We round up the latest Liverpool news and transfer rumours on Tuesday, as the supposed Sadio Mane to Real Madrid saga takes another twist.
Today’s Main Headlines
- Van Dijk on trophy challenge, Porto & Player of the Year
The centre-back has been imperious this season.
- Academy project who could prove long-term deputy to Robertson
Jack Lusby with the lowdown on another promising left-back.
- Dalglish hails key improvements for Liverpool in season of progress
Sir Kenny has heaped praise on key duo.
- Henderson hits England milestone & Reds quartet in action
Liverpool players busy on final international night.
- Moreno linked with surprise move to La Liga giants
Is the left-back about to reunited with close friend Coutinho?
Westerveld Lauds “Perfect” Alisson
Alisson has earned endless plaudits for his impact since joining Liverpool last summer and former Reds goalkeeper Sander Westerveld is the latest to praise him.
Speaking to LiverpoolFC.com, the Dutchman hailed the 26-year-old as one of the top two ‘keepers in world football, likening him to Manuel Neuer:
“I think he is the perfect goalkeeper. We used to have perfect goalkeepers with the likes of Neuer.
“If you look at styles of goalkeepers, Neuer has everything. He is a good footballer, he has good reaction, he commands his area – and Alisson is the same.
“He is great on one-v-ones, he is great at his reflexes on the line. He comes and takes crosses, he’s amazing with his feet and the most important thing is he makes important saves at important moments.
“So even if he makes a mistake, we still win 3-1. He never makes a mistake and we lose 1-0. Again, you need a little bit of luck as a goalkeeper but I think he is probably one of the top goalkeepers we have in the world at the moment.
“In fact, not probably, he is one of the best top two goalkeepers in the world, I would say.”
The Brazilian has been a fantastic signing, and at 26, his best days should still be ahead of him.
Mignolet Discusses Reds Future
Speaking of Liverpool ‘keepers, Simon Mignolet has been talking about his next step.
He has made just two appearances this season – none in the Premier League – and he has hinted that the thought of leaving Anfield is crossing his mind.
“This season, it was something quite easy to accept, but, obviously, I’d like to play. That’s why I keep working every day and try to keep on going on this path,” Mignolet told TV Limburg, via Sport Witness.
“I don’t know if an exit is possible this summer, I still have two years left on my contract. For now, I’m focused on Liverpool and Belgium games. We’ll see later.”
Madrid Turn to Mbappe
According to France Football, Real Madrid have turned their attention to signing Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe this summer.
The giants from La Liga have been strongly linked with a move for Sadio Mane in recent days, but this should extinguish those flames somewhat.
Mbappe is being tipped to join Los Blancos for a frankly ridiculous €280million, which would make him the most expensive player in history.
If they could keep pestering Mbappe and leave Mane alone, that would be much appreciated.
Wilson’s Brilliant Gesture
Harry Wilson may be one of the brightest young players in Liverpool’s ranks, but he certainly hasn’t forgotten about the club where it all started for him.
The on-loan Derby County forward has donated his signed shirt from Wales’ 1-0 win over Slovakia to his boyhood club, Corwen Juniors:
@corwenjuniorsfc & @CorwenFC have been donated this shirt worn in today’s match by @harrywilson_ signed by the rest of the team up for auction to raise funds for our flood disaster. serious bids to @iananthonyevans please #TogetherStronger pic.twitter.com/zYh8Ui5kb3
— @corwenjuniorsfc (@corwenjuniorsfc) March 24, 2019
The North Wales outfit saw playing fields and sports equipment damaged by floods earlier this month and Wilson’s shirt has been put up for auction in order to raise funds.
A total of £2,000 has already been raised, edging towards the £10,000 target.
It is a wonderful gesture from a humble young player, further highlighting the likeability factor that exists within Liverpool’s squad.
Adekanye Explains Rejecting Deal
Bobby Adekanye will leave Liverpool at the end of the season, having rejected a new deal at the club.
Speaking to Voetbalzone, the speedy winger has explained why he decided against staying put, putting it down to being omitted from the Reds’ pre-season plans in America.
“[Going with the first-team] didn’t happen in the end. That is disappointing and it has contributed to the fact that I do not want to renew my contract.
“If they promise such things and it doesn’t happen, I don’t know what will happen if I sign for three years. That confidence is no longer there, even though I still greatly respect the club.’
“They don’t just extend for three years, so maybe there was a schedule behind it. But I no longer have faith in that.
“In terms of money, things are fine, but you have nothing if there is no perspective behind it. Money will come later, I now need playing minutes.”
Adekanye has been heavily linked with a move to Lazio, while a return to the Netherlands is also being mooted.
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