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Jürgen Klopp faces Ryan Gravenberch dilemma as Liverpool set to be without six for Man United

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December 15, 2023

Jürgen Klopp faces Ryan Gravenberch dilemma as Liverpool set to be without six for Man United

Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp faces a midfield dilemma that could be solved in a few ways ahead of Man Utd. Two of our writers have their say on what he should do.

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ByMatt AddisonLiverpool.com EditorJames FindlaterContent Editor
16:00, 15 DEC 2023
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Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch will be hoping to start against his former Ajax manager, Erik ten Hag. (Image: Photo by Joris Verwijst/BSR Agency/Getty Images)
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Across the majority of the Liverpool team, the decisions will already have been made by Jürgen Klopp ahead of Sunday’s huge clash with Manchester United. Alisson Becker and Virgil van Dijk, for instance, will definitely come back in.

Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold were also rested completely against Union SG, not even traveling to Belgium in the Europa League, while Dominik Szoboszlai and Luis Díaz were on the bench but didn’t play a minute. Those four — plus Alisson and Van Dijk, making it six — will definitely start. So too will Kostas Tsimikas.

The only really big question is in the middle of the pitch. Alexis Mac Allister is not expected to be involved and Thiago Alcântara and Stefan Bajčetić are long-term absentees who will not be back until 2024. That means that Klopp’s central options are rather limited (plus Diogo Jota, Andy Robertson and Joël Matip all remain out too).

READ MORE: Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer make same Liverpool prediction as biggest Europa League rival clear

READ MORE: Liverpool team vs Manchester United predicted as Dominik Szoboszlai returns with new attack

Who should Liverpool pick in that position? Two of our Liverpool.com writers have had their say, and you can add yours in the comments section below the article. The Reds certainly have more options available to them than Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag in the midst of an injury crisis.

“Ryan Gravenberch gets the nod” – Matt Addison
This will be comfortably the biggest stage that Wataru Endō has had to perform on considering the number of viewers and the interest in Liverpool vs Manchester United games, but he probably has to play here assuming there is no Mac Allister. Szoboszlai, who was rested midweek, is a given to start as well.

The big question for me is whether Klopp goes for Ryan Gravenberch or Curtis Jones on the left of that midfield. Maybe there is a case that Jones was being primed by playing him for the full 90 minutes against Union SG, but that says more to me that he will drop out for Gravenberch, who played a half — the same as Ibrahima Konaté and Joe Gomez, one of whom will join Van Dijk.

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There is something to be said for Harvey Elliott deserving a start after so many excellent performances off the bench, but I want that weapon to call upon from the sidelines, just in case Liverpool needs to find a goal from somewhere. Elliott says he doesn’t want to be a super sub forever, but coming on and winning the game against Manchester United is something that he would obviously relish.

You certainly can’t bet against him having a positive impact on that role at the moment, and I wouldn’t want to lose Elliott doing that. He can start next midweek against West Ham.

“It’s time for Harvey Elliott” – James Findlater
Jürgen Klopp looks to have already made it clear who will be starting on Sunday. His selections in the Europa League practically confirmed who the frontrunners are to face United.

With Wataru Endō and Ryan Gravenberch playing just 45 minutes each in Belgium, I’d fully expect both to go alongside Dominik Szoboszlai in midfield, barring a late recovery from Alexis Mac Allister. But Harvey Elliott shouldn’t be looked over too quickly.

Last weekend’s hero at Crystal Palace, the 20-year-old is arguably in better form than any of Liverpool’s midfielders at the moment, including Szoboszlai. Coming off the back of a successful international break with England U21s, he’s shown to be a real goal threat, whether it’s creating or scoring them himself.

Yes, he might be seen as a super sub at the moment, but those performances can’t be ignored for too long. It doesn’t look like it will be this weekend, but there is still time for Klopp to reconsider.

Which writer do you agree with? Have your say in the comments box below.

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Liverpool No 1 Alisson is a calm and measured presence in goal – but he’s ready to show his ruthlessness against Man United
By Lewis Steele For The Daily Mail
17:00 GMT 15 Dec 2023 , updated 17:00 GMT 15 Dec 2023

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The 7-0 win last season was Liverpool’s biggest over Man United for 127 years
Alisson has an aura in the Reds’ dressing room that makes his team-mates listen
Will Marcus Rashford EVER be the real deal? Listen to It’s All Kicking Off
Alisson Becker is leaning back in a chair at Liverpool’s Kirkby training base with a single espresso shot in hand. The goalkeeper, a calming and measured presence not only between the sticks, is here to talk title races, South American brotherhood and his leadership role.

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But whichever tangents the conversation takes, the theme continually returns to the last time Manchester United visited Anfield. It was a day football fans will never forget – apart from, perhaps, United supporters attempting to wipe the memory – but as a reminder, they lost 7-0.

It was United’s biggest defeat against their bitter rivals for 127 years, dating back to a 7-1 thrashing in 1895 in the second tier. Alisson is soon asked how he would react if he was on the receiving end of a 7-0 embarrassment at the hands of his team’s nemesis.

‘I would be on fire, I think, and I would try to set my team-mates on fire as well!,’ he says. Of course, the Brazilian goalkeeper means in a psychological or metaphorical sense – hopefully – but it shows the ruthlessness of Alisson, who many regard as one of Liverpool’s key leaders.

In terms of importance to the team’s successes, Alisson is level – if not above – Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk. If he was to suffer a long-term injury, any hopes of breaking Manchester City’s monopoly on the Premier League would slowly dwindle.

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Alisson claimed that if his side lost 7-0 in any game then he would consider setting fire to his team-mates

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Alisson discussed the leadership and South American brotherhood in the Liverpool dressing room

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The Brazilian has the most clean sheets in the Premier League in 2023

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Alisson holds an aura that when he speaks, his team-mates always listen according to reports

Sources say that Alisson is not an ever-present voice of inspiration in dressing-room team-talks but holds an aura that when he speaks, team-mates sit up and listen. He is one of Liverpool’s five-man leadership group but also is a role model with his stellar performances.

‘As soon as I sat down here (arrived in Liverpool) I knew my way, my style is to lead and I am a guy who likes to talk and a good one-on-one when it is needed with players. The armband at this club means a lot and wearing the armband brings a lot of responsibility.

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‘Not only on the pitch but off it as well, you become kind of like a symbol for the supporters. But we have and we’ve had so many leaders. So many players have already had a role as a leader. That is what our team is built off, from many leaders going in the same direction.’

The leadership that Alisson speaks of – Liverpool have five players who captain their national team – is just what those down the East Lancashire Road are missing, with Manchester United long missing characters in the dressing room and bust-ups seemingly a weekly occurrence.

The goalkeeper has found friendship in international rivals such as Argentine Alexis Mac Allister and Liverpool’s four South Americans – also Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz – have competitions in the dressing room, with Nunez scoring against both Brazil and Argentina for Uruguay this year.

‘Bobby (Firmino) and Fabinho were a huge loss,’ he says. ‘But the relationship we have here between the South Americans is amazing. We are from different countries but have pretty similar cultures. I drink mate, the same as Darwin, same as Macca.

‘So we have rivalry but when we are here we are really good friends. I can see so much desire and passion from Macca, Darwin, Lucho, to do great things for this club. The environment and atmosphere of the other players are helping them to get this passion.’

Liverpool’s togetherness and team spirit is perhaps their best weapon if the Premier League leaders are to push on this season, but they also rely on mercurial talent all over the pitch. Alisson is perhaps one they have relied on slightly too much this season.

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Alisson’s influence on Liverpool’s rise is equal to – if not greater than – that of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk

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It was the heaviest win against their arch rivals in 127 years taking back to a 7-1 pummeling in 1895
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He made a stoppage-time save at Crystal Palace to deny Joachim Andersen and he has kept the Reds in multiple games when they have been plagued by sloppy starts this season. Alisson has saved a league-high 80.4 per cent of shots this season and says he is only getting better.

‘Yes, if the numbers talk then maybe (I am getting better)!,’ he says. ‘I’m working for that – to improve each year as much as I can. I started to play (first-team) football at a young age for a goalkeeper, 21 or 22, so I’ve already played 10 years in the posts.

‘That’s a lot of time, but I’m still young for a goalkeeper. If you see goalkeepers now they are playing until they are 38, 39 and sometimes going over that. I think now I am getting to the highest point of my career, mixing physicality, experience and a big desire.

‘Goalkeeping has changed since Manuel Neuer. I think if you look in the past you can see goalkeepers who play with their feet. I think (Victor) Valdes at Barcelona with his feet but Neuer was the guy who was more active in playing, in sweeping behind the defensive line.

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Though already 31 Alisson believes he can keep going for a number of years yet at the peak of his game
Jurgen Klopp said win over Man U is ‘best performance for a long time’
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Alisson cited Bayern Munich and Germany legend Manuel Neuer as the great innovator for goalkeepers to play with their feet more often
IT’S ALL KICKING OFF!
It’s All Kicking Off is an exciting new podcast from Mail Sport that promises a different take on Premier League football.

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The stopper also spoke of his friendship with Liverpool’s other South Americans such as Darwin Nunez (left) and Alexis Mac Allister (right)
‘Then it is Ederson, myself, so many goalkeepers that have the quality to play. You have to work out that, you have to choose a goalkeeper with those kinds of skills, but the main quality of the goalkeeper is making saves and making the team feel safe when you are between the posts.’

So, how high can Liverpool go this season? ‘That game (7-0) is in the past, it’s a good thing for supporters to talk about and remember but we are a different team now,’ he says. ‘We have big goals for the season, we want to do everything to win this game, no matter how big the score.

‘We have to slow down talking about the title race because we are a team that is rebuilding. Of course we want to win the league, of course we want to beat every opponent that we have. But we have to be focused always on the closest thing we have now.

‘We have to perform better as well – better than what we are doing – but I think we will get there.’

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Liver without six players against Man United, jurgen Klopp explained why Mohamed Salah was absent against Union SG,Wataru Endo sacked

‘We collapsed’: Ten Hag reflects on 22/23 Anfield capitulation and urges players to have no fear this time around
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Posted 6 minutes ago by Isabel Ryan

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Erik ten Hag is adamant his squad can leave Anfield with a result they’re proud of on Sunday.

Manchester United were dealt one of the most humiliating results in their history last season when arch-rivals Liverpool annihilated them 7-0 on Merseyside.

Now, as the side prepare to tackle the fixture for the first time since the heavy defeat, questions are being raised as to whether the out-of-form Red Devils will be able to avoid another hammering this time around.

You’d expect the morale to be pretty low at Carrington this week due to United’s midweek Champions League exit, which came after they claimed a mere four points from six group-stage games. Finishing fourth also ruled out the prospect of dropping to the Europa League, so all European action is now out of the picture for the club prior to Christmas.

Currently, they sit sixth-placed in the Premier League table and 10 points behind leaders Liverpool. United have sustained more losses (seven) than any side in the top-nine, and are the only team in the top-eight to hold a negative goal difference (minus three).

Alas, a win on Sunday could change their situation drastically. Ten Hag, whose job is under increasing pressure with every poor result, knows that more than anyone.

Ten Hag’s pre-match message to his players
Asked whether the squad are ‘scared’ to face Liverpool, he responded (via Manchester Evening News): “I haven’t seen that last season we were scared there. It was a bad experience, but it’s not similar, and you start again. Last year we played very decent, and we got hammered just after half-time, and then we collapsed.

“That was a different team and different players for part at least. We can’t ignore it, but we will go there, and we will be confident. I want my players to be confident from the start to the end, we have to fight there, challenge there and go with the idea. We will go to win there.”

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Dec 15 2023, 15:36
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Liverpool V Man United -Head To – As Eric Ten Hag was sack today -Liverpool To Win Man United With This To Reasons

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Manchester United must overcome a huge psychological hurdle as well as an injury crisis and their own weaknesses against Liverpool… the stats are damning and all point to more Anfield misery for Erik ten Hag’s men
By Adam Shergold for MailOnline
14:30 GMT 15 Dec 2023 , updated 14:30 GMT 15 Dec 2023

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Man United are heading to a buoyant Liverpool at the worst possible time
Their chances of winning on Sunday are estimated at a lowly 11 per cent
Manchester United fans must be DREADING Anfield trip – It’s All Kicking Off
Manchester United will not only be fighting against Liverpool, an injury crisis and their own shortcomings when they visit Anfield this Sunday.

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They’ll have to overcome psychological hurdles, too, because the home of their arch-rivals has become a place of nightmares in recent times.

Following a week in which United were humiliated 3-0 at home by Bournemouth and crashed out of Europe, a trip along the M62 to Merseyside is the last thing Erik ten Hag needs.

They face a buoyant Liverpool side sitting top of the Premier League, unbeaten in nine league matches and determined to rub United’s noses even further into the dirt.

United must also cope with up to 11 absentees either through injury, suspension or simply being banished to the reserves.

After their European exit, Manchester United face a daunting Anfield trip to face Liverpool
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After their European exit, Manchester United face a daunting Anfield trip to face Liverpool
Memories of Mohamed Salah and Co tearing them to shreds in a 7-0 Liverpool win in March remain at the forefront of minds as United head down the M62
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Memories of Mohamed Salah and Co tearing them to shreds in a 7-0 Liverpool win in March remain at the forefront of minds as United head down the M62
That seven-goal thrashing was the joint-heaviest suffered by United in their entire history
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That seven-goal thrashing was the joint-heaviest suffered by United in their entire history

Their debilitating injury list worsened in Tuesday night’s defeat to Bayern Munich as Harry Maguire went off with a groin injury and Luke Shaw suffered a hamstring issue.

However, Ten Hag confirmed on Friday that Shaw should make the match with Maguire facing a few games on the sidelines.

Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial both missed that one through illness with only the former passed fit for Sunday.

Captain Bruno Fernandes is suspended after talking himself into his fifth yellow card of the season during the Bournemouth debacle.

Given the Portuguese midfielder’s petulant behaviour when United crashed 7-0 at Liverpool back in March, that may be a blessing in disguise.

Of course Jadon Sancho remains an outcast, and other injured players include Tyrell Malacia, Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Christian Eriksen, Mason Mount, Victor Lindelof and Amad Diallo.

But it isn’t just a physical challenge for United, it’s very much a mental one too.

Rarely will their fans have set off for a game with Liverpool feeling so despondent about their team’s chances of winning. The stats around the fixture only support this low mood.

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Liverpool are undefeated in their last seven Premier League home games against United, winning four of them.

United captain Bruno Fernandes threw a hissy fit at Anfield in March but will be suspended for Sunday’s return visit
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United captain Bruno Fernandes threw a hissy fit at Anfield in March but will be suspended for Sunday’s return visit
Erik ten Hag’s side are given a minimal chance of winning at Anfield after recent setbacks
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Erik ten Hag’s side are given a minimal chance of winning at Anfield after recent setbacks
The stats don’t bode well for United
Courtesy of Opta

Liverpool are unbeaten in their last seven Premier League home games against Manchester United (W4 D3), winning the last two by an aggregate score of 11-0. They last had a longer run without a league defeat at Anfield against them between 1970 and 1979 (9).

Manchester United have failed to score in their last four Premier League away games against Liverpool. They last had a longer run without an away league goal against an opponent between 1969 and 1974 (6 vs Everton).

Liverpool have lost just three of their last 17 games against Man Utd in all competitions (W7 D7), winning four of their last five against the Red Devils (L1).

Liverpool have won all seven of their Premier League games at Anfield this season, only in 2019-20 (first 17) have the Reds began a Premier League campaign with a longer home winning run.

Liverpool are also averaging three goals per game at home in the league this term (21 goals), their most in a single season in the competition.

Jesse Lingard scored United’s last goal at Anfield back in December 2018
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Jesse Lingard scored United’s last goal at Anfield back in December 2018
Manchester United have failed to win any of their last 13 Premier League away games against sides starting the day in the top eight of the table (D3 L10) since beating Spurs 3-0 under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in October 2021.

This exact fixture last season finished 7-0 to Liverpool, Man Utd’s joint biggest margin of defeat in the club’s history.

Since winning back-to-back Premier League trips to Anfield in March 2015 (2-1) and January 2016 (1-0), Man Utd have since failed to win any of their seven league visits (D3 L4), failing to score in each of the last four.

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Liverpool have lost more Premier League games (29) and conceded more goals (81) against Man Utd than they have against any other side. However, no side has more Premier League wins against the Red Devils than Liverpool (19 – level with Arsenal & Man City).

United last came away from Anfield with three points on January 17, 2016, when Wayne Rooney’s goal gave Louis van Gaal’s side a 1-0 win. An awful lot of water has flowed under the bridge since then.

More pertinent is the fact Liverpool have won their last two meetings there by an aggregate of 11-0.

There was that seven-goal shellacking last season – a curious game in which Liverpool only led 1-0 at the break after United had been on top – and a 4-0 humbling the previous April with Ralf Rangnick in charge.

The last time Liverpool had a better home run against United was during their 1970s heyday, when they accumulated nine straight unbeaten.

That seven-goal loss last season was the joint-heaviest in United’s entire history and it must have left a mental scar for the players involved.

Worryingly, United have failed to score on their last four visits to Anfield. Jesse Lingard was the last to score there in a 3-1 loss on December 16, 2018.

Harry Maguire’s groin injury just adds to United’s problem ahead of a demanding Anfield trip
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Harry Maguire’s groin injury just adds to United’s problem ahead of a demanding Anfield trip
United were knocked out of the Champions League and all European competition in the week
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United were knocked out of the Champions League and all European competition in the week
That match proved the final straw for Jose Mourinho and Ten Hag will be hoping and praying this Sunday isn’t his swansong, even if it appears his job is safe for now.

The last time United had a longer run of failing to score away to a league opponent was six games against Everton between 1969 and 1974.

Given we’re already looking at a case of damage limitation, it’s hardly ideal for United that Liverpool are averaging three goals a game at home this season – their highest ever in the Premier League.

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There are also clear signs of how the pendulum has swung from United to Liverpool in their rivalry.

While Liverpool have lost more Premier League games (29) and conceded more goals (81) against United than any other team, they also have 19 wins against them (the joint-most with Arsenal and Manchester City).

Salah loves scoring against United, with 12 overall and nine in his last five meetings with them
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Salah loves scoring against United, with 12 overall and nine in his last five meetings with them
Mohamed Salah’s favourite opponents, with United topping the list. Courtesy of Opta
Mohamed Salah’s favourite opponents, with United topping the list. Courtesy of Opta
But recent history has greater relevance and Liverpool have actually lost only three of their last 17 meetings with United in all competitions (seven wins, seven draws).

As with quite a few opponents, the tables have turned since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 and not in a positive way for United.

As usual, Mohamed Salah will be one of Liverpool’s principal threats and the Egyptian just loves playing against United.

Salah has scored 12 goals in 12 appearances against the Red Devils, more than against any other team and he also has four assists.

Recent encounters with the forward have been especially painful for United.

IT’S ALL KICKING OFF!
It’s All Kicking Off is an exciting new podcast from Mail Sport that promises a different take on Premier League football.

It is available on MailOnline, Mail+, YouTube, Apple Music and Spotify.

In the 2021-22 season, he scored a hat-trick at Old Trafford in Liverpool’s 5-0 win before netting twice in the aforementioned 4-0 at Anfield.

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Last season, he scored a consolation in a 2-1 loss in Manchester before grabbing two goals and two assists in that 7-0 thrashing.

Salah has scored nine times and contributed four assists in his last five games against United and will doubtless be licking his lips at the thought of taking on their makeshift defence this Sunday.

With all that in mind, it’s perhaps no wonder Liverpool’s win probability for Sunday is a very high 74 per cent, with United’s just 11 per cent.

Adversity can sometimes inspire fighting qualities but the brutal truth is all signs point to another chastening Anfield afternoon for United this weekend.

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Liverpool in talks to sign “one-man army” midfielder
BY
HENRY JACKSON
PUBLISHED 2 HOURS AGO
The Reds have been linked with him in the past.

Liverpool are believed to have made contact and had talks with a player who has been described as a “one-man army”, according to a new update.

Liverpool transfer news
The Merseysiders are sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League heading into the weekend action, with bitter rivals Manchester United heading to Anfield on Sunday afternoon. After last season’s woes under Jurgen Klopp, in which too many players looked a long way past their best, the manager rebuilt his midfield and it has made all the difference.

Injuries have started to creep in once again, however, with the likes of Alisson, Andy Robertson, Joel Matip, Alexis Mac Allister and Diogo Jota all affected of late – Matip won’t play again this season after suffering ACL damage – and it could force Liverpool into the transfer market in January.

With Matip unavailable, Crystal Palace and England centre-back Marc Guehi has been linked with a move to the Reds, potentially being seen as someone who can bolster that area of the pitch, especially if an injury suddenly strikes down Virgil van Dijk or Ibrahima Konate.

Signings further up the pitch also don’t appear to be out of the question either, with Inter Milan’s Hakan Calhanoglu seen as an option for Liverpool, while RB Leipzig attacker Lois Openda has been backed to head to Anfield and boost their options in the final third.

Liverpool in contact over Khephren Thuram move
According to an update from Italian publication Calciomercato, Liverpool have made contact with Nice over midfielder Khephren Thuram, with the Reds, and by extension owners FSG, also reaching out to the player’s representatives.

Manchester City and United are also believed to be in the same boat, however, so there could be a big battle to snap him up in one of the upcoming transfer windows.

Thuram has been a long-time target for Liverpool, with a summer move not coming to fruition and the likes of Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai signed instead, but he could still be a great option to come in.

Granted, the 22-year-old isn’t the out-and-out defensive midfielder that some Reds supporters crave, with someone of Fabinho’s ilk arguably giving Klopp the perfect balance in the middle of the park, but he is still capable of playing there, or in more of a box-to-box role.

This season, Thuram has completed 89.2% of his passes in Ligue 1 across 12 appearances, also averaging 1.3 tackles and 1.1 clearances per game in the competition, showing that he can be effective in and out of possession.

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The Frenchman could be even more of a force alongside superior teammates, too, and at just 22 years of age, there is so much more to come from him, with football talent scout Jacek Kulig describing him as a “one-man army in midfield” back in August. It could be a surprise to some if Thuram arrived in January, however, it looks as if it could be one to watch following this update.

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Henry Jackson • News Writer
(6070 Articles Published)
Henry is an experienced football writer with a huge passion and knowledge of the game.

With over a decade of writing under his belt, he has been part of Snack Media’s freelance team since 2020. He is also a main contributor for This Is Anfield, one of the world’s biggest Reds-related sites, where he writes features and news, and covers matchday content, from live blogs to the dreaded Player Ratings.

Henry is a Liverpool fan, which you may have guessed, and has also written articles for the Times and the Guardian, as well as featured on the radio on BBC Radio 5 Live and LBC.

Over the years, he has also accumulated nearly 30,000 followers on Twitter and become a known voice on all things Reds.

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UEFA make huge mess of Liverpool as Cody Gakpo left fuming by decision
Moments you might have missed from Liverpool’s Europa League defeat to Union SG on Thursday

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ByPaul GorstLiverpool FC correspondentTheo SquiresLiverpool FC Writer
12:09, 15 DEC 2023UPDATED12:35, 15 DEC 2023
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Cody Gakpo of Liverpool FC during the UEFA Europa League in group E match between R. Union Sint Gillis and Liverpool FC at Lotto Park stadium

Liverpool’s Europa League group stage came to a close on Thursday night with a 2-1 loss to Union Saint-Gilloise in Brussels.

A much-changed and youthful side slipped to the Reds’ second defeat of their Group E campaign but progress to the last 16 was already secure before kick-off.

With Manchester United to come on Sunday afternoon at Anfield, Klopp opted to rest many of his big names as he handed starts to the likes of Ben Doak, Kaide Gordon, Luke Chambers and Conor Bradley.

READ MORE: Liverpool without six key players for Manchester United match after latest injury news

READ MORE: Liverpool handed Manchester United boost as true impact of Europa League defeat becomes clear

But you knew all of that, of course. What you missed, however, were a series of intriguing subplots at Lotto Park on Thursday night.

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3
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Team sheet shenanigans

If Liverpool’s much-changed side might have thrown USG boss Alexander Blessin and his pre-match plans, it was also one that flummoxed those at UEFA, whose official pre-match sheet turned up some apparent tactical tweaks of a curious nature from Klopp.

Playing in a two-man midfield pivot was Harvey Elliott supposedly alongside winger Kaide Gordon with defensive midfielder Wataru Endo said to be leading the line as the lone striker. Behind him was centre-back Jarell Quansah, who was given freedom to roam in an exciting new-look No.10 position.

The young defender has enjoyed an excellent campaign from a personal perspective but Klopp is unlikely to be calling for his creative skills in the final third any time soon, despite his well-taken equaliser on the night.

And while Andy Robertson’s injury has led to an overreliance at times on Kostas Tsimikas, we’re not sure Cody Gakpo is well placed to deputise for the Greek defender on the left side of the defence, despite UEFA sticking the forward in that spot on their sheet. Gakpo is a versatile operator but a full-back he is not. Curtis Jones, however, has at least played right-back this season, against Leicester in the League Cup.

The Reds manager might have been described as naming an experimental side in Brussels, but this was taking it too far as UEFA got the positions hopelessly wrong on the night.

Jones gives a toss

Curtis Jones captained Liverpool for the third time on Thursday night as he donned the Reds’ armband for the first time in Europe against Union SG. You couldn’t wipe the smile off his face pre-match as a result as he led out Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Jogging over to the centre circle for the pre-match pleasantries, the 22-year-old was allowed to call for the coin toss. But referee referee Orel Grinfeeld used a coloured disc as opposed to an actual coin.

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“Red or green?” he asked, with Jones’ answer obvious. ‘Red, of course!’ he responded sheepishly, with a smirk on his face. It landed on green. Perhaps a sign of things to come on this disjointed night for Liverpool.

Elliott gives Gordon advice

It’s been a long and often painful wait for Kaide Gordon to get back into the senior setup but the young winger was cleared for a comeback after 23 months on Thursday night as he started on the right of the front three.

Gordon has endured miserable luck with injuries due to what has been described as a “complex pelvic issue” but after nearly two years out, he was in the side against USG and picking up some tips and advice from his more established colleague Harvey Elliott.

Gordon, 19, may not been too much younger than Elliott, who turns 21 in April, but in terms of experience of first-team life at Liverpool, the latter is very much the senior player and it hints at his growing maturity and sense of responsibility within the group that he was giving out the advice to Gordon as the rest of the team celebrated Jarell Quansah’s equaliser.

Elliott pulled Gordon to one side to deliver a few succinct morsels of inspiration after Quansah had made it 1-1. It’s unclear what was said in the exchange but Elliott is certainly becoming more comfortable as a senior Reds player this term.

Gakpo’s boot’s on the other foot

It was an evening to forget for Cody Gakpo on the night with the Netherlands international barely getting himself into the game against the Belgian league leaders.

The forward, however, was not helped by some of the officiating, particularly a moment in the second half when he embarked one of those trademark dribbles through the centre.

Picking up the ball on the half-turn, Gakpo was running at the heart of the USG defence and was being chased by a handful of players determined to deny him the time and space.

The forward perhaps kept hold of the ball for too long but such was the pressure on the challenge that the Dutchman’s boot came off in the tackle from a USG player, leaving him to hobble around with only one on for more than a few seconds.

Gakpo stood there with his arms aloft in demand of a foul wearing only one boot. As he trotted over to put the boot back on, it was expected that a foul would eventually be given but the referee somehow deemed it to be a fair challenge, despite one of the cleats flying across the pitch. The sight of the Reds man moving to retrieve it as the game carried on around summed up an instantly forgettable evening.

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‘He can’t be starting’… Jose Enrique says £17m Liverpool player shouldn’t be in the team now

Charles Jones
Fri 15 December 2023 10:45, UK
Wataru Endo has actually proven to be quite a good signing for Liverpool.

The Japan international was a relative unknown when the Reds signed him for £17m this summer, but he’s now making a name for himself in the Premier League.

Endo has performed admirably for Liverpool, but, as you can imagine, he does still have his doubters.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Jose Enrique has been discussing Liverpool’s current situation, and he’s still of the opinion that the Reds need to sign a new number six, claiming that Endo can’t be a starter in the Premier League.

Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Endo can’t start
Enrique shared his verdict on what Liverpool need to do.

“We need a proper number six, obviously Endo is there, but I don’t think he can be a starter. He’s a good player, that’s why Klopp signed him, but he can’t be starting as a number six for us in the Premier League, we need a top top one the level of Szoboszlai or Mac Allister in that position,” Enrique said.

Top priority
As much as we’re growing to like Endo as a player, we agree with Enrique that signing a quality defensive midfielder has to be a top priority for the Reds.

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Endo is the only natural number six in the squad right now, and, with all due respect, he’s unproven at the top level when it comes down to it.

Liverpool will be hoping to be battling for the title right to the bitter end this season, and they will need quality players who can step up in the big moments if they are going to win the league, and, right now, nobody can reliably say that Endo is the man for that job.

The Japan international is a decent player, but he’s not exactly at the level of a prime Fabinho, is he?

Liverpool need to go out and sign a best-in-class player in this position.

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‘I’m not really sure how’… Jamie Carragher left shocked by what’s happened at Liverpool this season
Fri 15 December 2023 11:00
James Brooke
Jamie Carragher says he isn’t quite sure how Liverpool find themselves top of the Premier League.

The Reds are currently sitting pretty in first place as we approach Christmas. It’s been a brilliant turn-around from the doldrums of last season.

But according to Carragher, Liverpool’s position in the table is a little bit misleading. Writing for The Telegraph, the Reds legend says that although they may be first for now, his eyes have been telling him ‘something else’ about his old team.

“Liverpool are top of the league and I am not really sure how,” Carragher writes. “The league table says one thing but my eyes tell me something else.

“The balance of the team is still not quite right, and it is hard to imagine it will be without a ready-made defensive midfielder.”

Carragher not convinced by Liverpool
Some won’t be happy with Carragher’s comments here. The former centre-back is one of the most high-profile pundits in the country and is at times perceived to be overcompensating for his status as a Liverpool legend.

This down-playing of the Reds’ title chances certainly won’t help him with those accusations. But looking past that, you’d have to say that Carra is talking sense here.

It has been an enjoyable season so far for Liverpool fans and they’ve picked up some really good results.

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But at the same time, we haven’t really been playing like a team that’s top of the table.

In amongst impressive wins over the likes of West Ham United and Aston Villa, there has been plenty of hair-tearing, too. Liverpool have been reliant on injury-time winners to beat Newcastle United, Fulham and Crystal Palace. A last-second equaliser against Luton Town also comes to mind.

Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
That is obviously not a coincidence and the Reds should be commended for pushing right until the end. However, the need for so many last-ditch winners does suggest that things can’t be sustained.

A big portion of fans would also concur with Carragher that a full-time defensive midfielder is needed.

With the January window just around the corner, there will no doubt be a clamour for Liverpool to make that ‘final piece of the jigsaw’ signing.

Early signs are that the Reds won’t do that, though. And as far as Carra is concerned, that could be costly.

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‘Absolute beast’ centre-back could be back on the transfer table for Liverpool after £60m revelation
NEWS TRANSFER RUMOURS
Posted by Farrell Keeling1 hour agoFollow @farrellkeeling
‘Absolute beast’ centre-back could be back on the transfer table for Liverpool after £60m revelation
Reliable Bundesliga reporter Christian Falk has suggested that Liverpool could be lured back to the negotiating table for Piero Hincapie.

This follows the emergence of a £60.1m release clause for the Bayer Leverkusen defender, previously labelled an ‘absolute beast’ (as previously described by U23 scout Antonio Mango, via footballfancast).

“Piero Hincapie could be an interesting option for potential suitors again,” the German reporter exclusively informed CaughtOffside.

“I’ve heard that he has a release clause of €70m.

“That’s why he could re-emerge on the table for Premier League clubs like Liverpool and Newcastle. We heard Milan and Roma are also interested in the Leverkusen player.”

The Reds are understood to be particularly keen on adding a left-sided centre-back to their ranks to add some depth beyond Virgil van Dijk.

READ MORE: ‘I heard’: Liverpool given boost over transfer target who’s incredibly quick and versatile

READ MORE: After Man City: Liverpool now eyeing 18-year-old centre-back who’s ‘making the whole world salivate’ – report

Van Dijk’s terrific form presents a new challenge
Our colossal No.4 shows absolutely no signs of halting his brilliance on the pitch (unless Jordan Pickford has anything to say about it).

This means we have no choice but to land a young centre-half keen on learning the tools of the trade and earning minutes on a sporadic basis.

Would Hincapie be prepared to accept such a deal at Anfield?

It remains to be seen. However, a player of his potential would make a more than fine addition to the squad if he can be persuaded to make the switch to L4.

#Ep97 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: EOTK Insider with Neil Jones🎙️

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Todd Boehly has beaten FSG to another mega deal but Liverpool is proof of the reality
Liverpool and Chelsea are run very differently, just as the Boston Red Sox and the Los Angeles Dodgers are. FSG and Todd Boehly have very different transfer ideas.

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ByMatt AddisonLiverpool.com Editor
08:00, 15 DEC 2023
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Todd Boehly has not been shy of spending big while at Chelsea, but it is yet to pay off. (Image: Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
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In the UK, Shohei Ohtani was a relatively unknown figure until recently. This 29-year-old Japanese baseball sensation, however, has just signed the largest sports contract in history with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Ohtani’s jersey sales skyrocketed within the first 48 hours, surpassing those of football legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, as reported by Fanatics, a global sports merchandising firm.

Ohtani, affectionately known as ‘Shotime’, is a three-time MLB All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger Award winner. His popularity has transcended baseball at a time when the sport has been battling to draw attention from an American audience increasingly drawn to short-form content in sports consumption. Despite these challenges, Ohtani has inked a jaw-dropping 10-year contract with the Dodgers worth an impressive $700m (£553m).

Interestingly, Ohtani will only receive $2m (£1.58m) annually from this deal while the remaining $680m will be paid over 10 years after his contract expires, with the final payment due in 2044. This arrangement allows the Dodgers to spread Ohtani’s salary over two decades and limit its impact by amortizing his cost over an extended period.

READ MORE: Thiago injury return, January transfer confirmed – Liverpool next six weeks in ideal scenario

READ MORE: Door opened for double Liverpool transfer as Jude Bellingham being proven wrong

So how does this relate to Liverpool FC? The Dodgers are co-owned by Todd Boehly, an American entrepreneur who also owns Chelsea FC along with Clearlake Capital. Since Boehly and Clearlake took over Chelsea in May 2022 for $3.2bn (£2.5bn), they have spent over $1.3bn (£1bn) in the transfer market acquiring top young football talents.

To comply with Premier League profit and sustainability regulations, Chelsea offered contracts spanning seven to nine years to spread the guaranteed sum of transfer fees over a longer period. This move prompted the Premier League to introduce a rule limiting transfer fee amortization to five years, despite contract lengths being allowed to exceed this.

Boehly’s Chelsea beat Liverpool in securing both Moisés Caicedo, who signed an eight-year deal, and Roméo Lavia. However, Chelsea’s struggles on the pitch this season have been significant, and they currently sit 12th in the league, trailing leaders Liverpool by 18 points.

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