For the best part of 20 years, Lionel Messi has been the best player in the world. The likes of Luis Suarez, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Robert Lewandowski and even Gareth Bale have all been in contention for the second-best player in the world title at various times, but they’ve never eclipsed the Argentine maestro,...
For the past six seasons Roberto Firmino has been able to make the false nice position his own. His understanding of the position, its intricacies and work rate requirements have made the role very specific, and his off ball work has always been commended. His value has a goal threat has not always been...
Caoimhin Kelleher - 7.0
A solid display for Alisson’s deputy. Calm and assured, and the fear of Adrián having to fill in is now behind us. Great late stop, and after a relatively uneventful match, this trait of maintaining concentration is a very good sign.
Trent Alexander Arnold - 7.5
A welcome return for the tremendously gifted...
As Liverpool close in on another painful transfer window, Michael Edwards must soon decide how he is to engage in what could be his final dealings as Liverpool’s Sporting Director. Since FSG installed Michael Edwards into his role, he has had a near faultless record in being able to recruit undervalued players, thus allowing...
Ousmane Dembele might soon join the likes of Arda Turan and Simao as players forever linked with Liverpool who never actually made the move to Merseyside. The French winger is yet again being linked with a move to Anfield with his Barcelona deal set to expire at the end of the season.Â
The 24-year-old was...
The summer window is now gone, and the next two windows will require some short and long term thought, with many areas now requiring you attention. Where the defence was strengthened (in the form of giant Ibrahima Konate), we are now witnessing a midfield dilemma, one that should have been avoided. The process of...
History points to certain English teams as bonafide football royalty. Over the last three decades (of the Premier League), Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool have been the major players, later been joined on the top table by Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester City in recent years. New money started to infiltrate English football shortly after...
Now and again an opposing side can cause such a stir it has the manager (on the receiving end) look deeply into said team, and more importantly their players. I wrote about the RB Salzburg tie from a few years back and how the intelligence, elegance and work rate of a certain Takumi Minamino,...
I wrote some words a few weeks back about how Liverpool could replace Jürgen Klopp, and I mentioned the likes of Marco Rose, Julian Nagelsmann and even Mauricio Pochettino as possible appointments. There was one name that I considered, but dismissed due to his current employment status. However upon brief reflection (and due to...
Since Pepe Reina best days as Liverpool’s stopper, the goalkeeping situation at Anfield has been inconsistent at best. The signing of Simon Mignolet (as Reina’s replacement), wasn’t entirely dissimilar to Arsenal’s recent acquisition of Aaron Ramsdale. Very busy keepers will always have highlight moments due to the pressure their team is put under, and...
