Tag: liverpool news

Arsenal and Man City outperformed by rival as stats reveal Europe’s top teams

A new Premier League manager has been given a glowing endorsement amid a strong start to the season.

Fabian Hurzeler, Enzo Maresca and Arne Slot are all brand new managerial presences this season in the English top flight.

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Slot has enjoyed a strong start to life at PalaceCredit: AFP

But only one has had their team been ranked as one of the top five highest rated teams across Europe.

That would be Slot’s Liverpool who, according to statistics site WhoScored, are the second-highest rated team among Europe’s top five leagues this season.

WhoScored gave Slot’s side a score of 7.04, with only Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich rated ahead of them at 7.11.

Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid round out the top five.

The scores are calculated from a detailed and lengthy list of attacking and defensive metrics.

Liverpool’s placing on the list may come as a surprise, especially since Manchester City have had a better start to the season.

Pep Guardiola’s side are in first on the ladder with four wins and one draw, while Liverpool hold the same amount of wins but lost to Nottingham Forest.

Liverpool have also had a reasonably kind run of league fixtures, having played Ipswich Town, Brentford, Forest, Bournemouth and Manchester United.

As for City, who are seventh on WhoScored’s list with a rating of 6.92, they have faced Chelsea, Ipswich, West Ham, Brentford and Arsenal.

The Gunners are one spot behind City on WhoScored’s ratings list.

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Slot has Liverpool sitting second in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty

Slot’s bright start to life at Anfield is all the more impressive given he succeeded legendary manager Jurgen Klopp, who spent nearly nine years at the helm.

Liverpool won eight trophies under Klopp, including the Premier League, the Champions League and the FA Cup.

Granted, Slot’s tenure at the club is in its infancy, but his small tweaks have already helped some individuals unlock new levels.

Henry Winter Praises Ryan Gravenberch And Arne Slot For Solving Liverpool’s Midfield Issues

One player who has found a new lease of life under the Dutchman is midfielder Ryan Gravenberch.

Gravenberch has started every league game this season and was also named the Player of the Match for his performance in Liverpool’s 3-1 win over AC Milan in the Champions League.

Colombian winger Luis Diaz is another who has benefitted from Slot’s style and has scored five goals in as many league games.

Operating on the left flank, Diaz’s goal haul is second to only Erling Haaland in the Premier League golden boot race.

Slot and Liverpool will aim to solidify their credentials as one of Europe’s most impressive teams when they travel to Molineux on Saturday evening to take on last-placed Wolves

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September 26, 2024
Trent Alexander-Arnold admits making ‘harsh’ agreement with Arne Slot

Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold has labelled the perception he’s a better attacker than he is a defender as ‘harsh’.

Alexander-Arnold has evolved from a right-back into a quasi-midfielder, such is his all-encompassing role on the pitch.

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Alexander-Arnold has enjoyed a strong start to the season with LiverpoolCredit: Getty

The 25-year-old’s set pieces have also proved to be particularly deadly, whipping in dangerous free kicks that leave opposition backlines panicking.

He also racked up his 100th goal involvement for the Reds on Saturday when he assisted Luis Diaz’s second goal against Bournemouth en route to a 3-0 victory at Anfield.

Despite his playmaking proficiencies, Alexander-Arnold has come in for criticism over the years regarding his defensive shortcomings.

In March 2023, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher went as far as questioning if the right-back will ever be a competent defender.

“We all know his defending isn’t good enough,” Carragher told CBS.

“I don’t think it will ever be good enough. We’re talking about a player who’s played 260 games. It’s not going to massively improve now.”

Carragher also said when Liverpool are forced to defend more than attack, Alexander-Arnold’s ‘worst traits’ are on full show.

However, the right-back felt it was slightly unwarranted, especially since he has been a big part of a defensive unit that has shipped just one goal in the Premier League from five games this season.

“I think that perception was perhaps harsh,” Alexander-Arnold said.

“It was a big perception and it was hard to shrug off with just one good defensive game. But we have had four out of five clean sheets. That is exceptional from a backline.

Graeme Souness believes Mo Salah and Virgil Van Dijk will have their eyes on a ‘big pay day’ move to Saudi Arabia

“Defence wins championships, that’s the old saying, and being part of that defence means I have responsibilities to make sure my winger doesn’t get a sniff.

“I lay targets for every game which is how many times am I dribbled past, how many times does he get a cross, how many times [he takes] a shot.”

Part of Alexander-Arnold’s defensive improvement is down to a conversation he had with new Liverpool boss Arne Slot.

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Alexander-Arnold requested Slot to be harsh on him

Despite the daunting task of taking over from the enigmatic Jurgen Klopp, Slot has hit the ground running and has won four out of five Premier League fixtures.

He has also adopted a more possession-focused style of play to build on the foundations established by Klopp and his gegenpressing tactics.

Alexander-Arnold requested Slot take a no-holds-barred approach with critiquing his game, a move the 25-year-old has found ‘really refreshing’.

“We talked about targets and aims and I said to him that I would like to be the defender that no-one wants to come up against in Europe,” Alexander-Arnold said.

“We agreed that he will be harsh on me. Any time an attacker gets past me he will call it out in meetings and individual meetings and say this cannot happen.

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Alexander-Arnold and Slot hold several meetings to go through where he can improveCredit: Getty

“We go through every game together, our highlights and where he wants me to improve. Even the Milan game, we had about 20 clips going through what I could have done better and the good parts as well.

“It is really refreshing to have a manager who will help and guide and teach me how to be better.

“I am someone who wants to learn, someone who strives to be the best ever.”

Given Liverpool’s defensive record under Slot this season, it is evident the Dutchman’s advice for Alexander-Arnold has proved to be quite useful.

The Reds will hope to keep another clean sheet when they welcome West Ham to Anfield on Wednesday in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

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September 23, 2024
Liverpool star’s dad rules out Real Madrid switch – but hints at future transfer

Alexis Mac Allister has recently been linked with a move to Real Madrid but the Argentine will remain at Liverpool… for now.

That’s the view of the midfielder’s father, who discussed his son’s future at Anfield following his switch to Merseyside last summer.

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Alexis MacAllister has quickly become a fan favourite at Anfield after a string of fine displaysCredit: Getty

Liverpool paid Brighton a bargain £35million for the World Cup winner after activating his release clause.

Mac Allister went on to post an impressive debut season with the Reds, helping his side lift the Carabao Cup and book their return to the Champions League.

The 25-year-old is no stranger to trophies after lifting the World Cup in 2022 and more recently, the Copa America.

His exploits has attracted the attention of LaLiga champions Real Madrid, however, father Carlos has allayed Liverpool’s supporters fears by claiming the star will remain at Anfield… for the time being.

“Alexis is performing very well at Liverpool, and this is the important thing to say at the moment,” Mac Allister’s father told Egyptian site, MSR.

“There are no negotiations from Real Madrid with Alexis, and the player will continue with Liverpool next season.

“If future offers arrive to sign Alexis, we will discuss them with Liverpool’s management first.”

Mac Allister openly spoke of his happiness at Liverpool after news of Real Madrid’s reported interest became clear.

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Mac Allister opted for the number 10 shirt at Liverpool after securing a £35m switch from Brighton last summerCredit: Getty

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He played a key role in Argentina’s latest Copa America triumph last weekendCredit: Getty

Speaking to Argentine broadcaster TyC Sports, he said: “Everything works well, it is not a club with big egos and everyone tries to help you as much as they can.

“On the field everything is different, because everything can be very nice outside, but you have to perform on the inside. I have had to play in various positions and I enjoyed it a lot. I am happy to be in a club as big as Liverpool.”

Liverpool Sporting Director Richard Hughes gives transfer window prediction during Arne Slot’s first press conference

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July 19, 2024
Klopp takes up new Liverpool role two months after quitting as manager

Jurgen Klopp has continued his ties with Liverpool after accepting to become honorary ambassador for the club’s charity, the LFC Foundation.

Klopp brought the curtain down on his nine-year tenure as Liverpool boss in May having guided the Reds to the Premier League title, Champions League and FA Cup.

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Klopp will take up a new position with the LFC FoundationCredit: Getty

Dutchman Arne Slot was brought in to replace the German ahead of the coming season with Klopp deciding to take a well-earned sabbatical from football.

Although no longer a part of the management team at Anfield, Liverpool are keen to maintain links with Klopp who was an advocate of the LFC Foundation during his time at the club.

He was involved in a number of events in support of the charity, including meet and greets at the club’s training ground and attending events to raise funds.

Speaking about his new role, Klopp said: “The LFC Foundation does an incredible job in the community, both in the Liverpool city region and beyond.

“I’m really proud to continue my work with them and be named the first-ever LFC Foundation honorary ambassador. “I look forward to seeing what we can do with that now that I have more time on my hands.”

Matt Parish, CEO of the LFC Foundation, expressed his happiness at Klopp’s continuing link to the Merseyside club.

“We’re delighted Jurgen is continuing his support of the Foundation as our first honorary ambassador,” he said.

“Having his support has been priceless for us over the years and to have that continue is fantastic and highlights his commitment to the Foundation and the work that we continue to do across the Liverpool city region.

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Klopp led Liverpool to their sixth Champions League success in 2019Credit: getty

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Former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson sat in the iconic Anfield dugout, after an invitation from Liverpool for their charity match against Ajax in MarchCredit: Getty

“Jurgen’s love and passion for the city has been clear throughout his time at the club and it can only benefit us having his support and his voice championing the work that we do moving forward.”

The LFC Foundation has provided over £65million in health benefits and delivered in excess of £16m to the local economy.

German pundit and ex-Chelsea player Sebastian Kneissl discusses whether Jurgen Klopp would replace Gareth Southgate as England boss

Liverpool’s annual legends game also sees proceeds go to the Foundation with this year’s fixtures against Ajax – where former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson was manager – raising a record amount of £1.2m.

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July 12, 2024
Alan Hansen discharged from hospital as recovery continues from illness

Liverpool have confirmed club legend Alan Hansen has been discharged from hospital.

The Anfield great was admitted to hospital after falling ‘seriously ill’ earlier this month.

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The 69-year-old enjoyed an 18-year playing career as well as a successful punditry careerCredit: Getty

There is positive news, however, as his former club confirmed the decorated former defender is now out of hospital and his recovery is continuing at home.

The club posted a message on behalf of the Hansen family that read: “Alan has been discharged from hospital today to continue his recovery at home.

“Alan, Janet, Adam, Lucy and family would like to thank everybody for their wonderful messages of love and support. It has been overwhelming and has helped enormously.”

Graeme Souness revealed on talkSPORT this week that there was positive news with Hansen and that he was on his way to making a recovery.

He told White & Jordan on talkSPORT: he sounded fabulous, so I hope he’s on the way to a full recovery.

“He’s definitely on the way back because he did nothing but take the mick out of me, so he’s definitely on the way back.”

Souness added: “I was speaking to his son [Adam] and his Janet his wife, and I’d been phoning his [Hansen’s] phone number.

“I get on the train yesterday and I’m looking for my seat, and my phone rang and I could see it was Big Al.

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Hansen won plenty of trophies while at LiverpoolCredit: Getty Images – Getty

“I’m thinking, ‘Oh. I don’t want to answer that,’ so I sat down and then I got the courage to phone back and he answered the phone.

“He’s been in a difficult place, but the way he sounded yesterday, he’s back, and I hope I’m right.”

Hansen played a key role in Liverpool’s success in the late 70s and 80s under Bob Paisley, which is the golden era in the club’s history.

He was given the role of club captain after Kenny Dalglish replaced Joe Fagan as manager in 1985, a role Hansen had for five years.

He represented his native Scotland on 26 occasions.

As well as being a hugely successful player, Hansen is also well known for his sports broadcasting career after retiring from football having worked for the BBC for 22 years.

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June 23, 2024
Klopp fought back tears and had to stop interview with legends after title win

Jurgen Klopp left an interview with three Liverpool legends in tears after guiding the club to the Premier League title in 2020.

Klopp’s Reds romped to the championship in style during the Covid-disrupted season, finishing a whopping 18 points ahead of runners-up Manchester City.

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Liverpool only lost one league match in the season they became Premier League championsCredit: getty

It was Liverpool’s 19th top-flight title overall, their first for 30 years and first of the Premier League era, which was confirmed after City were beaten 2-1 by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

After sealing the title, Klopp joined Liverpool greats Kenny Dalglish, Phil Thompson and Graeme Souness via video call from a hotel where he and his players gathered to watch the match.

Klopp kitted himself out for the occasion wearing a Liverpool shirt and fought back the tears as the interview drew to a close.

“I have no real words. I never would have thought I would feel like this,” Klopp told Sky Sports.

He continued: “I’m completely overwhelmed. It’s just… I’m sorry gentlemen,” before quickly leaving the live broadcast.

During the interview, Klopp paid tribute to some of the club’s legendary figures who had paved the way for their most recent title success.

The German reserved a special shout out for Dalglish and former captain Steven Gerrard who was unable to lead the Reds to title glory during his 17-year career at the club.

Klopp said: “This is for Kenny, you had to wait. Stevie, you too. I know how much this means to everyone.”

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Klopp joined three Liverpool legends live on air just moments after sealing the titleCredit: sky sports

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Klopp was overcome with emotion during the live broadcastCredit: sky sports

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But it all became too much and the German quickly left the interviewCredit: sky sports

The 2020 title win was tinged with slight disappointment in that fans were unable to enter stadiums across the country due to a nationwide lockdown.

Liverpool’s players lifted the title at Anfield’s Kop end while fans gathered outside the stadium to celebrate the feat.

Jurgen Klopp recalls ‘bursting into tears’ reading fan letters in emotional final press conference

Klopp came close to repeating the title success in 2022, taking Man City to the final day of the season in a closely-fought race.

Despite claiming top spot for periods of the final game of the season, City’s come-from-behind victory against Aston Villa was enough to see off the Reds’ title challenge, pipping Klopp’s men to the crown by one point.

Unfortunately for the German boss, his team’s title challenge faded in the final weeks of this campaign – which will be his last in the Anfield dugout.

Liverpool had been part of a three-way race with City and Arsenal, one that was setting up one of the most exciting late competitions in recent Premier League history.

But the Reds’ form took a nosedive after Klopp’s exit announcement, with an FA Cup exit to Manchester United, Europa League exit to Atalanta and a run of nine wins from 16 league games seeing their quadruple hopes end with a whimper.

Klopp and his team can at least look back on January’s Carabao Cup final celebrations fondly, having already made sure the beloved manager won’t leave Merseyside empty handed in his final season.

And his players will want to give him the coach the send off he deserves with victory over Wolves on the final day of the season on Sunday, having already guaranteed third place and a return to Champions League football.

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May 17, 2024
Arne Slot confirms biggest open secret ahead of Jurgen Klopp Liverpool farewell

Arne Slot has confirmed for the first time that he will join Liverpool as head coach this summer.

The Feyenoord boss was conducting his final press conference of the season when he was asked directly about the job at Anfield.

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Arne Slot has confirmed that he will take charge of Liverpool this summerCredit: Getty

Commenting on the speculation, Slot said: “I can confirm that I will become the trainer there next year.”

The news was then confirmed by Feyenoord’s official X account, who shared a 53-second highlight reel of his time at the club.

It was accompanied by the message: “The Arne Slot era is coming to an end…

“Let’s enjoy the last moments.”

Feyenoord assistant coach Sipke Hulshoff and head of performance Ruben Peeters are also set to join Slot at Anfield.

Liverpool have been looking for a new boss since Jurgen Klopp announced that he would leave the club at the end of the season.

The Reds face Wolves in the final match of the season with third spot already confirmed.

There’s bound to be emotional scenes at Anfield as Klopp bids farewell, but with Slot’s Feyenoord facing Excelsior at home, those scenes could be replicated in the Netherlands.

Feyenoord are second in the Eredivisie with little to play for going into the final weekend of the season.

Slot’s team have been unable to defend the Dutch league title they won last season – which saw the manager linked with the Tottenham job last summer.

But they have enjoyed success by lifting the KNVB Cup – similar to Liverpool whose Carabao Cup win in February has proven to be Klopp’s last taste of silverware before he leaves the Anfield hotseat.

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May 17, 2024
Klopp rubbishes Nunez exit amid Instagram drama but Liverpool star ‘not happy’

Jurgen Klopp has played down talk of Darwin Nunez leaving the club, saying he knows nothing about any speculation of his exit.

The Liverpool star has been the subject of transfer uncertainty this week with suggestions that he may be looking for a way out of Anfield.

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Klopp has played down suggestions that Nunez could leave LiverpoolCredit: Getty

While the Reds got back to winning ways on Sunday with a solid 4-2 win over Tottenham, Nunez stole the headlines after removing all Liverpool-related posts from his Instagram.

This came after he missed a huge opportunity to find the net against Spurs, leading to criticism.

The Uruguayan striker was then pictured in the days afterwards with Barcelona star and international teammate Ronaldo Araujo, further fueling speculation that he could be eyeing a move to the Nou Camp.

Liverpool brought Nunez to Anfield almost two years ago for a fee of £85million but he is yet to fully establish himself as an undroppable player under Jurgen Klopp.

In that time the 24-year-old has scored 33 goals for the Reds, including a total of 18 goals and 13 assists this term.

But while speculation will likely continue to link him with a move away this summer, Klopp insists he knows nothing about any links.

Asked about the speculation, Klopp said: “There is what? There is no speculation. It must be external because I don’t know about this.

“There is no speculation right now, it’s just a situation we are in.”

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Klopp played down reports linking Nunez with a move away from Liverpool and said the striker needs to learn to deal with criticismCredit: Getty

After the drama created by his actions on social media, Klopp added that the striker has to learn how to deal with criticism, admitting it’s part of the job as a modern footballer.

The manager also backed his player, insisting he isn’t doing anything wrong and has just been dogged by bad luck in recent games, having failed to score in six league matches.

Jamie Carragher insists Mo Salah isn’t the only Liverpool star with a questionable future at the club and calls out the likes of Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez

“Darwin was definitely not happy missing that chance,” said the Liverpool boss.

“He is unlucky, let me say was, he was unlucky in so many situations where he is doing everything right but the ball still doesn’t go in.

“That’s really tough for a young man. He has big expectations of himself. There is no alternative than going through it, that’s what he’s doing right now. We try to help him with all we can but you have to go through it, everyone has to go through this.

“That’s part of a footballer’s career. All his problem is that he is that good, he is constantly in these moments. If he was less good, he would not have chances. People just say, ‘That’s not great’. Because he is good, he is in these moments.

“How many goals did he score, he is not too bad with numbers right. Eighteen goals. They are not bad numbers! Because of his quality everyone says, ‘Ah, again, again!’. Nobody likes it but it’s part of a career.”

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May 10, 2024
Fulham hit with ban and fine for Premier League rule breach over Carvalho deal

Fulham have been punished by the Premier League for breaching player registration rules.

The west London side were investigated over a payment made to Balham Blazers FC after academy graduate Fabio Carvalho joined Liverpool.

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Fulham have been fined by the Premier League and handed a suspended ban on registering academy playersCredit: Getty

Fulham have now been handed a suspended six-month ban on signing academy players and fined £75,000 after accepting the charges.

A club statement read: “The Premier League and Fulham FC have entered into a sanction agreement following the club’s accepted breaches of the Premier League Rules in relation to player registrations.

“The club will face a six-month ban (suspended for one year) from registering any academy players currently or previously registered with another club and will pay a £75,000 fine.

“The suspended registrations ban commenced on 15 April 2024.”

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It added: “As required by the Premier League Rules, the sanction agreement has been ratified by three members of the Independent Judicial Panel.”

Carvalho was picked up by Fulham as a 13-year-old in 2015 before spending five years in their youth system and graduating to the first team in 2020.

The Portuguese midfielder made 44 appearances for the Cottagers, scoring 12 goals in the process.

He then joined Liverpool on a free transfer at the end of his contract in the summer of 2022, with the Reds paying an undisclosed settlement fee.

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Carvalho has quickly settled in at Hull and has been one of their stand-out stars since his January switchCredit: Getty

Since then, Carvalho has struggled to make the grade at Anfield, making just 21 appearances for the Merseysiders.

Having spent the first half of the season at RB Leipzig, the midfielder joined Hull on loan in January where he has reminded the world of his qualities.

In 19 matches he has scored nine times to put the Tigers firmly in the mix for the play-offs with just one game to go.

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April 30, 2024
Ex-Chelsea star thinks Salah is set to quit Liverpool – but fans shouldn’t worry

Mohamed Salah might be at the top of his game with Liverpool but he could still leave Anfield in the summer.

That’s according to former Chelsea star Tony Cascarino, who expects Saudi Pro League executives to make another move for the Egyptian.

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Salah will have a year left on his contract this summer and could be tempted by a moveCredit: Getty

Salah was the subject of a £150million offer from Al Ittihad last summer, with the SPL conducting a transfer window of epic proportions.

The move didn’t materialise, though, and in January their spending was cut back.

That could all change this time around according to Cascarino, who is a Liverpool fan and sees the 31-year-old’s contract situation as a hint to the future.

“He’s been phenomenal, his goal record is extraordinary and his attitude as a player, the fans adore him,” he began.

“But I wouldn’t be surprised if he left this year, the fact he signed a two-year contract and there’s a year to go.

“I could imagine him being there as the flagship for Saudi football, there’s every chance that could happen.”

Despite the potential loss of their all-time top European goalscorer, former Chelsea and Aston Villa striker Cascarino doesn’t think there’s any need to worry.

“But Liverpool fans will be confident they can find a replacement,” he added.

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Cascarino thinks Elliott is one of the players who could replace SalahCredit: Getty

“I’ve been really impressed with the way Harvey Elliott has played this year, he’s not to Salah’s level in terms of goals and numbers, but he’s played really well when he’s been called upon.

“Their recruitment has been exceptional and I’m sure they’ll be able to find someone to replace Salah when he goes.

“I’ve said all along, you never want to keep players who think their future is elsewhere. I’m not saying that’s the situation for Salah yet, but if he does, thank you very much for what you’ve done for Liverpool and we move on.”

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March 24, 2024