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Tag: Matthijs de Ligt

Liverpool defender Virgil Van Dijk accused of throwing teammate under the bus

Liverpool and Netherlands defender Virgil Van Dijk recently criticized his Dutch teammate Matthijs de Ligt during the international break.

De Ligt faced backlash for his performances against Germany and Bosnia, where he was implicated in the opponents’ goals. Van Dijk publicly expressed his disappointment in De Ligt’s display after the match.

Following the game against Germany, Van Dijk remarked, referring to De Ligt’s defensive errors: “You have to learn from this. It was one moment but at the highest level you will get punished for it,” as quoted by *The Mirror*.

Football pundit Harry Redknapp has suggested that Van Dijk effectively “threw his centre-back partner under the bus.” He later included De Ligt in his Premier League team of the week for his outstanding performance against Southampton, where he scored a goal and helped secure a clean sheet in a convincing 3-0 victory for Manchester United.

Speaking to Bet Victor, Redknapp noted, as quoted by Liverpool.com:

“Matthijs de Ligt bounced back from a tough international week, some say that Virgil van Dijk threw him under the bus! Well, this Dutchman certainly silenced the critics with a superb goal and clean sheet! Man United needed a result. They were on a real low after being well beaten by Liverpool, and their new signing stepped up to the mark.”

De Ligt has rebounded following criticism from Liverpool star.

Redknapp was impressed with De Ligt’s response following a challenging international break. The defender showcased strength in all aspects of the game, aiding Manchester United’s recovery after their disappointing loss to Liverpool at Old Trafford.

De Ligt’s performance will be crucial for Erik ten Hag and the team as they aim for success this season. He possesses the potential to become one of the best in his position, and it’s now up to Ten Hag, his former manager at Ajax, to help him realize that potential.

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‘According to what I’ve heard’: Fabrizio Romano’s morning update brings positive news for Liverpool supporters

Fabrizio Romano’s morning update brings positive news for Liverpool supporters.

Romano reports that Virgil van Dijk is not currently in negotiations with any other club about leaving Liverpool next year. The 33-year-old defender is “fully focused” on Liverpool and working with Arne Slot, who has taken over from Jurgen Klopp after his nine-year tenure ended this summer.

“Nothing will be decided now, nothing is over and nothing has already been extended. So let’s give them time to discuss all these important topics,” Romano told The Daily Briefing.

“From what I am told, Van Dijk is not negotiating with any other club as he is fully focused on Liverpool, concentrating on achieving something special with the Reds’ new coach and management team. In the coming weeks and months, his representatives will discuss his future with Liverpool.”

If a Liverpool player does not renew their contract, the responsibility lies with the club

Van Dijk, along with Mo Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, is expected to enter discussions with the club regarding their contracts, which expire in 2025.

Van Dijk joined Liverpool from Southampton in a £75 million transfer in January 2018.

While the responsibility for renewing contracts for these key players may largely fall on the recruitment team, it is essential to acknowledge that any decision made will be based on valid reasoning.

Liverpool fans might understandably be concerned about the possibility of losing any of these players on a free transfer next year. Nevertheless, both Van Dijk and Mo Salah have clearly expressed a desire to discuss extending their time at Anfield.

The situation with Alexander-Arnold remains somewhat uncertain, particularly given potential interest from Real Madrid. However, previous statements suggest he is open to negotiations.

September 18, 2024
The four players on Liverpool’s transfer wishlist should chill Pep Guardiola to the bone

Liverpool wants to add four more first team players to Arne Slot’s roster this summer before the transfer market closes at the end of the month.

Liverpool wants to add four players to its roster this summer in order to strengthen Arne Slot’s team for the forthcoming Premier League season.

Although most of Liverpool’s opponents have made moves in the summer transfer window, Liverpool has not made a signing. Arsenal acquired Bologna’s Riccardo Calafiori, while Manchester City signed Brazilian winger Savinho.

Manchester United, who is also pursuing Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui of Bayern Munich, has signed Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee. Liverpool hasn’t yet entered the market, but that could be about to happen.

According to The Independent, Liverpool plans to add four players this summer. The centre back, the defensive midfielder, and possibly two wide strikers are what the Reds want to add. Those two positions, the first two, seem to make sense.

Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez, and Jarell Quansah are Liverpool’s four healthy centre backs, as Joel Matip left on a free transfer this summer following an ACL injury. While Konate has struggled with injuries over the past two seasons, the latter of those four is still developing as a senior player.

Because they don’t have a left-footed centre defender, Liverpool apparently had interest in Calafiori before he decided to sign with Arsenal. During their engine room makeover last summer, the Reds also made many attempts to sign a defensive midfielder, but they were unable to persuade Romeo Lavia or Moises Caicedo to pick Anfield over Chelsea. As a result, they signed Wataru Endo, who was considered a stopgap player.

The Reds’ four-man shortlist is likely the most intriguing in terms of prospective additions, as they are well-stocked at wide forward, and it appears they may want to add two more this summer. The Reds could start Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz, or Cody Gakpo on the left. Ben Doak, a young player, and Mohamed Salah and Harvey Elliot are on the right.

However, it makes sense to go for another wide forward if Slot believes that Elliot is better off in the midst of the pitch rather than out wide. This summer, Liverpool has been connected to several attackers; two players the Reds like are Anthony Gordon and Takefusa Kubo.

According to Liverpool.com, it is not surprising that Liverpool is interested in a defender and a defensive midfielder. It was linked to many center-backs this time around, and last summer it sought to sign a top defensive midfield player.

It does make sense to have a wide forward up front, even if they can also operate from the right. It will be intriguing to observe, though, if Liverpool attempts to sign a second centre striker this summer. Darwin Nunez is frequently too unpredictable, while Cody Gakpo’s performances at the European Championship demonstrate that he is most effective when operating off the left rather than through the middle.

August 3, 2024
Liverpool should think about a hijack after Man Utd received approval for a $54 million transfer

Uli Hoeness, the head coach of Bayern Munich, has acknowledged that one of his players may depart this summer. Liverpool should take Manchester United’s recent linkage into consideration.

Uli Hoeness, the top brass of Bayern Munich, has suggested that Matthijs de Ligt may be leaving this summer, with Manchester United reportedly keeping an eye on him. Even after United’s recent coup in acquiring Leny Yoro, the 24-year-old Dutch international has been the focus of considerable rumours linking him with a move to the Red Devils.

Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, and De Ligt have a common past from their time at Ajax, and it’s thought that De Ligt might be amenable to moving back to the Premier League to rejoin him. United still wants to add a great defender to their roster, even though their next goal is to strengthen their midfield—that is, if they can raise the necessary money through player sales.

Hoeness’s remarks have sparked further speculation that De Ligt would move to Old Trafford. Hoeness pondered the club’s transfer plan during the weekend, stating: “It’s possible that a defender will leave” (via the Daily Mirror). The coach of Manchester United is Dutch, as is De Ligt. I wouldn’t mind if he stayed. In my opinion, I wouldn’t sell Upamecano.

Yoro and Lisandro Martinez are expected to work well together at the centre of Manchester United’s defence, but if they are able to trade Victor Lindelof, the Red Devils may still need a centre defender. The estimated worth of De Ligt is $54 million (£42 million/€50 million).

Regarding the current talks for De Ligt, Ten Hag has been transparent, saying to the Dutch publication Algemeen Dagblad: “We still have to wait and see whether De Ligt will come.” The good news is that I was able to step away from the process for three or four weeks on my vacation. These players were primarily recruited at that time by the club’s recently formed scouting and recruitment department.”

“It’s actually a coincidence that there are Dutch players among them,” he continued. These were mostly players that our organisation brought in. at be clear, I do support them, but we still come at a decision together.”

According to Liverpool.com, De Ligt hasn’t exactly developed into the centre back that many had anticipated, but in that particular trade, Liverpool may be able to find some value. While he was at Ajax, he was regarded in high regard; all he needs to do is find the proper team and coach to bring out his potential.

Considering that he has prior experience at Bayern Munich and Juventus, his pay could be the sticking point. For Liverpool, De Ligt may be a good alternative if his pay demands were fair. It most definitely has to be thinking about bringing in a defender before Arne Slot’s first season as manager.

July 22, 2024
Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal updated on Matthijs de Ligt

Matthijs de Ligt is reportedly interested in signing for Manchester United, Arsenal, and Liverpool in addition to staying at Bayern Munich.

According to an HITC report, Matthijs de Ligt is not satisfied at Bayern Munich. And the 24-year-old’s circumstances are being updated for teams like Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal.

The Dutch defender wants to leave the Bundesliga team at the end of the current campaign. He cost Bayern Munich £68 million when he signed from Juventus. At the age of 24, the player is considered one of the best defensive players in European football at the moment. For most clubs, he could turn out to be a great acquisition.

He will undoubtedly find the chance to join the Premier League to be appealing. At this point in his career, he may wish to take on a new challenge as he has demonstrated his abilities in the Bundesliga.

All three clubs would be enhanced by Matthijs de Ligt.

Matthijs de Ligt is the kind of excellent centre defender that Liverpool could really need. They will need to find a suitable replacement for Joel Matip when his contract expires in the summer. Additionally in his thirties is Virgil van Dijk. Thus, Liverpool must begin making plans for the future and find Ibrahima Konate a long-term partner. The defender for Bayern Munich would undoubtedly match the description.

At the end of the season, Manchester United may need to replace players like Jonny Evans, Harry Maguire, and Victor Lindelof. Raphael Varane has also been connected to a departure.

Whichever of the two teams chooses to make an official offer for the Dutch international defence in the summer will be interesting to watch. Working with de Ligt throughout their time together at Ajax, Erik ten Hag is attempting to gain his autograph. Manchester United is likely to believe that they have an advantage in the transfer market.

Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jurrien Timber, and William Saliba are the four excellent centre defenders that Arsenal currently have at their disposal. If they were to sign another central defender in the summer, it would be very unexpected. Instead, they ought to focus on making investments in the attack and midfield.

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‘Biggest deal’ of all club stars expected for Trent Alexander-Arnold

The board views Trent Alexander-Arnold as Liverpool’s future, and they are “confident.”

Liverpool is expected to make Trent Alexander-Arnold an offer for a big, long-term contract, sources have told Football Insider.

Football Insider (10 February) reported that the Reds are “confident” they will negotiate terms and are hoping to tie Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Alexander-Arnold to long-term contracts.

Football Insider has learned from reliable sources that the full-back will likely receive the “longest-term” and “biggest” offer of the three superstars.

Although his contract is scheduled to end in 2025, it is thought that he is not advocating to leave his boyhood club.

The 25-year-old is seen by the Liverpool administration as the team’s future, and they are eager to have him pledge his long-term future to them.

The team is optimistic that he would agree to a new contract that will raise his rumoured £180,000 weekly wages.

Since making his professional debut in October 2016, Alexander-Arnold has been essential to the Reds’ success.

He has now made 218 appearances in all competitions, contributing 57 assists and 14 goals.

He has two goals and nine assists this season in all competitions, including a pivotal late equaliser against Man City, another championship challenger, in November.

Despite Sunday’s 3-1 loss to Arsenal, Liverpool is still atop the Premier League standings; but, if City wins their last match, they will take the top spot back.

Their next match is this Saturday afternoon (10 February) at Anfield against Burnley, who are currently in 19th place.

February 14, 2024