We round up the latest Liverpool news and transfer rumours on Monday, as attention turns to Wednesday’s Champions League meeting with Red Star Belgrade.
Main Headlines
- Klopp explains Liverpool’s change in tactics away from relentless pressing
- Why Huddersfield could have been Liverpool’s biggest test so far
- Shaqiri on playing centrally & his “perfect pass” assist for Salah
- Liverpool FC Women to play at Prenton Park for next 3 seasons
- Tactical review of Huddersfield 0-1 Liverpool
- Red Star Belgrade in excellent form ahead of trip to Liverpool
- Liverpool FC Loan Watch
Mane’s Back
First up, there’s good news on the injury front, with Sadio Mane returning to full training and therefore in line to return against Red Star at Anfield on Wednesday night.
Having Mane, and Roberto Firmino, back in the Liverpool attack should give them more of a threat in the Champions League tie.
The Reds struggled for fluidity in the final third against Huddersfield with both players absent and spurned several chances to wrap up the win, particularly in the latter stages of the game.
There’s also the direct outlet to consider, as James Nalton notes: Mane is often the target from Alisson‘s passes from deep.
The No. 10 has four goals in 11 games this season and, regardless of midfield changes against Red Star, would be an obvious candidate to come straight back into the team in place of Adam Lallana.
Rabiot To Sign New Deal?
Various reports, including one in Calcio Mercato, claim Adrien Rabiot is set to sign a new contract with Paris Saint-Germain.
Liverpool had been tipped to make a move for the stylish midfielder in January, with his future at Parc des Princes looking in doubt.
Canal + journalist Olivier Tallaron believes it is only a matter of time before the Frenchman extends his stay, however, saying: “At this moment, only the duration of the new contract is pending.”
Rabiot would have been an excellent signing for the Reds, especially with creativity seemingly lacking from the current options in the middle of the park.
Duncan Wanted at Dortmund?
According to the Mirror‘s John Cross, Borussia Dortmund “have identified the next three English wonderkids they want to take to the Bundesliga.”
One of those is Liverpool starlet Bobby Duncan, who is thriving for the U18s since his move from Man City back in June.
The 17-year-old striker trained with the Reds’ first-team during the international break and Dortmund are thought to be impressed by what they see.
Chelsea‘s Callum Hudson-Odoi and City’s Phil Foden are the others being monitored, with the Bundesliga giants keen to bring in more young English talent, with Jadon Sancho thriving so much this season.
Beale’s Praise For Kent
Ryan Kent‘s loan spell at Rangers continues to go from strength to strength, with the forward scoring in their 4-1 win away to Hamilton on Sunday, in his 100th career appearance.
Taking to his Twitter account, Rangers first-team coach Michael Beale congratulated the youngster on his milestone occasion, urging him to push on and play many more matches:
“Congratulations @ryankent on 100 1st team appearances as a professional. The aim for all young players when breaking through. The race to 100 completed. Now for many more…..”
Kent has now scored three goals this season and his performances have been lauded by manager Steven Gerrard, who acquired him on loan in the summer. Read more in our full Monday loan watch.
Wilder Explains Woodburn Decision
Ben Woodburn made a surprise appearance for Liverpool’s U23s on Sunday, as Neil Critchley‘s side lost 3-2 to Derby County at the Academy in Kirkby.
The 19-year-old was not recalled from his loan spell at Sheffield United but was instead allowed to earn some much-needed playing time, after struggling for minutes at Bramall Lane.
Blades manager Chris Wilder has spoken to the Sheffield Star about the decision, saying it makes sense for all parties:
“Ben’s been away with the national squad and didn’t get any minutes there, so we felt it was important that he keeps playing football.
“And there was an opportunity to get him some minutes. He can do all the running he likes up here in training, but there’s nothing like game action and there was an opportunity to get him 65 minutes or so.
“We were keen, Liverpool were keen and Ben was back with us today.
“It’s always an option for Ben to play for our U23s or their U23s, or in a bounce game – we try to arrange them where we can because players who aren’t playing, because the team is settled, still need match time and action.”
Makes sense, to be fair.
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