footballtopstar

Blog

  • 5 Key Moments from Liverpool 3-1 Leicester – I-boo Konate and the Controversial ‘Offside’

    5 Key Moments from Liverpool 3-1 Leicester – I-boo Konate and the Controversial ‘Offside’

    With fog thickening over Anfield, the conditions made it difficult to fully follow

    With fog thickening over Anfield, the conditions made it difficult to fully follow the action, so off-the-ball incidents were likely missed by many. Nevertheless, we’ve highlighted five key moments from Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Leicester.

    Jordan Ayew’s unexpected early goal might have cast some doubt on the outcome for around 40 minutes, but Liverpool’s dominance was never in question as they kept Leicester under constant pressure.

    With 19 shots to Leicester’s four, Arne Slot’s side controlled the match and earned their goals through Cody Gakpo, Curtis Jones, and, of course, Mo Salah.

    Where Mo Salah Searched for His Goal

     

    It took 82 minutes for Salah to get on the scoresheet against Leicester — quite a shock — but when he finally scored, it was with remarkable precision. What made his goal even more impressive was the way he fooled the defenders, looking away from the goal and instead glancing across the pitch as he curled the ball around Victor Kristiansen and past goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk.

    While this may not have been one of Salah’s most iconic goals, it certainly ranked among the most clinically executed finishes we’ve seen in a long time.

    Boos or Cheers for Ibrahima Konate?

    This moment might not have been caught on camera, but it certainly amused us: Ibrahima Konate, who was in attendance while injured, appeared to approach the fans, expecting cheers, only to be greeted by boos aimed at the Leicester goalkeeper. Stolarczyk, making his Premier League debut, didn’t hesitate to stretch the rules and waste time while the game was level, frustrating the Liverpool fans, who responded with boos. Konate, however, mistakenly thought the boos were directed at him, possibly misinterpreting them as chants of “Ibou,” as we’ve often heard this season.

    Waves for Isaac

     

    On Christmas Day, Liverpool shared a video of six-year-old Isaac Kearney meeting Virgil van Dijk and Mo Salah. Isaac, a young fan with Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome, made several friends on his visit to the training ground, including Arne Slot, who later spotted him in the crowd at the match against Manchester City. At the Leicester game, Slot was delighted to see Isaac again and waved to him when he recognized his young friend in the stands.

    The Curl from Cody Gakpo
    While the fog made it hard for some viewers to catch every detail of the game, fans closer to the action had a clearer view. One fan had the perfect vantage point to see Gakpo bend the ball into the far corner to equalize for Liverpool. The angle from which this goal was filmed clearly showcased the amount of curl Gakpo applied to bring the ball back inside the post from outside the line.

    Was This Really Offside?
    In the 68th minute, Gakpo thought he had scored his second goal of the night, but after a VAR review lasting nearly four minutes, the goal was ruled out. The decision was based on Darwin Núñez being offside in the buildup when Salah passed the ball across the box. While the footage provided wasn’t definitive, it felt harsh to definitively call it offside. The implementation of semi-automated offsides can’t come soon enough to resolve such debates.

  • Liverpool vs Leicester predicted lineup: Diogo Jota and Andy Robertson decisions confirmed

    Liverpool vs Leicester predicted lineup: Diogo Jota and Andy Robertson decisions confirmed

    Liverpool will aim to solidify their position

    Liverpool will aim to solidify their position at the top of the Premier League when they face Leicester City today, with Arne Slot facing key decisions regarding his lineup.

    With Christmas now behind them, Liverpool shifts focus back to their pursuit of the Premier League title.

    The Reds host Leicester City later today, and a win would ensure they enter 2025 atop the league. Chelsea’s match against Fulham earlier in the day could give Liverpool a chance to extend their four-point lead if the Blues drop points.

    Liverpool are strong favorites at Anfield, where they meet Leicester for the first time since the Foxes’ return to the Premier League under former Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy. However, Slot faces some tricky decisions about his team.

    As usual, Alisson Becker will start in goal, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, and Virgil van Dijk holding their places in defense. The first decision concerns the left-back position.

    Andy Robertson, back from suspension against Tottenham, performed better than in the Fulham match, although Dejan Kulusevski tested him. However, Slot often rotates his left-backs, so it would not be surprising if Kostas Tsimikas returned to the starting lineup here.

    In midfield, Slot faces a dilemma. Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Dominik Szoboszlai all impressed against Spurs, but with two of them one yellow card away from suspension, caution may be required.

    Liverpool will aim to solidify their position

    Gravenberch and Szoboszlai are the at-risk players, and Slot must decide whether to risk both. We believe he might avoid playing both, so we predict Curtis Jones will replace Szoboszlai.

    Mohamed Salah will start on the right, leaving the left and No.9 positions up for grabs. With Darwin Nunez out of form, the remaining spots are likely to be between Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, and Diogo Jota.

    Diaz, having impressed at Tottenham, keeps his place in our lineup, while it might be time for Jota to start for the first time since October.

    Predicted Liverpool line-up vs Leicester: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Jones, Diaz; Jota.

  • “I left Liverpool for one reason – Mohamed Salah shouldn’t follow my example”

    “I left Liverpool for one reason – Mohamed Salah shouldn’t follow my example”

    Ian Rush has emphasized that Mohamed Salah doesn't need to follow in his footsteps
    Ian Rush

    Ian Rush has emphasized that Mohamed Salah doesn’t need to follow in his footsteps by leaving Liverpool, despite his own experience of departing the club twice.

    Rush, who knows firsthand what it’s like to leave Liverpool, explained that Salah’s circumstances are very different. His first departure in 1987 was brief, returning to Liverpool after just one season at Juventus due to homesickness. In 1996, when he left for Leeds, he was already a club legend, having become the Reds’ all-time top scorer.

    While Salah has reached similar iconic status during his seven-and-a-half years at Liverpool, Rush believes there’s no reason for Salah to leave now. In an interview with the Echo last year, Rush shared: “I’d love him to extend his contract. We don’t know what will happen but I’m sure every Liverpool supporter would love that as well.”

    He went on to explain his own decision to leave, stating: “I left because I wasn’t playing regularly. I just wanted to play football. I didn’t want to sit on the bench and that’s what you’ve got to look at. I left here to go to Leeds United because I wanted to be playing week in, week out.”

    Reflecting on his own situation, Rush added, “I looked at [Robbie] Fowler and [Stan] Collymore, they were doing really well together, and I didn’t want to be sitting on the bench. I was enjoying my football and that’s the reason why I went to Leeds.”

    Ian Rush has emphasized that Mohamed Salah doesn't need to follow in his footsteps

    However, Rush made it clear that Salah’s situation is different, saying: “But that was my situation, it depends if you are happy sitting on the bench or not. But Mo’s not even got to that stage yet so no, there’s not really any reason for him to go yet.”

    At 32, Salah shows no signs of slowing down and currently sits third on Liverpool’s all-time top scorer list, though still over 100 goals behind Rush. With his contract approaching its crucial point, clubs from abroad will be able to negotiate with him starting next month.

    At the Northwest Football Awards last month, Rush reiterated his desire for Salah to extend his contract, speaking to the Mail. “Mo and I talk a lot. People discuss whether he’s staying or leaving, but I just love watching him play,” Rush said.

    “He’s a pleasure to watch. You might think he’s been quiet for 20 minutes, then suddenly he scores one or two goals. You can’t put a price on that. It’s something special, and he’s a special player. Everyone wants him to stay.”

  • Liverpool gets major update on contract negotiations with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk

    Liverpool gets major update on contract negotiations with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk

    Liverpool awaits decisions from Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Trent Alexander-Arnold

    Liverpool awaits decisions from Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Trent Alexander-Arnold regarding their futures, but there is encouraging news for the former two.

    Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah are reportedly “very likely” to sign new contracts with Liverpool. The two, along with Trent Alexander-Arnold, are approaching the end of their current contracts, which expire at the season’s conclusion. All three players have received offers to extend their stays, but no decisions have been made yet.

    The coming week could be crucial, as the trio may begin negotiating pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs starting in January unless they commit to new deals before then.

    Although a final decision before the year’s end seems increasingly unlikely, positive news has emerged regarding Van Dijk and Salah. Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth, speaking to GIVEMESPORT, stated that the pair are “very likely” to stay at Anfield.

    Sheth also suggested that while Alexander-Arnold’s future remains uncertain, he has been less vocal about it compared to his teammates.

    This update follows Van Dijk’s recent comments hinting at his desire to remain at Liverpool. Ahead of the Boxing Day match against Leicester, the captain told Amazon Prime: “I love the club, the club loves me. I love the fans, the fans love me and it is a very good foundation to be successful. In my opinion I can play for another three, four years at least at the highest level. We will see what the future brings.”

    Liverpool.com notes that it has always seemed likely that Van Dijk and Salah would extend their contracts, while Alexander-Arnold might require more persuasion, particularly with the allure of Real Madrid. Hopefully, Sheth’s prediction holds true, and there will be no long wait for Van Dijk and Salah to sign new deals. With January just around the corner, it seems they might consider other offers, but the hope is they will ultimately remain with Liverpool.

    More news……

    Liverpool star prefers Barcelona move if contract negotiations with Reds break down

    The futures of several Liverpool players are currently uncertain

    The futures of several Liverpool players are currently uncertain due to their contract situations at Anfield.

    Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, and Virgil van Dijk are all in the final year of their contracts with the club. However, there is another player whose future at the club is also in doubt due to a lack of agreement over a new deal.

    According to Spanish outlet Antena 2, Liverpool are facing difficulties in their efforts to extend the contract of winger Luis Diaz. The report indicates that if a new contract cannot be agreed upon, Diaz may prefer a move to Barcelona, although other prominent clubs, such as Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan, are also keeping a close eye on his situation.

    Diaz has been a key player for Liverpool, with his attacking contributions playing a major role in the team’s success this season. He has helped the team reach the top of the Premier League and the Champions League standings.

    The report also mentions that Liverpool value Diaz at approximately €80 million (£66.2m/$83.5m), a sum that financially-strapped Barcelona would find difficult to afford. Despite this, Diaz is reportedly keen on joining the Spanish giants, though Barcelona would face challenges in negotiating a transfer.

    Luis Diaz has been an integral part of Liverpool’s squad, scoring nine goals and providing three assists so far this season. He has firmly established himself as the first-choice left-winger for the club.

    Liverpool would prefer to retain Diaz and are likely to make every effort to ensure he remains at Anfield for the long term. With Salah approaching the final years of his career in the Premier League, it is crucial for the team to hold on to key players like Diaz, who can both score and create goals.

    The Colombian international still has much room for growth in his career, and his potential is high. However, it remains to be seen whether his future will be at Liverpool or elsewhere.

    In addition to Diaz’s situation, teammate Alexander-Arnold has been tipped to leave the club in the near future, while Lyon’s attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki has been linked with a move to Anfield.

  • Liverpool Transfer Update: ‘Work Begins’ on $75m Deal and New Rayan Cherki Link Surfaces

    Liverpool Transfer Update: ‘Work Begins’ on $75m Deal and New Rayan Cherki Link Surfaces

    Joao Pedro

    Liverpool is performing strongly in both the Premier League and the Champions League, but this success could make the prospect of adding new players even more appealing to further strengthen the squad.

    Although Arne Slot is pleased with his team’s current performance, there are still areas where extra depth could be beneficial. A potential issue could arise if something were to happen to Ryan Gravenberch, for example, which would leave a gap.

    Here’s a look at the latest transfer rumors surrounding Liverpool. We begin with news of scouts being sent to France to scout a possible target for 2025.

    Rayan Cherki (Lyon)
    Liverpool has reportedly had scouts observe Lyon’s Rayan Cherki this season, according to Fabrizio Romano. The talented playmaker has attracted attention due to his potential, although a move in the winter transfer window seems unlikely, as there is no immediate need for additional players in his position. Lyon, however, is under financial pressure and needs to sell players.

    Cherki has been in good form this season, with five goals and seven assists to his name. Despite this, it’s expected that he won’t stay at Lyon for much longer. He is often compared to Eden Hazard and tipped for a bright future.

    Liverpool.com says: Cherki is undoubtedly a talented player, but he may not have an immediate place in Liverpool’s starting lineup. With Harvey Elliott still struggling for playing time, the priority should be to give him more minutes, potentially in a number 10 role.

    Joao Pedro (Brighton)

    Joao Pedro

    Liverpool has reportedly started groundwork for a summer move for Brighton’s Brazilian striker Joao Pedro, according to Football Insider. With an expected price tag above $75m (£60m/€72m), Pedro is reportedly open to joining a bigger club.

    Liverpool.com says: Given the uncertainty around Darwin Nunez’s future at Liverpool, Pedro seems like a smart option. He could become the next Roberto Firmino, showing great promise and impressive statistics at just 22 years old. He’s ready to take his game to the next level.

    More news…..

    Liverpool urged to pay £40-50m for January target also pursued by Arsenal and Man United

    Liverpool are eager to sign Antonee Robinson from Fulham in January.

    As reported by Football Insider, they will need to pay a fee of approximately £40-50 million to secure the USMNT star’s services.

    The 27-year-old left-back has proven himself as a consistent performer in the Premier League and could be the perfect replacement for Andrew Robertson. The Scottish international has shown signs of decline, with recent performances being underwhelming. Robertson requires a suitable replacement, and the Fulham defender would be an excellent acquisition.

    Both Manchester United and Arsenal are also interested in the player, and it remains to be seen where he will end up.

    Robinson has contributed 6 assists for Fulham in the league this season, solidifying his importance to the team. It’s no surprise that Fulham are asking for a premium price for him.

    Liverpool have the financial resources to complete the transfer and should move to sign him in the upcoming weeks.

    Manchester United and Arsenal also have a need for Robinson.

    It’s not surprising that Manchester United are targeting the player. Luke Shaw has been plagued by recurring injury issues, and Manchester United need a more dependable option in that position. Robinson has demonstrated his quality in the Premier League and could make an immediate impact if he joins Old Trafford.

    Similarly, Arsenal are in search of a top-tier left-back who could surpass Oleksandr Zinchenko. The 27-year-old fits the bill, and it will be fascinating to see where he ultimately chooses to go.

    Robinson will likely be drawn to the opportunity to join a major club. Having proven his abilities with Fulham, he will want to play for a team capable of winning significant trophies. As he is in the prime of his career, he will want to compete regularly at the highest level.

  • Liverpool’s Ideal Line-Up Following January Transfer Window and £40m Signing

    Liverpool’s Ideal Line-Up Following January Transfer Window and £40m Signing

    Milos Kerkez

    Liverpool Transfer News: January Window Could See Strengthening of Squad

    From an outsider’s perspective, it may seem that Liverpool’s squad doesn’t require any reinforcements based on their performance so far this season. The Reds are currently four points clear at the top of the Premier League, with a game in hand, and also lead the Champions League group stages.

    However, with the January transfer window approaching, speculation is starting to build about possible signings. Liverpool have not hesitated to invest in the market during previous January windows when needed.

    Several players have already been linked with moves to Anfield, and one area that has been identified as in need of bolstering is left-back. One player who has emerged as a potential target is Milos Kerkez. The Hungary international has been a standout performer for Bournemouth this season, contributing significantly to their rise to fifth place in the Premier League. Kerkez is reportedly valued at around £40 million, though his importance to Bournemouth could see that price rise.

    If Liverpool were to pursue Kerkez, he would compete for the left-back spot with Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas. Reds’ manager Arne Slot has frequently rotated between Robertson and Tsimikas this season, but multiple reports suggest that signing a new left-back remains a priority in the coming weeks.

    Another player still on Liverpool’s radar is Martin Zubimendi, following the failed attempt to sign the Real Sociedad midfielder last summer. While it remains unclear whether Zubimendi is still a primary target, more clarity is expected as the January window nears.

    The forward positions have also seen Liverpool linked with a number of names, including Omar Marmoush, Joao Pedro, and Viktor Gyokeres. Given the strength of Liverpool’s current attacking options, these rumours could be speculative at this point.

    Liverpool’s potential strongest lineup after the January transfer window could look like this:
    Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Diaz.

    More news…..

    Liverpool edging closer to securing €45-50m Arsenal and Chelsea transfer target

    Liverpool is reportedly now leading the race to sign River Plate’s highly regarded young talent, Franco Mastantuono, who has also attracted interest from several top clubs.

    The 17-year-old attacking midfielder is considered a top prospect, likely to have a significant career in Europe, though it remains to be seen which club will secure his signature.

    CaughtOffside recently reported that both Arsenal and Chelsea have been closely monitoring Mastantuono, who is expected to be valued between €45-50 million. However, additional major clubs have now entered the fray.

    According to Spanish outlet Todo Fichajes, Liverpool appears to be the front-runner to strike a deal for the Argentine teenager, with both Real Madrid and Barcelona also expressing interest.

    The report notes that while Real and Barcelona were the first to approach Mastantuono, Liverpool now seems to be in pole position to secure him.

    Mastantuono transfer: Could the River Plate star make a Premier League move?

    Liverpool may be an appealing destination for Mastantuono, with manager Arne Slot assembling an exciting team that looks poised to challenge for both the Premier League and Champions League this season.

    However, Liverpool already boasts significant attacking depth, so Mastantuono might find it more beneficial for his development to consider a move elsewhere.

    Arsenal, who have lacked some creativity in their squad, could offer Mastantuono an immediate role, while Chelsea has demonstrated a strong commitment to nurturing young talent and focusing on long-term development.

    In the end, Mastantuono may view Real Madrid as the most promising option, given the success of other young South American talents at the club.

    Players like Vinicius Junior, Endrick, and Fede Valverde have all thrived at the Bernabeu and could serve as ideal role models to help Mastantuono adapt.

  • 5 Liverpool Players Now at Risk of Disciplinary Action Following Tottenham Controversy

    5 Liverpool Players Now at Risk of Disciplinary Action Following Tottenham Controversy

    Liverpool edging closer to securing €45-50m Arsenal and Chelsea transfer target

    Liverpool may be leading the Premier League by four points with a game in hand, but several of their players are walking a disciplinary tightrope as the festive schedule approaches. Five Reds are one booking away from a one-match suspension for accumulating five yellow cards during the first half of the season.

    Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo both received their fourth yellow cards during the 6-3 victory at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

    Darwin Nunez, Ryan Gravenberch, and Ibrahima Konate have also reached four bookings, while Alexis Mac Allister has already served a one-match ban after collecting five yellow cards earlier in the campaign.

    Players who accumulate five yellow cards in the first 19 Premier League games face a one-match suspension. The rules then change, with a two-match ban for 10 yellow cards after 32 games, and a three-match ban for 15 yellow cards at any point during the season.

    With 16 Premier League games played so far, Liverpool’s five players must avoid another booking in the next three matches, starting with the home fixture against Leicester City on Boxing Day. After that, the Reds face West Ham United on December 29 and Manchester United the following Sunday.

    Konate, however, is unlikely to feature in at least the next two games as he continues his recovery from a knee injury sustained during the Champions League win over Real Madrid a month ago.

    Trent Alexander-Arnold is also at risk of suspension, having picked up three yellow cards this season.

    More news…..

    Liverpool edging closer to securing €45-50m Arsenal and Chelsea transfer target

    Liverpool is reportedly now leading the race to sign River Plate’s highly regarded young talent, Franco Mastantuono, who has also attracted interest from several top clubs.

    The 17-year-old attacking midfielder is considered a top prospect, likely to have a significant career in Europe, though it remains to be seen which club will secure his signature.

    CaughtOffside recently reported that both Arsenal and Chelsea have been closely monitoring Mastantuono, who is expected to be valued between €45-50 million. However, additional major clubs have now entered the fray.

    According to Spanish outlet Todo Fichajes, Liverpool appears to be the front-runner to strike a deal for the Argentine teenager, with both Real Madrid and Barcelona also expressing interest.

    The report notes that while Real and Barcelona were the first to approach Mastantuono, Liverpool now seems to be in pole position to secure him.

    Mastantuono transfer: Could the River Plate star make a Premier League move?

    Liverpool may be an appealing destination for Mastantuono, with manager Arne Slot assembling an exciting team that looks poised to challenge for both the Premier League and Champions League this season.

    However, Liverpool already boasts significant attacking depth, so Mastantuono might find it more beneficial for his development to consider a move elsewhere.

    Arsenal, who have lacked some creativity in their squad, could offer Mastantuono an immediate role, while Chelsea has demonstrated a strong commitment to nurturing young talent and focusing on long-term development.

    In the end, Mastantuono may view Real Madrid as the most promising option, given the success of other young South American talents at the club.

    Players like Vinicius Junior, Endrick, and Fede Valverde have all thrived at the Bernabeu and could serve as ideal role models to help Mastantuono adapt.

  • Liverpool’s transfer setback has provided Arne Slot with an unexpected £75m advantage.

    Liverpool’s transfer setback has provided Arne Slot with an unexpected £75m advantage.

    Luis Diaz was rumored to be heading for a Liverpool exit last summer

    Luis Diaz was rumored to be heading for a Liverpool exit last summer, but the past year has demonstrated why Arne Slot is pleased that didn’t happen.

    Luis Diaz might have had other priorities than football last Christmas. After months of turmoil, including the kidnapping of his parents in Colombia and his father’s week-long captivity, spending time with family was undoubtedly his main focus.

    However, the holiday season marked a turning point in Diaz’s career at Anfield. As he prepares to celebrate another Christmas, his two goals in Liverpool’s thrilling 6-3 Premier League win at Tottenham Hotspur last Sunday are a reminder of his significant contributions over the past 12 months.

    By the time of the Boxing Day trip to Burnley last year, Diaz had scored four goals but hadn’t provided a Premier League assist since the 3-2 defeat at Arsenal in October 2022, when he suffered a knee injury that sidelined him for six months.

    That assist drought ended when he set up Diogo Jota for a goal at Turf Moor in a 2-0 victory, sparking a rise in form as Diaz took on more responsibility in the attack, especially after Mohamed Salah’s injury absence during the second half of the season.

    Diaz became known for delivering in big matches, scoring against Chelsea and Manchester United in the Premier League, against Arsenal in the FA Cup, and netting a goal at Fulham in the League Cup semi-final second leg, which secured Liverpool’s spot at Wembley.

    In the final against Chelsea, Diaz played the full 120 minutes, helping an injury-depleted Liverpool side win the last trophy of Jurgen Klopp’s era.

    However, the arrival of a new Liverpool manager, Arne Slot, revived rumors that Diaz might leave in the summer, with Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain reportedly showing interest. When Liverpool moved to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle, it seemed Diaz’s time at Anfield was coming to an end.

    Yet, that didn’t happen. Newcastle abandoned their deal for Gordon, Barcelona faced financial difficulties, and neither Atletico nor PSG were willing to meet Diaz’s £75 million asking price. After playing for Colombia in the Copa America final, where they lost to Argentina, Diaz returned to the AXA Training Centre determined to prove his worth to Slot.

    Luis Diaz was rumored to be heading for a Liverpool exit last summer

    Two goals in a pre-season friendly against Sevilla at Anfield helped Diaz secure a spot in the starting lineup for the new season, as Slot made it clear that Diaz would be in competition with Cody Gakpo for the left-wing position.

    With five goals and an assist in the first five Premier League games, including a memorable brace in the 3-0 victory at Manchester United in early September, Diaz was firmly in possession of his role.

    Slot later embraced Diaz’s versatility across the front line, which has paid off. Diaz scored as a right-winger in the 3-2 League Cup win at Brighton and then starred as a central attacker in a Champions League match against Bayer Leverkusen, scoring his first career hat-trick in a 4-0 victory.

     

    With Jota struggling with injuries and Darwin Nunez out of form, Diaz’s ability to play as a central striker has been a bonus. He also played in this role against Manchester City, Fulham, and Tottenham, with his willingness to drop into midfield drawing praise from captain Virgil van Dijk. His play in the number nine role has even evoked memories of Roberto Firmino.

    Diaz, of course, was seeking a kind of revenge in North London after his goal in last season’s 2-1 defeat at Tottenham was controversially ruled out by officials despite being confirmed by VAR. That issue was rectified in Sunday’s match.

    Given Sadio Mane’s positional shift during the final months of his Liverpool career in 2022, Diaz is not the first winger to be successfully transformed into a potent central attacking force.

    “I think it’s good,” says Gakpo of playing with Diaz, who occasionally shifts to the left while Gakpo moves to the center. “Sometimes he comes to the left and I go in the middle, then we switch again. It has been a good dynamic, and we both get in dangerous positions to score.”

    “He showed again on Sunday how dangerous he is – in the box with his head, and his second goal I think was a great run and a good finish. I think when we play together, the way we click together is that we go in each other’s positions and going back, trying to make our actions and getting each other in the best possible position to be dangerous.”

    With the return of Jota and Slot’s belief he can revive Nunez’s form, Diaz is expected to spend much of the season competing with Gakpo for the left-wing spot.

    However, with 11 goals already this season, just two shy of his best-ever tally for Liverpool, Diaz will be crucial to any success under Slot. After all, as his song suggests, Diaz came to Liverpool to score.

  • Mohamed Salah Surpasses Liverpool Icon on All-Time Scorers Chart

    Mohamed Salah Surpasses Liverpool Icon on All-Time Scorers Chart

    Mohamed Salah Surpasses Liverpool Icon on All-Time Scorers Chart

    The legend of Mohamed Salah continues to grow as he cements his place in Liverpool’s history.

    Since joining the club in 2017, Salah has not only delivered major trophies but is also setting impressive personal records. His four goal contributions in the match against Tottenham Hotspur made him the first player in Premier League history to record double-digit goals and assists before Christmas. This remarkable achievement adds to his legacy, reinforcing his status as both a club and league legend.

    JOIN SI SOCCER’S LIVERPOOL WHATSAPP COMMUNITY – GET ALL THE LATEST NEWS AND ANALYSIS STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE.

    With his second goal against Spurs, Salah surpassed Liverpool icon Billy Liddell, now sitting at 229 goals from 373 appearances. He is now the fourth-highest scorer in the club’s history, with his sights set on catching Gordon Hodgson before the season ends. This, of course, depends on whether Liverpool offers the Egyptian forward a new contract.

    At 32, Salah’s future at Anfield is uncertain, a situation shared by Virgil Van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, both of whom are set to be out of contract next summer. The trio that has defined Jürgen Klopp’s era—and now Arne Slot’s promising start—could be dismantled by the end of the season.

    While reports suggest Liverpool have offered Van Dijk a new deal, Salah has voiced his frustration with his own contract negotiations. This season has shown he still has plenty to contribute to Liverpool’s pursuit of major honors. If he is to surpass Hodgson, he needs 13 more goals, a target well within his reach, barring injury.

    Beyond that, Salah will set his sights on Roger Hunt’s 285 goals and Ian Rush’s club-record 346 goals. Surpassing Rush would be a monumental achievement, though not essential to solidifying his legendary status. Salah is already on track to be remembered as one of the greatest players in both Premier League and Liverpool history, with any additional milestones only enhancing his legendary status.

  • Liverpool scouts ‘impressed’ by midfielder as potential alternative to Martin Zubimendi surfaces

    Liverpool scouts ‘impressed’ by midfielder as potential alternative to Martin Zubimendi surfaces

    Martin Zubimendi

    Liverpool are still looking to strengthen their midfield and have been monitoring alternatives to Martin Zubimendi, with FC Porto’s Nico Gonzalez reportedly impressing the club’s scouts.

    The Liverpool scouting team is said to be highly impressed with a potential midfield target as an alternative to Zubimendi ahead of the January transfer window.

    Liverpool made an effort to sign Zubimendi from Real Sociedad last summer, but the player decided to stay. Reflecting on his decision, Zubimendi said: “It was an uncomfortable time for me but I weighed the pros and cons and concluded that the best option was to stay.”

    He continued, “I don’t believe in ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunities. If you’re good and want to achieve something, it will come to you. There’s no need to rush. I looked at my personal progression, who I am, and the club’s project. I stayed because I knew this season would be important for me in the team, and I still had steps to take.”

    Zubimendi added, “It wasn’t that hard of a decision. There were many reasons for my decision, but I was selfish and thought about what was best for me – and that was staying.”

    Liverpool’s midfield has been crucial to their impressive form this season, with Ryan Gravenberch performing exceptionally well, while both Alexis Mac Allister and Curtis Jones have also stood out. Dominik Szoboszlai was instrumental in their dominant 6-3 win over Tottenham on Sunday, putting Liverpool comfortably at the top of the Premier League, four points clear with a game in hand heading into Christmas.

    Nico Gonzalez
    Nico Gonzalez

    Anfield Watch has reported that Liverpool are still considering possible signings, with Zubimendi remaining a target. However, he’s not the only midfielder being considered, as Nico Gonzalez from FC Porto has also caught the club’s attention.

    The 22-year-old Spain international, who joined Porto last summer for £7m, is a product of Barcelona’s academy. He had an enormous £830m (€1bn) release clause in his contract at Barcelona. Barcelona also have a buy-back clause for Gonzalez, active until June 2025, valued at just £24m.

    Gonzalez has scored five goals and registered five assists in 24 appearances for Porto, with reports indicating that Liverpool’s scouts have been highly impressed by his performances. Offering a more box-to-box style compared to Zubimendi, Gonzalez has a buyout clause in his Porto contract set at £49.8m (€60m), making him similarly priced to Zubimendi, despite being three years younger.

    However, Real Sociedad has made it clear that Zubimendi intends to remain at San Sebastian beyond January, despite interest from both Liverpool and Manchester City. Sporting director Roberto Olabe commented, “There is little peace of mind about clauses, but in all this time Martin himself has shown us that above clauses are intentions.”

    He added, “Until today we have already seen the behaviour that has been demonstrated, I do not anticipate that we will have any scares in January.”