Much of Arne Slot’s squad are currently on international duty but will soon return as the Reds hope to continue their fine form in the Premier League when they face Southampton
Attention can almost return to domestic football as the international break enters it’s final days.
Arne Slot will be pleased to see his Liverpool stars soon return as the Reds look to continue a season where they have already broken records. The Dutchman has led Liverpool to top spot in both the Premier League and Champions League thus far and will not want his side’s efforts to slow as they continue to learn what their head coach wants.
Slot will hope his team return unscathed as preparations get underway for the trip to St Mary’s to face Southampton. Liverpool already sit five points ahead of rivals Manchester City with Chelsea, Arsenal and Nottingham Forest four further back.
While some international responsibilities remain, Mirror Football takes a look at some of the news currently surrounding the Reds.
Reds row
Liverpool teammates Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez were involved in a fiery exchange as their teams faced off in South American World Cup qualifying. A dramatic game unfolded as Colombia, captained by Diaz, looked to have secured a late draw when Andres Gomez scores a 96th-minute equaliser but Manchester United star Manuel Ugarte scored in the 11th minute of added time to secure a 3-2 win.
There remained some tension at the final whistle it appears as Diaz and Nunez gave each other a frosty reception and some cross words before being pulled away by their international teammates. Despite what initially seemed like worrying scenes for Liverpool, tempers however, appeared to cool as the duo eventually embraced before going their separate ways.
Virgil van Dijk prediction
Virgil van Dijk’s former teammate Jose Fonte has backed the Dutchman to play into his 40s. The ex-Celtic and Southampton star is set to see his Liverpool contract expire this summer, with his future yet to be resolved.
Talent will not be something that holds back Van Dijk however, claims Fonte. The commitment required to maintain the ability to play at the top may be more of a consideration but Fonte has no illusion that Van Dijk could continue if it is his desired.
“I’d back Virgil van Dijk to play into his 40s because although he still has pace, he would be able to adapt in his positioning and anticipate the game even better as years go on,” he told JeffBet.
“If he stays healthy with no injuries he’ll be able to play into his 40s, it’ll just be about what he wants to do with his career because it can be very draining to play at the highest level. You have to put in so much work everyday. But physically he is a monster, one of the best specimens I’ve seen. As a centre back he wins all his headers, wins all his duels fast, he’s good on the ball, he’s a complete player.”
Fonte also named a possible successor for Van Dijk, in the shape of Newcastle United star Sven Botman. “I’d love to see Sven Botman replace Virgil van Dijk at Liverpool and I think he has the ability to do it,” he added.
“We won the league together in France and like Van Dijk, he is a monster. He is tall, very good in duels, he plays as the left centre back, he loves a tackle, he’s aggressive and still young. I just hope that he can continue his progress after his injury and stay healthy, if he does that then I’m sure he’ll be considered by Liverpool.”
Troy Deeney makes baffling Mo Salah claim
Former Watford forward Troy Deeney has stunningly claimed that Mohamed Salah is not world class. Liverpool’s star has contributed to more goals this season than any other Premier League player after finding the net eight times and providing six assists but that has not proven enough to convince Deeney of his abilities.
The retired football did have some praise reserved for Salah, and believes Liverpool have made a mistake by letting his deal enter its final months.
“I think Mohamed Salah is excellent, he’s a pivotal part for Liverpool and they should never have let it [his expiring contract] get to this situation,” Deeney told talkSPORT. “But I understand that there’s a financial structure around what they want to try and keep to.
“My argument has always been that I just don’t think he’s world class. But world class is just a different opinion, what I think of world class is would I want my kids to play like that player? That’s what I think is world class.
“If I was asking my kids who want to be forwards, I would be saying I would like them to look at what Vinicius Jr does as opposed to Mohamed Salah.
“But his goals that he [Salah] scores, he scores an unbelievable amount of goals, he’s highly effective, but that’s just my opinion. He’s probably going to turn around and say, ‘Who the f*** is Troy?,’ and fair play to him, but that’s my opinion.”
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