, who grew up as a Liverpool fan himself, surely understands the deep connection supporters like Isaac have with him.
As contract talks and transfer speculations continue, Isaac’s heartbreak is a reminder of the emotional impact football has on its youngest supporters. For now, his only hope—and that of many Liverpool fans—is that Trent stays and continues to make history at Anfield.
Isaac’s Mum Speaks on How He Copes with His Disability at Home – A Heartfelt Truth That Will Inspire You
When asked on Instagram how Isaac feels about his disability, his mum’s response was both touching and inspiring. In a world where differences are often highlighted, Isaac’s perspective on life stands as a powerful reminder that confidence and self-worth are not defined by physical limitations.
Isaac’s Mum Speaks
According to his mum, Isaac has no awareness of his disability. He sees himself just like any other child, playing, laughing, and interacting with his friends without a second thought about what sets him apart. “He honestly doesn’t see himself any different to his friends. And I love that, he’s so full of confidence,” she shared.
However, at home, moments arise when Isaac realizes his physical limitations—especially when compared to his little sister. While he is full of self-belief, there are times he gets frustrated because he can’t do as much physically. But in those moments, his sister steps in with unconditional love and support, always ready to help him in any way she can.
Isaac’s story is not just about coping with a disability; it’s about a mindset that many can learn from. His unwavering confidence, the love and support he receives from his family, and his ability to focus on what he can do rather than what he can’t is a lesson in resilience. His mum’s words remind us that disability does not define a person—attitude does.
Liverpool
Arne Slot may be making same mistake Jurgen Klopp publicly admitted to regretting as Liverpool manager
Harvey Elliott came off the bench to record an assist in the Carabao Cup final and may now be pushing for a starting berth.
Jurgen Klopp will not look back on his time at Liverpool ruing too many mistakes. Given what he built during his nine years as Anfield boss, why would he? Klopp arrived in October 2015 with the Reds little more than Premier League mid-table fodder. By the time he left, the club were back dining among the European gentry. Seven major trophies were added to the trophy cabinet. They included a sixth Champions League and a first league title in 30 years.
Klopp’s final season at supremo, at one stage, was on the verge of arguably being his best. Granted, Liverpool were not in Europe’s elite club competition but after beating Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final to win the competition for a record 10th time, the word quadruple started to be uttered.
How quickly things unravelled, though. Liverpool were dumped out of the Europa League after a damaging home defeat by Atalanta in the quarter-finals, while they lost to bitter rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup. In addition, the Reds could not keep strides with Manchester City and Arsenal as the title race turned towards the home straight. A draw against United before losses against Crystal Palace and fierce foes Everton meant Klopp’s side could not keep apace and the German would win a solitary piece of silverware in his final campaign.
Klopp’s regret
Klopp was contemplating why Liverpool’s form towards the business end of the season jettisoned. There’s no doubt that a busy fixture list and a squad that was made up of a brand-new midfield – with Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch all signed in the summer – were factors.
But by Klopp’s admission, he did not utilise Harvey Elliott more in the latter stages. The former Anfield boss said before a 3-3 draw which was his penultimate match in the dugout: “If I regret one thing a little bit it’s that Harvey didn’t play often enough maybe. It was in a very important and intense period. January, [with] a lot of injuries, he played really good, he was probably our best player, right-wing, right midfield, all these kind of things. Everybody came back and he had minutes here and there and then he didn’t start anymore. [He] came on [and had] a big impact but it’s really nice that he could show.”
Finding a regular starting berth for Elliott was tough for Klopp. Mo Salah was always the undisputed first choice on the right flank while Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister operated in the number-eight roles. As a result, Elliott was often used as an impact substitute. Still, after a goal and assist in a 4-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur, that was perhaps when Klopp realised the diminutive attacking midfielder should have been handed more chances.
After an assist in Liverpool’s Carabao Cup final defeat by Newcastle United last weekend, maybe Klopp’s successor Arne Slot will start to think the same. In truth, Elliott can have had few complaints about not playing too much in the Dutchman’s maiden campaign in the L4 hot seat. Liverpool are on track to be crowned Premier League champions as they sit 12 points clear with nine games remaining. In the top flight, Elliott has not featured from the outset once. Szoboszlai has chiefly been the No.10, with Curtis Jones also deployed in the role. That is despite Elliott believing it is where he thrives best.
It would be an almighty shock if Liverpool did not claim their 20th title given their advantage. But the past four games have made the finale more nervy than it perhaps should. The Reds were knocked out of the Champions League by the potential winners in Paris Saint-Germain. However, their performance in the first leg, despite earning a 1-0 smash-and-grab win, was well below par.
Recent impact
Their first-half display against a Southampton team that could genuinely go down as the worst in Premier League history was abject. Luckily, the calibre of opposition meant the game could be salvaged after the break. But the Newcastle loss was insipid. In truth, a 2-1 reverse flattered Slot’s men. They appeared fatigued mentally and physically and many agree it was not a short-term consequence of playing 120 minutes against PSG and losing on penalties.
Slot has been reluctant to rotate his team for much of the season. The Southampton game was a prime example as players such as Ryan Gravenberch and Ibrahima Konate started. Liverpool appear they may just get away with possibly the ex-Feyenoord’s only glaring mistake in his maiden campaign but they require a fillip after the international break.
Elliott underlined how much of a livewire he can be at Wembley. He made an impact and slipped in the clever through ball for Federico Chiesa’s equaliser. It was no surprise the England under-21 international made a difference.
Per Opta’s Matt Reid, in Elliott’s past 43 games, he ha started 16 times. In that period, he has scored seven goals and recorded assists – averaging a goal involvement every 97 minutes. In that period, he has scored against Tottenham, Manchester United Lille, PSV Eindhoven and PSG.
Elliott could scarcely bang on Slot’s door at the AXA Training Centre when Liverpool were on a rampant run of form. How could he make a case to feature ahead of Szoboszlai, Jones or Mac Allister? But now the Reds have lost two games in a row for the first time in Slot’s tenure, there is a genuine debate to be had.
That, of course, is it Elliott is fit enough to feature when Liverpool’s season recommences after the international break given he limped off the Wembley pitch following a heavy, unpunished challenge from Newcastle’s Joelinton.
If Elliott is available then he has every right to start clamouring to come into the starting XI against Everton in the Merseyside derby on April 2.
Liverpool
Liverpool fans are getting excited after hearing what world-class Netherlands international said to Ryan Gravenberch
An interaction between Ryan Gravenberch and his Netherlands teammate while on international duty has got people talking as Liverpool continue to be linked with the player.
Liverpool are preparing for an active summer transfer window, according to Sky reporter Florian Plettenberg, as Arne Slot looks to “reshape” his current squad with a number of departures and new signings.
Caoimhin Kelleher, Wataru Endo and Harvey Elliott are mentioned as potential departures alongside Federico Chiesa and Diogo Jota, while a host of talent have been tipped to join the Reds.
One of those players is highly-rated Bayer Leverkusen defender Jeremie Frimpong, the 24-year-old full-back who has established himself as a regular under Xabi Alonso at the BayArena.
In fact, the Reds are said to be in ‘regular contact’ with the £33 million-rated Netherlands international, according to German publication Sport Bild, after Slot spoke warmly of signing the player last summer.
Amid ongoing speculation around Frimpong’s future, a clip from the Netherlands camp ahead of their Nations League double-header against Spain has got people talking.
As you can see from the footage below, Frimpong delivered his best scouse accent as he welcomed Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch. He could be heard saying: ““You alright, la?”
Moments later, the full-back embraced Reds captain Virgil van Dijk.
Here’s how fans on social media reacted to the scenes.
One said: “Yeah he’s coming isn’t he,” while another commented: “Frimpong practicing his scouse accent for a summer move to Liverpool.”
A third wrote: “Either he’s signed for us or he’s absolutely taking the piss out of Liverpool,” and a fourth said: “If Trent leaves then we need to get him.”
A fifth added: “I can see the welcome video starting with this already.”
https://x.com/AnythingLFC_/status/1901942617086058920
Earlier this week, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano provided an update on Frimpong’s current situation as he continues to be linked with a summer move.
“Jeremie Frimpong remains one to watch in the summer, one more goal and assist performance on Sunday,” he wrote on X. “Dutch RB could leave Leverkusen in the summer with many clubs interested. The clause into his contract is worth fee around €40 million.”
As mentioned above, Frimpong is attracting interest from a number of clubs, including Manchester United, Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Liverpool
Liverpool star ‘bitterly disappointed’ after playing potential last game for club – rivals ready to swoop
Chelsea and AFC Bournemouth have been linked with Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.
Caoimhin Kelleher admitted he was ‘bitterly disappointed’ after Liverpool’s Carabao Cup loss against Newcastle United.
The Reds goalkeeper could not win the competition for a third time in his career after a 2-1 loss at Wembley. Kelleher was handed the gloves ahead of No.1 stopper Alisson Becker. He is Liverpool’s regular stopper in the Carabao Cup and was the match-winner in the 2022 final win on penalty shootouts over Chelsea and impressed in the 1-0 triumph against the same opposition two years later.
But Kelleher – and Liverpool – had to settle for runners-up medals. Newcastle were deserving of claiming their first trophy since 1955, with Dan Burn powering home a header in at the end of the first half before Alexander Isak doubling the advantage in the second period. Federico Chiesa bagged a consolation goal for Liverpool but it didn’t prove enough.
Reflecting on the game, Kelleher said via club’s website: “To be fair to Newcastle, I thought they deserved it, so fair play to them. We’re bitterly disappointed.
“It’s tough to take, obviously. I think we know ourselves we could perform better than that, which is probably that bit extra hard to take. To be fair to the lads, they gave everything, ran as hard as we could, but we just came up a bit short.
“We’ll believe right until the very end and it was a good goal to get us back into it and then anything can happen. But unfortunately we couldn’t get a second. To be fair to them, they closed out the game well. It’s obviously difficult when the ball is in the corner to take it out and then create a chance from there. To be fair to them, they closed it out well.”
Future uncertainty
Kelleher’s Wembley outing could well be his final Liverpool appearance. He has been at the Reds for the past 10 years after joining from Irish club Ringmahon Rangers aged 16. He graduated through the academy ranks before establishing himself as deputy to Alisson.
Kelleher has made a total of 66 appearances for Liverpool and has been highly impressive in the vast majority of those games. Former manager Jurgen Klopp labelled the Republic of Ireland international as the best No.2 in the word.
However, Kelleher has made it clear on several occasions that he wants to play week in, week out. That is something he has been denied at Liverpool because of Alisson’s ability, with the Brazilian regarded as the world’s best by many. Alisson is first choice in the Premier League and likely to start the remaining nine fixtures of the title push.
Kelleher is now aged 26 and his Anfield contract expires in June 2026. He will likely feel he is at the stage where his career needs to kickstart. In addition, Liverpool are signing Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia in the summer transfer window for a fee of £29 million to add to their goalkeeping department.
Speaking while on international duty last September, Kelleher said: “I’ve made it clear in the last few years that I want to go and be a number one and play week in, week out. The club’s made that decision to get another goalkeeper and from the outside looking in, it looks like they’ve made a decision to go in a different direction.
“Sometimes from the outside looking in, it looks like that’s 100% my decision but at times it’s not always in my hands. It’s been reported that Liverpool have rejected a few bids as well. My ambition is clear that I think I’m good enough and I want to go out and prove it.”
Kelleher has been linked with several clubs, with talkSPORT suggesting that AFC Bournemouth are leading the race. The Cherries currently have Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan from Chelsea. The London side have also been credited with an interest.
Liverpool
‘I understand’ – What Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk has told Ronald Koeman about his future
‘I understand’ – What Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk has told Ronald Koeman about his future
Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk is approaching the end of his current contract at Anfield with talks still not having resolved his future
Holland national team boss Ronald Koeman has claimed Virgil van Dijk expects to be playing at the highest level next season regardless of whether or not he leaves Liverpool.
Van Dijk is out of contract in three months and, with talks over a new deal having yet to reach a resolution, is at present set to exit Anfield in the summer on a free transfer despite having made clear he wants to extend a stay that began in January 2018.
But Koeman believes Van Dijk will be playing for a leading European team next term even if he departs the Reds.
“We’ll see what happens, and what I understand from Virgil is that he is still looking for the level he is at now.”
Van Dijk is currently with the Holland squad preparing for their two-legged UEFA Nations League quarter-final against Spain, which takes place on Thursday and Sunday.
As things stand, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold will also become free agents once their deals expire in the summer. Salah has stated his desire to stay with Alexander-Arnold is pondering an offer from European Super League advocates Real Madrid.
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