LIVERPOOL ‘Brings so much joy and peace to the team’… Alisson says £50m Liverpool player is so ‘fantastic’

LIVERPOOL
‘Brings so much joy and peace to the team’… Alisson says £50m Liverpool player is so ‘fantastic’

Giuseppe Labellarte
Sat 18 November 2023 20:45, UK
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker has described Reds teammate Kostas Tsimikas as a “fantastic” footballer and person.

The Liverpool stopper sung his colleague’s praises to Premier League Productions, saying he’s an absolute joy to work with.

Tsimikas has been at Liverpool since August 2020, when he joined the Reds from Olympiakos in a deal reportedly worth around £12million.

The 27-year-old has been a useful squad player for Jurgen Klopp, often deputising for Andrew Robertson.

To date, Tsimikas has made 71 appearances for Liverpool, also notching up 14 assists in red.

Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
He went into the international break on a high note, registering two assists for the Reds in a 3-0 win over Brentford.

As well as stepping up on the pitch, Tsimikas is a hugely popular player in the Liverpool dressing room.

Alisson said: “He’s a lovely guy. I think he brings so much joy to our team every day here.

“It’s a pleasure for me to work together here with him.

“Not talking about his qualities as a player, he is a fantastic player as well; top skills, but as a person [he’s] even better.”

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It’s so good to hear Tsimikas earn praise from his teammates not only for his playing skills, but as a person.

Camaraderie is important in any club’s dressing room. You need to have the right characters, and Tsimikas certainly fits the bill.

With Robertson out of contention, the Greece international has stepped up and will look to continue to do so as Liverpool aim for glory following a tricky season last time out.

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OPINIONGareth Southgate just proved Jürgen Klopp right again as 2/10 rating shows Liverpool truth
England didn’t exactly inspire with its performance against Malta at Wembley, with Gareth Southgate once again proving Jürgen Klopp right in the process.

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ByJames FindlaterContent Editor
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Jordan Henderson is substituted during England’s win over Malta
Jordan Henderson is substituted during England’s win over Malta (Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool fans’ apathy toward the England team might have dissipated a little when they saw Trent Alexander-Arnold’s name on the teamsheet on Friday night. So often snubbed by Gareth Southgate, Reds everywhere have regularly been left perplexed as to how the 25-year-old has just 22 caps to his name.

Any of those same fans who were encouraged to watch the proceedings at Wembley would have been regretting that decision soon though. And it certainly was not through the fault of Alexander-Arnold.

A turgid display saw England labor to a 2-0 win over Malta, a side ranked 171st in FIFA’s world rankings between such football powerhouses as Fiji and Bermuda. Despite going 1-0 up early on through a fortunate own goal, the Three Lions didn’t register a shot on target until after the hour mark — it won’t surprise you to learn that it was Alexander-Arnold who broke that particular deadlock.

READ MORE: Trent Alexander-Arnold just passed Jude Bellingham test as Jürgen Klopp given Liverpool ‘idea’

READ MORE: Return of ‘Thanos’ could be what Jürgen Klopp needs against Man City as Liverpool handed boost

The Liverpool academy product was one of the few positives to emerge for England at Wembley. The same can’t be said for his former club teammate though.

Jordan Henderson had another night to forget as he was given the nod yet again by Southgate. The England boss’ loyalty to the former Liverpool captain has baffled many following his move to Saudi Arabia, where he is playing in a far inferior league to the Premier League, and his recent performances for the national team have not done anything to quell any disquiet.

Having been booed following a subpar performance against Australia last month, Henderson was once again poor against Malta last night. His display even garnered a two out of 10 rating from Goal.

While that might seem harsh, you certainly couldn’t make the argument for the 33-year-old to receive a much higher rating. His slow and ponderous play rather summed up England’s display, and it was telling that the Three Lions looked much brighter once he had been substituted in the second half.

If Henderson was hoping to make a point to Liverpool and Jürgen Klopp, then he has unquestionably failed. The midfielder suggested in an interview with The Athletic he left Anfield due to no longer feeling wanted at the club, a claim Klopp didn’t deny.

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“Hendo told the truth, we talked and I told him there was a possibility of not playing regularly,” Klopp said in September (via The Standard). “If Hendo would have performed, he’d have played. I thought it was important to talk openly. Hendo is a super guy but he is not great when he is not playing.

“He was my captain. I didn’t want to lock horns because he thought he would be starting. He took that to mean we didn’t want him here. I couldn’t tell him he would start and that is why it is better that he moved on.”

Thus far, Southgate’s decisions to continue including Henderson in his squads have not been vindicated, and have only proven why Klopp made the right call in letting him exit Liverpool, even if it did leave the club short in the engine room.

Liverpool has since shown marked improvements with a younger and more dynamic midfield in place. How long will it be before Southgate recognizes he needs to do the same, and come to the same conclusion as Klopp?

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Mac Allister binned for £70m signing in Liverpool’s dream starting XI after Jan
BY
ROBBIE WALLS
PUBLISHED 1 HOUR AGO
A look at how the Reds could shape up if they were to make three key additions in the winter window.

harvey-elliott-alexis-mac-allister-liverpool-opinion
After faltering last season, Liverpool have come roaring back this time around to put themselves firmly in title contention alongside the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal, with Jurgen Klopp’s men currently just a point off the top with just one defeat in 12 Premier League outings thus far.

Such form is a far cry from the limp showings that saw the Merseysiders slip out of the top four last term, with a repeat scenario now looking increasingly unlikely, even with a competitive chasing pack that includes the likes of Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Manchester United.

With his side currently in a strong position in those coveted Champions League berths, Klopp certainly won’t be getting complacent, however, with fresh reinforcements perhaps needed in January to help maintain this impressive momentum.

With that in mind – and with transfer rumours already beginning to swirl with the winter window looming – here’s a look at how the Anfield outfit could line up come February, if a handful of key signings are to be made…

1
GK – Alisson
alisson-premier-league-liverpool-klopp-market-value-roma
It would take something frankly remarkable for Alisson not to still be the undisputed first-choice under Klopp in 2024, with the Brazilian colossus having deservedly cemented his place as the go-to man in the sticks ever since his arrival from Roma back in 2018.

Lauded as the “best in the world” by teammate Andy Robertson, the 31-year-old has conceded just ten goals in the league so far this season, helping his side to record the joint-best defensive record in the division – alongside the Gunners.

2
RB – Trent Alexander-Arnold
ryan-kent-trent-alexander-arnold-liverpool-opinion
Trent Alexander-Arnold is another who has been a regular fixture in the side during a golden period under Klopp for Liverpool, having now chalked up 16 goals and a staggering 75 assists in 287 appearances for the club at senior level.

The academy graduate has yet again been an attacking outlet form his full-back berth this season with three assists in 14 games in all competitions, having also relished the opportunity to take on an inverted role at times in the middle of the park.

While an able deputy could well be needed – with usual centre-back Joe Gomez the only other senior option at right-back – any January addition is incredibly unlikely to dislodge the Englishman from his starting berth.

3
CB – Goncalo Inacio
goncalo-inacio-portugal
The first new face in this hypothetical XI is Sporting CP and Portugal’s Goncalo Inacio, with both the Reds – and rivals Manchester United – said to be scouting the promising centre-back ahead of a possible future swoop.

With Ibrahima Konate regularly hampered by injury and with Joel Matip currently in the final year of his contract, a new addition in that department could be essential, even despite the club’s impressive defensive record of late.

In the 22-year-old Inacio, Klopp could find a long-term solution at the heart of the backline, with the in-demand ace particularly adept at playing out from the back, as he ranks in at least the top 2% for attempted passes, progressive passes and progressives carries per 90 among those in his position in leagues comparable to the Primeira Liga.

4
CB – Virgil van Dijk
Salah-VanDijk-Liverpool-Premier-League
The newly-appointed captain following the departure of Jordan Henderson over the summer, Virgil van Dijk remains a truly influential and imperious presence at centre-back.

Described by Ben Foster as the “best defender that has ever lived” when in his pomp, the towering Dutchman may have lost a “yard off pace” since his ACL injury back in 2020 – as per Foster – yet he is still integral in helping to marshal a watertight defence.

5
LB – Andy Robertson
andrea-cambiaso-andrew-robertson-liverpool-transfer-premier-league
While currently sidelined with a shoulder injury, the expectation is that Robertson will be able to make an eagerly-awaited return in the new year, with Klopp currently having to rely on Kostas Tsimikas or Gomez to fill the void at left-back.

Like his colleague on the opposite side – Alexander-Arnold – the Scotland skipper is also a regular attacking outlet down the flanks, having notably averaged 2.6 key passes per game this season in the Premier League, more than any of his teammates.

6
CDM – Joao Palhinha
Joao Palhinha
Having seen Fabinho depart for the riches of Saudi Arabia over the summer, the Reds are still seeking a quality solution at the base of the midfield, with 30-year-old summer signing, Wataru Endo, yet to truly convince after starting just two league games this term.

As such, with recent reports linking the club with a move for Fulham’s Joao Palhinha – who is valued at £70m – Klopp could well find that missing piece of the puzzle, with the Portuguese menace an undoubted “monster” in the centre of the park – as hailed by broadcaster Adrian Clarke.

Rumours are rife regarding Fluminense’s Andre, but Palhinha has already shown his class in English football, notably ranking at the top of the charts for the most tackles made in the division in 2023/24.

That addition could well spell bad news for Alexis Mac Allister, with the World Cup winner – who has lined up in that deeper role this season – seemingly not a natural fit as a midfield destroyer, with his average of 3.8 tackles and interceptions per game in the league this term simply dwarfed by Palhinha (6.9).

7
CM – Dominik Szoboszlai
tyler-morton-dominik-szoboszlai-liverpool-opinion
As the Hungarian has himself admitted, there is already talk that the former RB Leipzig man is the “new Steven Gerrard” following a blistering start to life at Anfield, the 23-year-old having scored twice and recorded two assists so far this season.

With the likes of Henderson, James Milner and Naby Keita having moved on to pastures new in the most recent window, the £60m man has provided a delightful, youthful exuberance in the centre of the park and looks like a figure to build the side around for years to come.

8
CM – Ryan Gravenberch
wataru-endo-ryan-gravenberch-liverpool-opinion-2
With so many options in central midfield – including the likes of Mac Allister, Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott – it is a tricky ask trying to settle on a figure to round off this trio, yet Ryan Gravenberch could well get the nod.

The one-time Ajax man has had to bide his time for a regular role in the side, yet has begun to flourish in a Liverpool jersey, having even been likened to a certain Patrick Vieira by club legend, Jamie Carragher.

With the sturdy presence of Palhinha behind him, the Dutchman would be able to bomb forward at will – with such attacking quality having been seen by his two goals in three Europa League games this season.

9
RW – Mohamed Salah
salah-liverpool-brentford-premier-league-klopp
While the question remains as to whether Saudi interest will be renewed in Mohamed Salah in January, it would be a real shock if the Egyptian was allowed to depart midway through the campaign, particularly amid Liverpool’s strong league position.

In the event that the former Roma man does stay put, Klopp will be able to continue to rely on his main source of goals and creativity, with the 31-year-old already posting ten goals and four assists in 12 league outings to date.

10
ST – Darwin Nunez
dominic-solanke-darwin-nunez-liverpool-opinion-1
There is no question that Liverpool still need more from Darwin Nunez – as he has already missed ten big chances in the top-flight this term – yet the Uruguayan does appear to be making impressive strides in his second season at Anfield, with seven goals and six assists in all competitions.

The former Benfica man does have competition from the likes of Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota, although he is the more natural centre-forward of the trio, with Klopp likely to continue to place faith in his club-record capture.

11
LW – Leroy Sane
liverpool-leroy-sane-premier-league-transfers-mo-salah
It would undoubtedly be ambitious to bring Leroy Sane back to England, although the one-time Manchester City man has been mooted to make the move to Merseyside in recent weeks, with the Bayern Munich speedster having caught fire again in Germany.

Under the watchful eye of Thomas Tuchel, the 27-year-old – who can operate on either wing – has already posted eight goals and seven assists across all fronts in 2023/24, although his long-term future with the Bundesliga giants remains in doubt, with just over 18 months left on his current deal.

Of course, Liverpool do already have Luis Diaz to slot in on the left, yet the Colombian international has recorded just four goals and one assist in 14 games this term – albeit while enduring a horrific off-field ordeal of late.

As such, bringing in a former Premier League winner like Sane – who contributed to 25 league goals in the 2017/18 campaign at the Etihad – could provide that extra sprinkling of star quality.

Liverpool’s dream starting XI after January, in full – GK – Alisson; RB – Alexander-Arnold, CB – Inacio, CB – Van Dijk, LB – Robertson; CDM – Palhinha, CM – Szoboszlai, CM – Gravenberch; RW – Mo Salah, ST – Darwin Nunez, LW – Leroy Sane.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Robbie Walls
(2785 Articles Published)
Robbie is a content and opinion writer who has been working in the world of football media over the past few years.

Having graduated in 2020, Robbie spent a couple of years working as an intern or in freelance positions across a variety of sites, including 90min and Football Faithful, before joining the team at Snack Media in Spring 2022.

After beginning life at Snack as part of the company’s academy set-up, Robbie was selected to join their flagship website, Football FanCast, as an opinion writer, before going on to rise up through the ranks to now taking on the role of Assistant Editor.

Robbie is a Manchester United fan, but also has a particular fondness for both Celtic and Wycombe Wanderers.
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The key players Liverpool could be without against Manchester City amid squad omissions
Liverpool will face Manchester City in their next Premier League fixture but Jurgen Klopp could be without several key players

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ByJake BaylissFootball Trends Writer
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Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool (Image: John Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Liverpool could be without several key players for their upcoming game with Manchester City.

It has been a fixture that has regularly carried added importance for both clubs in recent years and this season is no different. Liverpool’s strong start to the season has put Jurgan Klopp’s side just one point behind City in top spot after 12 league games, suggesting that the Reds are set to mount another title challenge.

Following the international break, Jurgen Klopp’s side will head to the Etihad as his new-look team seek to prove they are genuine title contenders. They may have to take on Pep Guardiola’s team without a number of key players, though, as Liverpool deal with their injury list.

Here’s a look at who may not be available for the Reds against Manchester City:

READ MORE: Everton’s explosive statement shows why Liverpool will be watching Man City situation

READ MORE: Anfield’s atmosphere has to change – and I am part of Liverpool’s problem

In defence, there are doubts over Ibrahima Konate’s availability for the City clash. The centre-back, who missed the recent win over Brentford and also suffered an injury during the October international break, has not travelled with France for the current set of fixtures. While an official explanation of his injury has not been shared, French reporters have suggested that Konate is recovering from a slight hamstring issue.

Joe Gomez was another absentee from the squad that recorded the 3-0 victory over Brentford. The versatile defender was a surprise omission, given his impressive start to the season, and there was similarly no official diagnosis shared by Liverpool, raising doubts over his potential availability against Manchester City.

Andy Robertson remains sidelined after undergoing surgery on the dislocated shoulder he suffered while on Scotland duty. The left-back is expected to make his return in the New Year.

Moving into midfield, Curtis Jones could return to the squad to face Guardiola’s team. Jones picked up a low grade hamstring injury in Liverpool’s Carabao Cup win over Bournemouth.Another positive for the Reds is that Ryan Gravenberch is expected to be available after missing several games with a slight knee injury, prior to the international break,

However, the Reds will continue to be without long-term absentee Thiago Alcantara, who is recovering from pelvis surgery. Similarly, no timeline has been given for the return of young midfielder Stefan Bajcetic after he picked up a fresh injury setback, having previously seen his breakthrough season cut short last term.

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Luis Diaz Barcelona transfer claim made as Liverpool forward makes emotional statement
Your morning Liverpool headlines including latest Luis Diaz transfer rumours as his father speaks out

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ByLaura HartleySport audience and content editor
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Liverpool star Luis Diaz was the match-winner for Colombia against Brazil
Liverpool star Luis Diaz was the match-winner for Colombia against Brazil (Image: Photo by Jairo Cassiani/Vizzor Image/Getty Images)

Your morning Liverpool headlines for Saturday, November 18.

Luis Diaz father makes Barcelona transfer claim as he admits Liverpool forward’s ‘dream’

Luis Daiz’s father has spoken out on the reports linking the Liverpool forward with Barcelona.

Despite the turmoil that the 26-year-old was subjected to in his personal life, Diaz still managed to salvage a point for Liverpool with a late goal against Luton earlier this month, upon his return to the team. His two goals for Colombia further highlight why the former Porto forward has become a key part of Jurgen Klopp’s side.

READ MORE: Liverpool get Man City boost as injury list grows for Pep Guardiola over international break

READ MORE: Man City handed fresh injury concern after Rodri absence ahead of Liverpool clash

His performances have led to shock claims that Barcelona could be interested in signing the Liverpool forward. Diaz’s father was asked about his son possibly moving to Barcelona in the future and admitted that he has always been a supporter of the Catalan giants.

“[The] truth is that I know very little about Barcelona at the moment,” Diaz Snr. told Win Sports, as reported by Sport Witness. “It is true that Luis is a loyal Barcelona fan and it would be his dream to go there. So far I would like to thank Porto and Liverpool for the way they welcomed him and received him.”

Read the full story here.

Luis Diaz makes emotional statement and sends Alisson message after stunning display

Luis Diaz has highlighted the support from Liverpool team-mate Alisson following his inspirational performance for Colombia against Brazil.

Alisson Becker was in goal for Brazil after Ederson pulled out with an ankle injury. Despite the defeat, the shot-stopper embraced Diaz as the cameras caught the exchange between the Reds teammates.

“Alisson very happy, he is a great person. He accompanied me in the last 15 days, he is a great human being and he helped me get through this difficult moment,” Diaz said speaking after their win.

“Thank God, we have gone through hard times, but like life, we deserved this victory because we have made a great process , not only us players, but also the coach. Dedicate the victory to the people.”

Read the full story here.

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Sky Sports says Manchester City Best Player Erling Haaland not playing Against Liveepool,had a critical Injury

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Gary Lineker and Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher make same point after Everton deduction
Gary Lineker and Jamie Carragher both made the same point after Everton was hit with a 10-point deduction, and it’s something Liverpool will be keeping an eye on.

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ByJames FindlaterContent Editor
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Former Everton striker Gary Lineker (Image: Getty Images)

Gary Lineker has sparked speculation about the potential punishments that Manchester City and Chelsea may face. That’s in light of the recent bombshell ruling against Everton by an independent commission.

The commission’s decision to deduct 10 points from Everton has sent shockwaves across Merseyside and cast a dark cloud over Goodison Park. Despite positive results in recent weeks, Everton now finds itself in the relegation zone, two points adrift of safety.

The severity of Man City’s and Chelsea’s potential punishments is now being questioned. City is facing 115 separate charges, while Chelsea is under investigation for alleged offenses dating back to the Roman Abramovich era. It remains to be seen how their cases will progress and what penalties they may face.

READ MORE: Diogo Jota just underwent peculiar experiment but Liverpool hasn’t got new Andy Robertson option

READ MORE: Saudi club who offered Liverpool $187m for Mohamed Salah in disarray as Karim Benzema ‘insulted’

The news of Everton’s significant points deduction has garnered strong reactions from the football community. Former Everton striker Lineker took to social media to express his thoughts, hinting at the possibility of “other clubs” facing more severe penalties.

He posted on X (formerly Twitter): “With Everton being docked 10 points it will be very interesting to see if other clubs are sanctioned.”

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher also voiced his opinion on the matter, stating that the 10-point deduction for Everton is excessive and not justified considering the club’s cooperation with the Premier League over the past couple of years. “Would it have been better to be evasive and try to drag it out like other clubs?” Carragher posted.

“No doubt relegated clubs will have put big pressure on the PL to deal with Everton, but when you consider six clubs tried to leave the PL and there was no sanction at all it doesn’t feel right. Until other clubs are sanctioned Everton will feel they are being used to show there is no need for an independent regulator, and they are right.”

Another former Liverpool player, Stan Collymore, expressed sympathy for Everton and suggested that if Manchester City and Chelsea do not receive the same punishment, Everton will receive support from other clubs in the Premier League. Collymore stated: “Everton will have a lot of sympathy in the Premier League ‘dressing room’ should other clubs not be treated as Everton have today. Popcorn time.”

The Premier League’s handling of Everton’s case has raised questions about fairness and consistency in disciplinary matters. The outcome of Manchester City’s and Chelsea’s investigations will undoubtedly be closely scrutinized, and the football world will be watching to see if they face comparable penalties.

Liverpool.com says: All eyes are now on City and Chelsea after Everton’s deduction. With a precedent having been set, fans across the league will be expecting even bigger punishments.

We’re unlikely to get a verdict on Man City’s case anytime soon, such is the severity of the 115 charges against them. Having set the benchmark with Everton though, if City is found guilty, then the Premier League has to ensure any subsequent punishment fits in comparison.

—

You may notice the below message on a small number of Liverpool.com articles. We like to innovate and this is part of a trial to look at whether AI can help speed up the publishing process. We will always declare where this happens.

This article was crafted with the help of AI tools, based on a piece first written by Charlie Bennett for the Liverpool ECHO. You can read the original piece by clicking here. A Liverpool.com news editor reviewed this content before it was published. You can report any errors to matt.addison@reachplc.com.

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Anfield’s atmosphere has to change – and I am part of Liverpool’s problem
There are numerous reasons why Anfield’s match-day atmosphere has tailed off this season and not all of them have quick fixes.

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ByRichard GarnettSport Trends Writer
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It’s a familiar story lived over and over by generations of Liverpool supporters. You never forget your first game.

Whether it was in the swinging sixties, this season or somewhere in between, the anticipation of walking up those steps into the heart of Anfield and seeing the overwhelming sight of thousands of people congregated on a football terrace is a feeling like no other. Most people are gripped by the experience and soon become hooked on the game for life.

That ordeal can be enhanced to far greater heights by being part of a great match that results in a dramatic triumph. It’s truly at that point that the penny drops and supporters realise how they can help influence the outcome of a match themselves and nowhere more so has that been the case than at the storied auditorium of Anfield.

READ MORE: I was chucked in the deep end by Jurgen Klopp but Liverpool won’t regret it

READ MORE: Everton’s explosive statement shows why Liverpool will be watching Man City situation

The Spion Kop became so famous in the 1960s that the BBC sent cameras to the ground for a Panorama special report. Widely regarded as one of the most significant terraces in world football, its scalps include pretty much every top club in European football. A combination of wit, sharp humour, graciousness in defeat and magnanimity in victory earned Kopites the reputation of being amongst the most knowledgeable and respected in the land – a badge of honour that is still worn by supporters – and the club – today.

Plenty has changed over the past 30 years of course. The move to all-seater stadiums in the wake of the Taylor report saw Liverpool’s original standing Kop demolished in 1994 and replaced with a modern 12,000 capacity seated cantilever grandstand. It swept in a new era for football in England as the Premier League grabbed hold of the untapped potential of the game and turned it into a marketing powerhouse.

Fans at the time believed that the Kop would never be the same again, but although that is certainly true, the new stand has built its own story over almost three decades and without question developed a respected reputation in its own right. There have been plenty of occasions during its lifespan when the atmosphere created at Anfield rivalled and even succeeded that of the original standing Kop.

Notable highlights include the emotional return of Gerard Houllier to the dugout after recovering from a heart attack against Roma in 2002, the Champions League semi-final triumphs against Chelsea in 2005 and 2007 (the first of which was arguably the greatest atmosphere experienced in the ground in the past 30 years), the remarkable come-back victory over Borussia Dortmund in 2016, the first Premier League match in front of the redeveloped main stand against Leicester City in 2016 – played in front of Anfield’s highest attendance since 1977 and more recently the improbable 4-0 second leg comeback against Barcelona that put Liverpool on course for their sixth European Cup. All powered by the partisan energy of Anfield and its pumped-up supporters.

Such stories of crazy nights and euphoric success have whetted the appetite of football enthusiasts far beyond the reaches of Merseyside or even Britain for that matter. That is something the club has leveraged over the years and nowadays people flock to Anfield for a matchday experience in the same way you may wish to experience a Real Madrid or Barcelona match.

There can be no denying that the demographic of the match-going fan has changed quite considerably over the past 30 years and it would be no exaggeration to say that the make-up of Liverpool’s fanbase today is miles away from what it looked like in 1994 when the bulldozers move in on the Kop.

With that comes different practices and different attitudes, but when a team is winning like Liverpool has been under Jurgen Klopp, maintaining a good atmosphere is consequently easier. So what happens when things aren’t going so well like last season for example? The result is pretty obvious.

Liverpool’s match-day atmosphere is currently rooted in expectation rather than a culture of organic creation. Is this the price of success and the end result of not losing a home league match for five-and-a-half years? Probably, but that is not the only factor at play.

Anfield has a storied songbook developed over generations, but currently you will be lucky to hear more than a few variations of its repertoire before some of the more mundane modern offerings are looped to fade into a vacuum of complacency. Is this because Anfield now has far more ‘tourist fans’ and day-trippers than it used to? Actually, there is little evidence to support that as a root cause of a dip in the atmosphere even if it could be true in some cases.

The complexities of supporting a popular football club in the modern era should not result in the blame for a drop-off in noise falling squarely at the feet of less-regular visitors but perhaps at how the system works itself. Broadly speaking, the opportunity to attend a Liverpool home match can be compared to owning a house. If you’re old enough or rich enough you’ll probably be OK, but for everyone else it’s a bit of a thankless battle.

Before the standing Kop was turned into rubble in 1994, a teenager could buy a ticket on the day – with their mates – for £4.50. A season later everyone needed to pay a minimum of £9 to get an adult price but a hike in entry for juniors was the least of their worries. Nowadays, supporters with the necessary level of commitment need to purchase a £26.99 annual membership as a minimum before entering an online dog fight with 300,000 others to scrap over around 15,000 available tickets per match.

Not only does that give most people next to no chance of attending matches regularly, the whole experience is hugely unenjoyable and the chances of going to watch a game surrounded by mates becomes a perk banished to history.

As a season ticket holder of over 20 years, I thank my lucky stars that I don’t have to enter into such a hopeless crusade every time I want to attend a Premier League football match and if the tables were turned and I was the one having to frantically tap F5 rather than queue at a turnstile like I did 30 years ago I simply wouldn’t bother.

But if reasonable accessibility for the next generation of fans is a major issue and the luxury of watching the game alongside your mates an unachievable goal, there is still another factor that is killing the atmosphere behind the goalmouth and its people like me who are at the heart of the problem. There are thousands of season ticket holders who traditionally should have graduated out of the Kop years ago but are going nowhere.

When I first started going to games with my father back in the 80s he was a similar age to what I am now and already a Main Stand season ticket holder. Like most his age, he had started off on the Kop with his mates, before growing older and then moving to the relative comfort of the side of the pitch making way for the younger supporters coming through to become the pumping heart of the Anfield atmosphere. But no one is doing that now.

Standing on the Kop for 90 minutes is not ideal when you suffer from a stiff back and occasional achy joints, but it is a walk in the park compared to the old Kop and the trade-off for two other match-day perks is almost certainly worth it. Season ticket holders have built matchday communities around them over the years and value seeing the same people each game as much as the action on the pitch itself. Sharing in the triumphs and failures of the team and occasionally personal ones off it, this is a unique element of football that still exists in the modern game and is prevalent all over the middle of the Kop. A move to another stand breaks all that up. Some would rather give up going altogether than lose that.

But even if seeing the same faces each week isn’t enough to stop a time-served loyalist from considering the comfort of a match-day seat that you can actually sit in for 90 minutes, the uplift in cost is surely enough in most cases to call off a move to another part of the ground. A season ticket in the middle of the Kop this season will set you back £735 but one in the Main Stand of equivalent standing is coming in at £869. Hardly the type of uplift people are looking for during a cost of living crisis.

Recently the club has installed rail seating barriers in certain areas of the Kop as well as the Anfield Road stand. It is a step in the right direction in terms of facilitating areas where fans can stand safely and create a match-day atmosphere, but in reality they will be of little use to the army of older fans populating the Kop who will probably just be grateful to have something to lean on for 90 minutes.

Until workable solutions can be found to alleviate the above issues, I’m afraid you will be stuck with thousands of ageing Kopites in situ cheering the team on when they feel like it. Don’t blame them, blame the system!

Football success often goes in cycles and with that in mind the lauded roar of Anfield will return in earnest before you know it. It is the power of unification and belonging that pulls people to matches in the first place and with the continued upturn in results it won’t take much for another special Anfield occasion to come around once more.

Do you agree with Richard’s assessment of the atmosphere at Anfield? Let us know in the comments section below

This piece was first published in February 2023

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