Liverpool
Liverpool just showed new dimension in 3.9 seconds as best Ryan Gravenberch weapon set to emerge
Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, a $43m summer signing from Bayern Munich, made his full Anfield debut for his new club against Leicester on Wednesday night.
“As the gaffer says, the best playmaker in the world is counter-pressing,” Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders pointed out in his pre-match press conference ahead of his side’s Carabao Cup third clash with Leicester.
Liverpool knew that Enzo Maresca, the former Manchester City assistant who has taken charge of Leicester and steered it to the top of the Championship following its shock relegation, would be brave in his approach at Anfield. And sure enough, the Foxes looked to play out from the back with almost every goal kick, prompting a torrent of Liverpool pressure.
Leicester would turn the ball over twice in its own penalty area, and twice more just on the edge. Liverpool intercepted the ball in advanced positions on five occasions, and made three successful tackles deep into enemy territory.
In the build-up to all three of its goals, the host won it back soon after losing it. Most notably, Harvey Elliott raced back to make a sliding challenge after Dominik Szoboszlai’s loose pass, and the ball looped out to Jarell Quansah, who charged down the line and teed up Diogo Jota with his cut-back. Watching on from the sidelines, Jürgen Klopp would have been delighted.
Another playmaker in action for the Reds, this time at the individual level, was Ryan Gravenberch. The Dutchman set up the equalizer for Cody Gakpo for his second assist in as many starts, a tally only one Reds midfielder — Jordan Henderson (three) — surpassed in the entirety of last season.
It was truly something out of nothing, the kind of low-block lock-picking that none of last season’s midfielders, with the possible exception of Thiago, could consistently produce in the final third.
And yet still, much like last week against LASK in the Europa League, you’re left with the feeling that there’s more to come despite the assist.
There was a spell in the 10 or so minutes before half-time where Liverpool was struggling to build up from the back, knocking it around among the defenders without making any real progress up the pitch. This was when you wanted to see someone like Gravenberch take a grip of the game by offering himself as a passing option.
After all, as we’d seen at his previous clubs and indeed against LASK, his press resistance is his biggest weapon. He’s able to instantly turn away from his marker as he takes the ball, which opens up space to run into and facilitates dangerous attacks.
But here, he was a little hesitant to stray from his left-sided number eight position to find room, and that meant the weapon was concealed by the compact Leicester shape.
Still, when he can combine the ball progression from deeper areas and the killer final-third passing in a sustained 90-minute performance, it’s clear that Liverpool will have a serious player on its hands.
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.
Liverpool
Liverpool star ‘won’t play for the club again’ after defeat to Newcastle with sensational move lined up
Liverpool star ‘won’t play for the club again’ after defeat to Newcastle with sensational move lined up
The star player has been linked with a massive move away when the transfer window opens.
A top Liverpool star may never play for the club again following the brutal 2-1 loss to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final.
On Sunday, Newcastle United secured their first trophy 70 years after dominating Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, winning the game 2-1.
The disappointing result comes just days after Arne Slot’s side crashed out of the Champions League after being knocked out by Paris Saint-Germain following a penalty shootout in the second leg of their round of 16 clash at Anfield.
And in the wake of the match, it appears that one star player may never represent the club again, as rumours of an massive move in the summer have emerged.
As is customary in the domestic cup competitions, second goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher started in between the sticks for Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final, but was unable to do much to step Dan Burn and Alexander Isak from sealing the win for the Magpies.
With Liverpool also out of the FA Cup, it’s likely that the Irishman may not play another game for the Reds this season, with first-choice keeper Alisson Becker the favourite to start as Liverpool hope to secure the Premier League title.
Liverpool have just nine matches left this season, and with it looking like Kelleher will leave the club in the summer, it seems increasingly likely that Sunday’s loss to Newcastle could end up being the 26-year-old’s final game in red.
Should the Irish international decide to leave in the summer, then a recent report from The Sun has claimed that Bournemouth have emerged as the favourites to secure his signature.
The Cherries are said to be confident about getting the deal over the line as they look to replace current keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga when he returns to Chelsea at the end of his loan spell.
However, with Chelsea, Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur also reportedly interested in Kelleher, it’s possible that Liverpool could receive bids from several sides within the Premier League for their star keeper.
Should bids come in and Kelleher express a desire to move on from Anfield, then it is believed that Liverpool will allow him to leave ahead of with Giorgi Mamardashvili’s imminent arrival.
Explaining why Kelleher was handed a start at Wembley, Liverpool boss Slot said: “It wasn’t difficult.
“That was Jaros when Caoimhin was the No.1. Caoimhin has always done so well so deserves to play in this one.”
Liverpool
Arne Slot shows his true colours as fans spot what he did immediately after Carabao Cup final defeat
Arne Slot shows his true colours as fans spot what he did immediately after Carabao Cup final defeat.
He may have been left disappointed by his side’s lacklustre performance in the Carabao Cup final, but Arne Slot showed his class after Newcastle ended a 70-year wait for domestic silverware.
Slot missed out on winning his first trophy as Liverpool manager on Sunday afternoon as Eddie Howe’s Newcastle defied the odds to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory.
It was ultimately another frustrating result for the Premier League leaders, but after the full-time whistle at Wembley, Slot was full of praise for the Carabao Cup winners in his post-match comments.
“It is 70 years since they last won a trophy but that is for the fans,” he said. “The players have 15 years to play football and they want to win every single trophy they play for and that is what we also want.”
Slot added: “They got some extra energy with the goal which they probably deserved so I don’t think there was more hunger for them. The game went the way they wanted it to.”
The former Feyenoord boss was also magnanimous in defeat during Newcastle’s post-match celebrations. On the touchline, he could be seen giving every Newcastle player a hand-slap as they walked past him to receive their medals.
It was a gesture that was praised by many on social media.
One fan said: “Absolutely sensational. Just shows you the character of him, very unique. He also gave full credit to Newcastle in his interview that they simply outplayed his team.”
A second wrote: “He’s a classy operator, Reds are lucky to have him,” while a third commented: “He’s a classy guy to be fair.”
A fourth said: “True sportsmanship and a gent,” and a fifth added: “Great sportsmanship, a little respect goes a long way.”
Speaking in his post-match interview, Slot gave a further insight into Liverpool’s defeat. “A disappointing result and a disappointing performance,” he began.
“It’s completely different to how I felt after the Paris Saint-Germain game. Losing two games in a row is something we’ve done probably for the first time, but it probably comes with being in the latter stages of competitions.
“Even Liverpool can lose football games. We were outplayed, in their style. Today it wasn’t about running; it was more about duels.”
He added: “This game went exactly the way they wanted it to, with a lot of fight and a lot of duels. This game had no intensity, so you cannot even judge if we were tired physically. There was nothing to press because they played over our press. The game was slow.”
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