Robertson, Van Dijk, Solanke & Alexander-Arnold – Friday’s Liverpool FC News Roundup

October 5, 2018
Henry Jackson

We round up the extra Liverpool news and transfer rumours on Friday, ahead of another weekend of Premier League action.

Main Headlines

Robertson Expecting Man City Response

Liverpool face Man City in a huge Premier League clash at Anfield on Sunday, with Jurgen Klopp‘s side beating the champions three times across two competitions last season.

Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com, Andy Robertson says that the Reds must not rest on their laurels, with Pep Guardiola sure to learn from his mistakes:

“It’s a new season. I’m sure Guardiola will be looking at the three games where we managed to get one over on them and seeing what he can change. We have to be prepared for that.

“Last season we did very well against them. The two quarter-finals were very good, especially at home when we went 3-0 up.

“Everyone expected it to be a tight game. In the second half we showed a side we hadn’t really shown before, we sat a bit deeper and limited them to very few chances. That’s what got us through in the end.

“We did get one over on them last season but they ended up with the Premier League and that’s what everyone strives for. They are the champions and they’ll have a game plan. But hopefully our game plan is better on the day.”

It promises to be a fascinating encounter this weekend and the result could shape the title race in the coming weeks and months.

Van Dijk Hailed As Premier League’s Star Man

Virgil van Dijk has been outstanding ever since moving to Anfield at the beginning of the year, showing exactly why he is regarded as one of world football’s premier centre-backs.

His performances have not gone unnoticed and former Man United player Gary Neville begrudgingly admits no player has stood out more this season.

“Van Dijk – worryingly – has impressed me more than anybody,” Neville told Sky Sports.

“He’s just a fantastic central defender.”

The 27-year-old will be given a stern test on Sunday afternoon, with an in-form Sergio Aguero looking to score his first-ever goal at Anfield.

Klopp On What Wrong Against Napoli

Liverpool were bitterly disappointing away to Napoli on Wednesday night, losing 1-0 and lacking a spark throughout at Stadio San Paolo.

Speaking at Melwood on Friday afternoon, Klopp dissected where he believes the battle was lost, with certain aspects of his side’s play not clicking.

“The timing was not good in our defence.

“We didn’t adapt to what they did in the right way. We felt under pressure where there was no pressure. We have to stay cool.

“We have to show a reaction. I didn’t want to lose to Napoli but if you ask me what’s the best preparation mood-wise it’s this, as we don’t want to have that feeling again.”

The Reds’ manager is clearly eyeing up a big response from his players on Sunday afternoon, as they look to avoid going four matches without a win.

Solanke Earns England U21 Call-Up

Dominic Solanke still hasn’t played a single minute of action for Liverpool’s first-team this season, falling down the pecking order at Anfield.

The 21-year-old’s lack of playing time has not deprived him of an international call-up, however, with the striker named in Aidy Boothroyd’s latest England U21s’ squad.

The Three Lions youngsters take on Andorra (October 11) and Scotland (October 16) later this month, with Solanke hoping to prove his worth.

He is the only Reds representative in the squad, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez and Jordan Henderson picked for the senior side on Thursday.

Trent The Chess Champion?

Alexander-Arnold is a lover of chess, with the youngster known for playing it avidly with Ben Woodburn during moments of downtime.

On Monday in Manchester, the right-back will try his luck against Magnus Carlsen, world champion for the last eight years.

“Chess, like football, is all about strategy and skill,” said Alexander-Arnold.

“Judging when and how to attack, whilst keeping a watchful eye on your defence. The pieces, like players have different positions, places and qualities and you need to know how to get the best use of them in order to get the result.

“When Kaspersky Lab came to me I jumped at the chance. Football has always been my passion but, alongside that I have always played chess.

“It’s a release for me. I’ve played since I was very young and more recently I play Ben Woodburn regularly, even though he is in Sheffield at the moment we still have time for matches.

“Magnus will be a tough test, but I think with Kaspersky Lab’s help, I might surprise people.”

Alexander-Arnold is being mentored by nine-year-old Shreyas Royal and 12-year-old Kyan Bui, from Kaspersky Lab, which is frankly ridiculous!