Liverpool
Man City handed Premier League title boost that Liverpool couldn’t avoid
Liverpool have lost key players at the start of 2024, like a number of Premier League clubs, but not Manchester City.
Liverpool are one of a number of Premier League sides to have been stung by the Africa Cup of Nations and Asian Cup this month.
After defeating Newcastle United on New Years’ Day, the Reds waved off Mohamed Salah and Wataru Endo as they prepare to compete for Egypt and Japan in the respective continental competitions.
“I said if I wish you good luck it would be a lie (laughs)!” Jurgen Klopp joked to reporters on Friday when discussing the absence of the pair. “No, I do obviously (wish them luck), but from a personal point of view I would be overly happy if they go out in the group stages but it is probably not possible.
“It’s fine, they can go and win it as well. So good luck, see you and come back healthy. That’s pretty much the words.”
The Asian Cup gets underway on Friday (January 12), with the Africa Cup of Nations following suit on Saturday (January 13) Their respective finals take place on Saturday 10 and Sunday, February 11.
Should Japan or Egypt reach either final, with both nations among the favourites for their respective tournaments, then Endo and Salah would be missing for Liverpool for at least eight matches after their team-mates progressed to the FA Cup fourth round with a magnificent 2-0 triumph at Arsenal on Sunday.
Realistically, the pair will miss at least four games. Starting with yesterday’s FA Cup third-round tie at Arsenal, the League Cup semi-final first leg against Fulham and Premier League trip to AFC Bournemouth both fall during the continental tournaments’ group-stages.
Meanwhile, Liverpool travel to Craven Cottage for the second leg of their semi-final with Fulham on Wednesday, January 24. Egypt’s final group game falls against Cape Verde on the night of Monday, January 23, while Japan takes on Indonesia on Wednesday, January 24.
Consequently, either player could technically return for the yet-to-be-decided FA Cup fourth-round tie over the weekend of January 27-8 or the Premier League visit of Chelsea to Anfield on Wednesday, January 31 if their nation suffered a shock group-stage exit. If not, participation in the round-of-16 overlaps that clash with the Londoners.
With the quarter-finals in both tournaments taking place on Friday 2 and Saturday, February 3, participation would likely rule out either player from travelling to Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday, February 4.
Should Endo and Japan reach the Asian Cup final, he will also miss the Reds’ home clash with Burnley on Saturday, February 10. Meanwhile, with the Africa Cup of Nations boasting a third place play-off, progression to the semi-finals for Egypt would ensure Salah also be absent against the Clarets.
Admittedly, it is not ideal for Klopp’s men considering the pair depart with Liverpool top of the Premier League and with one eye on a potential League Cup final. At least the German is confident his side can cope well enough without the duo, having seen their temporary departures coming well in advance.
Such progression in the League Cup also ensures that Endo and Salah are likely to miss more action than the majority of rival Premier League players. But that does not mean the Reds squad has been hit hardest.
Nottingham Forest will be without the most players in the English top-flight with six members of Nuno’s departing for the two continental competitions. Brentford and Wolves lose the services of four players, while Fulham are set to be without Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi and Fode Ballo-Toure when they take on Liverpool in the League Cup semi-finals. Tottenham Hotspur have also waved off three stars.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have seen Takehiro Tomiyasu and Mohamed Elneny depart, while Bournemouth will be without Dango Ouattara and Antoine Semenyo when they host Klopp’s side later this month. The Reds, Gunners and Cherries are three of seven Premier League sides to be left without two of their players.
Elsewhere, Nicholas Jackson is Chelsea’s solitary departee with the Londoners one of five clubs to wave off a single star.
Yet three clubs will not lose any players to mid-season international exploits over the next month – Burnley, Manchester City, and Newcastle United. The Clarets will only play five times during the duration of the tournament after being knocked out of the FA Cup by Tottenham at the third round-stage on Friday, while the Magpies are due to take to the field for a sixth time after defeating Sunderland to reach the fourth round on Saturday. City, too, have progressed, after sweeping aside Huddersfield Town 5-0 on Sunday.
And in the case of City especially, the lack of mid-season international absentees is a certain boost as they look to make up ground on Liverpool in the Premier League title race. Currently boasting a game in hand following their participation in last month’s FIFA Club World Cup, they sit currently third in the table and are five points behind the Reds.
In a curious quirk of the Premier League fixture list, their next two outings actually come against the two sides who also haven’t lost players to AFCON or Asian Cup duty. They travel to Newcastle on Saturday, January 13 before hosting Burnley on Wednesday, January 31.
City then travel to Brentford on Monday, February 5, before hosting Everton in the early kick-off on Saturday, February 10, the same weekend of the respective international tournaments’ finals.
Having won six of their seven matches, drawing the other, when without the services of players due to African Cup of Nations duty back in 2022, Klopp will be hopeful that his side are capable of coping just as sufficiently without Salah and Endo this time around.
Admittedly, league meetings with the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal without the pair are perhaps more intimidating than when facing Brentford, Crystal Palace and Leicester City two years ago.
And with Liverpool a side who have missed out on the Premier League title by a solitary point to Man City on two separate occasions in recent years, the Reds are well aware how much the small margins can make a difference.
Having not been stung by international exploits, Guardiola’s ranks have been handed a boost in contrast to their fiercest title rivals. Klopp will be left hoping it doesn’t prove decisive come May.
Liverpool
Liverpool player ratings as Peter Crouch, Steven Gerrard and one more superb for Legends
Player ratings from Theo Squires after Liverpool’s clash with Chelsea in the Legends Charity game.
Peter Crouch marked his Liverpool Legends debut with a brace off the bench as the Reds clinched a deserved 2-0 victory over Chelsea at Anfield in the annual LFC Foundation match on Saturday.
The striker brought back the robot celebration in front of the Kop after heading home Florent Sinama-Pongolle’s cross, before lobbing Rob Green after bringing down Mark Gonzalez’s cross to the far post.
He was not the only star player for the Reds though against their familiar foes, with the likes of Steven Gerrard and Martin Kelly – also making his Legends debut – catching the eye back at Anfield. The ECHO was in attendance at the game to provide the player ‘ratings’ on a day to remember.
Jerzy Dudek
Unfortunate to see his afternoon come to a premature end after hurting his foot when Hasselbaink attempted to block his kick. Given a standing ovation.
Martin Kelly
One of the youngest members of the squad, he impressed on his Legends debut. Got forward well down the right-hand side and whipped in a couple of dangerous crosses. Unlucky not to score when dragging just wide on the stroke of half-time. Switched to centre-back at half-time, but that didn’t stop him getting forward when possible. Has he even officially retired? Completed the full 90. Still only 34 years old, could do a job in the Football League.
Igor Biscan
Played in a back three rather than his traditional midfield role. Defended well to help starve Hasselbaink of service before being withdrawn at half-time.
Sami Hyypia
Unlucky not to open the scoring when he headed narrowly wide from a Gerrard cross. Dealt well with Hasselbaink, putting in one vital interception.
Ragnar Klavan
Important block on Hasselbaink when the Dutchman looked to get behind the defence. The first Klopp legend, wasn’t shy getting forward but moved to the centre of defence after the break. Volleyed over in the second half. Only recently retired, completed the full 90 minutes.
Gregory Vignal
Scored in last year’s Legends match and unfortunate not to again when one powerful strike was inadvertently blocked by Babel. Like Kelly on the other flank, also got forward well to offer width from outwide.
Jay Spearing
Tested Cudicini with an early strike from distance. Flew into a number of challenges, annoying Wise in the process at one point. Linked up well with Gerrard. Subbed at half-time before he earned the further wrath of Chelsea and the officials! Then brought back on in place of Riera.
Momo Sissoko
Passed it around well in a deeper midfield role alongside Spearing before being subbed shortly after the half-hour mark.
Steven Gerrard
Initially given a free-role in midfield, the Liverpool captain was popping up everywhere in the first half. At the heart of everything from the Reds. Dropped deeper after Sissoko’s withdrawal. Urged to shoot by the crowd on multiple occasions, but wouldn’t go in for him. Shot high and wide from range and scuff a chance after combining with Benayoun in the box. As he always does, completed the full 90.
Dirk Kuyt
Linked up well with Gerrard and Babel in attack as Liverpool looked to hit Chelsea on the counter. Had Bosingwa to curse for being denied a one v one chance before being subbed at the break. Came back on late on in place of Cisse.
Ryan Babel
Inadvertently blocked Vignal’s goalbound strike from invoking his inner-Xabi Alonso and trying to score from inside his own half. Used his pace well down the left and created one good chance for Kelly.
SUBS
Sander Westerveld (On for Dudek, 18)
Got down well to deny Hasselbaink with a low save from a fierce free-kick. Even better save to tip over Huth’s header.
Natasha Dowie (On for Sissoko, 33)
Wasted no time in making her presence felt and wasn’t shut getting stuck in. Took out Claude Makelele before earning cheers for tracking back and stealing the ball from Ramires. A fan-favourite!
Fabio Aurelio (On for Hyypia, 46)
Playing in a back three this year rather than wing-back. Fired one free-kick narrowly over the bar, beating Gerrard to take it, before putting in a vital tackle on Ramires in his own box moments later.
Mark Gonzalez (On for Vignal, 46)
Kept up his remarkable goals contribution record in Legends matches with a beautiful assist for Crouch’s second, crossing to the far post. Volleyed wide first time from a Sinama-Pongolle cross.
Yossi Benayoun (On for Spearing, 46)
Grew in influence as the second half wore on, gliding forward and linking up well with his team-mates. Gerrard should have done better from his cutback, while Aurelio didn’t connect properly with a dinked pass. Showed true colours by only representing Liverpool in this clash between his two former clubs!
Albert Riera (On for Dowie, 46)
Saw a lot of the ball down the left and put in a great cross for Cisse, which the Frenchman should have done better with. Replaced shortly after the hour-mark as Spearing came back on.
Florent Sinama-Pongolle (On for Biscan, 46)
Right wing-back is a new position for the Frenchman! Great cross from the right to set up Crouch. Was not his only dangerous cross either.
Djibril Cisse (On for Kuyt, 46)
Headed just wide from Riera’s cross. Showed good movement in the box, but was unable to carve out another shooting opportunity as Crouch stole the limelight. Kuyt came back on in his place late on.
Peter Crouch (On for Babel, 46)
Marked his Legends debut with a goal as he leapt highest to connect with Sinama-Pongolle’s cross. Celebrated with the robot in front of the Kop. A very popular goalscorer! Then scored a second with an even better finish, lobbing Green at the far post after bringing down Gonzalez’s cross.
David James (On for Westerveld, 63)
Had next to nothing to do as Chelsea failed to threaten the Liverpool goal for the majority before Ramires shot tamely at him. The dream scenario for a Legends goalkeeper!
Liverpool
Isaac’s Family Reacts to Concerns About Their Son, the Biggest Liverpool Fan
Isaac’s Family Reacts to Concerns About Their Son, the Biggest Liverpool Fan
“I was worried about putting out the wrong message to other families that it’s all very positive when the reality is that we are dealing with another side behind closed doors,” Melissa said.”
The New York Times hosted Isaac’s family to find out how the family is faring, especially as it matters to their son, who is currently the fans favorite for the Liverpool family and the world at large.
According to Isaac’s dad, Alan:
“I’ve never felt more positive about things with him doing so well. We’re just so proud of him. He’s taken everything in his stride.
“Isaac spent his first ten (10) nights in intensive care at Liverpool Women’s Hospital. He was having seizures, and we were scared he wasn’t going to survive.
But God has been faithful since then; he hasn’t had seizures since then. He does not also complain about anything. He always gets on and continues his life.
Alan revealed that their son had to have open-heart surgery at Alder Hey during his fourth birthday. It was diagnosed that there were a couple of holes in his heart that weren’t small to overlook, and that called for the need to operate on him. It was a very scary decision for the family; the operation was done, and he bounced back so quickly. They still go to Alder Hey regularly for checkups.
According to Isaac’s family, “He watches that video of him meeting the players every day, sometimes all day. He will say, ‘Mum, look, here’s me on YouTube!’.
About what he does aside from watching himself online, they added: “If he’s not watching a Liverpool game, he’s playing as Liverpool on his computer or watching Liverpool YouTube videos.”
Alan Said:
“He loves what I love. Liverpool is his life and brings him so much joy.”
The family also announced that they are expecting a new baby soon. So Isaac will have a new sibling later this year. Whatever the future holds, they pray God will lead them right, and they will have to embrace it together as one family.
Isaac’s Family Reacts to Concerns.
The Isaac family further expressed concerns on the status of their son and how it matters to the family of four with one on the way.
“I get messages saying, ‘Do you know what Isaac’s life span is going to be?’. No, I don’t want to know. Don’t come at me with that negative energy. None of us know how long our lifespan is going to be.
All we have to do is keep a positive energy; Isaac will surely survive and tell his story as a full-grown adult. God is in control.
“I’ve never felt more positive about things with him doing so well. We’re just so proud of him. He’s taken everything in his stride.
‘People ask us, ‘Aren’t you worried it’s too much for him?’. But honestly, he’s just living his best life.”
Isaac has low muscle tone, so even to this day, he struggles to walk upstairs, and he can’t walk very far. Most times, he relies on his mom and his dad for most things. Melissa says she knows people don’t really see that side of Isaac, because he’s just so positive. Whenever he is at home in need of physical care or anything like that, he always relies on his parents for them.
Isaac finds it hard to pull his own socks off from his feet because he’s just that weak. He is struggling, and he will win one day.
He has delayed growth when compared to other children of his age, in her words.
Isaac was born with a rare genetic condition from childhood. Before Isaac was born, during the antenatal stage of Melissa’s pregnancy. It was discovered by the doctors that Isaac had a medical syndrome known as Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome. Typically, people with this health disorder have difficulty in seeing; most of them cannot hear or talk, not to mention walking in the future after birth.
The little lad has undergone a series of operations to get better; he has had open-heart surgery. And in all of this, Isaac, the Liverpool fan, doesn’t let it get him down; he is good at bouncing back and playing what he loves best.
Before the visit, Isaac had been making use of plush toys of Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk in school and everywhere around him. Salah and Van Dijk were the players who came to pay him a surprise visit at a class.
In all of these, Isaac is still the happy and positive hero. He is so funny and is full of life. You must have noticed that he is kind of cheeky; that’s not a filter; he’s just the cheekiest little boy you’ll ever meet.
Liverpool
“7-Year-Old Superstar Steals the Show at Porthmadog – You Won’t Believe His Story!”
“7-Year-Old Superstar Steals the Show at Porthmadog – You Won’t Believe His Story!”
Saturday was no ordinary day at Traeth Stadium as Porthmadog FC had the immense honor of welcoming their very special guest, Isaac Kearney.
In their invitation, Porthmadog FC referred to him as “the man himself,” and it’s easy to see why. At just seven years old, Isaac is already a well-known personality, capturing hearts across social media with his infectious love for football. He stole the show as Porthmadog faced Llangefni Town, bringing an energy that electrified the stadium.
A Rising Star with a Global Audience
Isaac has skyrocketed to online fame, amassing an incredible 1.8 million followers. His viral video, featuring an unforgettable moment with his Anfield idols Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, has been viewed an astonishing 120 million times worldwide. This young Liverpool superfan has become an internet sensation, inspiring fans far beyond Merseyside.
More Than Just a Football Fan
Isaac’s story is not just about football; it carries an inspiring message of resilience and positivity. He was born with Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects growth and development. But instead of letting his condition define him, Isaac has become a beacon of hope, proving that nothing can hold back his love for life and the beautiful game.
Changing Perceptions and Inspiring Millions
Beyond his social media success, Isaac’s journey is making a real impact. His mother, Melissa, takes immense pride in how his growing online presence has helped raise awareness about Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome. His story is shifting perceptions, breaking barriers, and showing the world that every child, no matter their challenges, deserves to dream big.
A Day to Remember at Porthmadog FC
Isaac’s visit to Porthmadog FC was yet another milestone in his incredible journey. His enthusiasm lit up the stadium, and his presence left an unforgettable mark on players and fans alike. With his boundless energy and unstoppable spirit, Isaac Kearney continues to prove that no obstacle is too great to overcome.
As he left the pitch, one thing was clear—this young Liverpool fan is not just stealing the show; he’s winning hearts everywhere he goes.
Liverpool
‘The ball doesn’t want to go in’ – Nunez feels goal drought down to ‘bad luck’

‘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.
Liverpool
Tears for Trent: Young Liverpool Fan Isaac Reacts to Rumors of His Departure
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.
Liverpool
Isaac’s Mum Speaks on How He Copes with His Disability at Home
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.
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