In this instalment of our TT Roundup, Football Transfer Tavern have gathered three of the biggest stories to have involved Liverpool recently and have provided our thoughts on the reports published.
Pundit calls for Mohamed Salah to be dropped
Sky Sports pundit Charlie Nicholas has said that winger Mohamed Salah should be dropped from the Liverpool starting line-up for tonight’s Champions League match against Genk.
In previewing this week’s Champions League ties, Nicholas said that the Egyptian was “really average” in Saturday’s 2-1 win at Aston Villa and feels that he should lose his place in the team.
The Sky Sports analyst said: “It is normally [Roberto] Firmino who he rests, but I would leave him in with [Sadio] Mane and leave Salah out. He may not like it but it needs to happen.”
Verdict
Nicholas is justified in calling out Salah over his performance at Villa Park – the 27-year-old made just 10 passes (completing eight) and hit the target just once with four shots before being substituted in the 65th minute. [via WhoScored]
However, the Egyptian has still scored eight goals in 15 games this season and again demonstrated his importance to this Liverpool team by scoring the penalty that saw off Tottenham recently.
Salah also scored in the reverse fixture against Genk in Belgium and is still one of the Reds’ most potent players, so he should start as per usual and perhaps can be taken off with Manchester City in mind if Jurgen Klopp’s men build up a substantial lead in tonight’s match.
Potential loan move for Caoimhin Kelleher
Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher could be loaned out in the January transfer window to obtain more first-team experience.
The Daily Star reported that Reds boss Jurgen Klopp could sanction a loan move for the 20-year-old Irishman, with Preston thought to be keen on acquiring him temporarily.
According to the Daily Star, Kelleher is highly-rated by the Liverpool coaching staff and view him as a future first-team regular, but may be willing to let him leave on loan to gain more experience.
Verdict
Now that Alisson has returned from the calf injury that ruled him out for two months earlier in the season, Kelleher has dropped out of matchday squads for recent Premier League and Champions League games.
He was in goals last week for the Carabao Cup thriller against Arsenal, when he was beaten five times but made a decisive save in the penalty shoot-out success, as per Sky Sports.
If both Alisson and Adrian stay fit going into the New Year, Liverpool could afford to loan out Kelleher in the short-term, but the potential glut of fixtures they face throughout December and January means they should try to hold onto him until the volume of games eases off.
Reds join race for Javairo Dilrosun
Liverpool have reportedly entered the race to sign 21-year-old winger Javairo Dilrosun from Hertha Berlin.
Calciomercato reported [via Empire of the Kop] that the Reds have joined Chelsea in expressing an interest in the Dutchman, who has previously been on Manchester City’s books.
According to Calciomercato [via Empire of the Kop], Borussia Dortmund have recently sent scouts to watch the player in action.
Verdict
Dilrosun has made a good start to the season in Germany, scoring in three successive games prior to the October international break and also recording two assists.
The 21-year-old has an aptitude for getting past opponents, averaging 1.4 successful dribbles per game this season, but can be slack in possession, with a moderate passing success rate of 71.4%. [via WhoScored]
Also, with Sadio Mane already scoring 10 goals from the left-hand side of attack this season, Dilrosun would likely have to be content with a backup role if he comes to Anfield.
Liverpool fans, what are your thoughts on these three stories concerning the club? Comment below with your views!
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