We round up the latest Liverpool news and transfer rumours on Thursday, following the Reds’ dramatic 4-3 win over Salzburg.
Today’s Main Headlines
- Oxlade-Chamberlain left out of England squad
Liverpool trio included, though.
- Van Dijk insists “there’s no reason for panic”
The Dutchman struggled against Salzburg.
- Salah misses October break for Egypt
A major boost for Liverpool.
- Debating Liverpool 4-3 Salzburg
The good, the bad & the midfield selection.
Van Dijk On Partnership With Gomez
Joel Matip was a huge miss against Salzburg, with Joe Gomez struggling and Virgil van Dijk also well short of his best.
It has been a remarkable turnaround for the Cameroonian, whose Liverpool exit was being discussed this time last year.
Speaking to The Athletic after Wednesday’s game, Van Dijk gave a subtle hint that Matip still wouldn’t be back to face Leicester on Saturday, also praising Gomez:
“It was good to be back alongside Joe.
“It had been a while since we played together so it’s bound to take some time again.
“We’re lucky to have four very good centre-backs here. Dejan (Lovren) is also a good option and Joel should be back after the internationals, if not before.”
It could be that Van Dijk’s comments shouldn’t be taken too seriously, but it does appear as though Matip will be out of Saturday’s match.
Carragher Tips Trent to Emulate De Bruyne
Trent Alexander-Arnold notched another assist on Wednesday night, crossing for Andy Robertson to score Liverpool’s second goal, highlighting his technical class once again.
The 20-year-old used to play in midfield during his academy days, with some tipping him to return there one day.
Jamie Carragher sees similarities with Alexander-Arnold and Man City creator Kevin De Bruyne, saying he could take up a similar position in the future.
“People talk about the future, and could he come into midfield and be a Kevin De Bruyne type player,” Carragher told Viasport.
“He has more quality now than Liverpool’s midfield players and you think about the crosses that De Bruyne puts in from the right midfield position and maybe that’s a position where Trent could play.
“But at the moment you wouldn’t think about moving position because he is playing so well.”
At the moment, there is no need to be altering Alexander-Arnold’s job in the team, but he has the De Bruyne-esque quality to be a force in midfield.
Shaqiri Provides Update on International Exile
Xherdan Shaqiri ruled himself out of contention for Switzerland during last month’s international break, going on something of an exile for his country.
The forward has provided an update on the situation, via Blick, saying that he intends to represent his nation again: “I needed this break. The resulting unrest was not intended.”
Shaqiri won’t be part of Switzerland’s upcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers against Denmark (October 12) and the Republic of Ireland (October 15), however, due to his ongoing calf injury.
Chilwell Has “No Regrets” Over Failed Reds Move
Ben Chilwell was heavily linked with a move to Liverpool back in the summer of 2016, with Jurgen Klopp reportedly a huge admirer of the Englishman.
The left-back stayed put, though, and Robertson came in the following year.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Chilwell says he is happy that he decided to stay, having matured into a top Premier League player at Leicester:
“I was 17 at the time. My agent was the one dealing with it all, talking to Liverpool and Leicester about the situation.
“At the time, I was trying to break into the U21 team at Leicester so I was just focused on getting into that and progressing into the first team here.”
“Definitely no regrets. When I look at how the last four or five years have gone, starting eight games now for the England team is something I’m very happy with.
“Leicester was the right place for me to be at the time and the older players have helped me a lot. The staff have kept me grounded. Definitely no regrets.”
Chilwell and Ricardo Pereira have been superb for the Foxes this season, suggesting they are currently the league’s second-best full-back pairing behind Alexander-Arnold and Robertson.
Rodgers Not “Bitter” About Liverpool Exit
Brendan Rodgers returns to Anfield for the first time since his 2015 sacking on Saturday, with his dangerous Leicester side looking to spring a surprise.
In an excellent interview with Carragher, the Ulsterman says he has no issue with the way things ended:
“When I received a phone call from Mike [Gordon, Fenway Sports Group president] on the way home from the Everton game, I understood where it was at.
“It was a tough start to that season and they felt it needed a change. Look, it worked out brilliantly for them. When Liverpool won the Champions League I sent them all a message congratulating them and Jurgen [Klopp].
“I was never going to be bitter. That’s why I let Jurgen move into my house!”
It is a classy response from Rodgers, who remains a divisive character among Liverpool supporters.
League Cup Date Confirmed
Liverpool host Arsenal in the fourth round of the League Cup later this month.
The date for the clash has now been confirmed, with the two Premier League heavyweights locking horns on Wednesday, October 30.
The game kicks off at 7.30pm (BST) – earlier than usual evening games – and will be shown live on Sky Sports.
Liverpool are looking for their first League Cup crown since 2012 when they overcame Cardiff on penalties at Wembley.
Liverpool launch new Levi’s range
And finally, Liverpool have launched an exclusive apparel collection, in conjunction with its official Denim partner, Levi’s.
Building on the success of last season’s collaborative range, the exclusive Levi’s x LFC capsule collection puts LFC and Levi’s iconic logos at the heart of the design, celebrating authentic style and the classic red colour.
Evolving last year’s subtle LFC designs, the 2019 range centres around more overt collaborative branding and on trend style. Made up of iconic tees, hoodies, and Levi’s signature jeans, the range boasts effortless and smart design.
Each piece showcases statement features, such as the iconic Levi’s ‘batwing’ logo, the club’s world-famous anthem, ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ (YNWA) and the LFC Liverbird crest which come together alongside the partnership line, ‘Red, It’s In Our Fabric’.
* The exclusive range is available to purchase online now at store.liverpoolfc.com/levis.
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