It was a major talking point over the summer but talks of Liverpool signing a right-winger has largely abated.

It’s in part thanks to the emergence of Rio Ngumoha becoming more and more assured on the right-side alongside Victor Munoz.

But also a large credit has to go to Andoni Iraola, who has revived Liverpool’s attack. He’s gotten the best out of pretty much everyone so far.

Liverpool are back to playing free-flowing and entertaining attacking football. It’s still not the finished article. You shouldn’t expect it to be given we are in the early stages of Iraola’s reign but the signs are promising.

So, at this stage do Liverpool even need of a right-winger?

Liverpool’s chances of signing a right-winger

If you were to ask someone that in the summer window, they would have told you: ‘absolutely.’

Some fans were even open to the idea of signing Ismaila Sarr just for the sake of having a right-winger.

There were also talk of Yankuba Minteh being pursued for big money. Something that didn’t make sense no matter how talented he is given the fact that he was injured and only made his comeback for Brighton this week.

Now looking ahead to January, it’s moot whether Liverpool will be entertaining further offers for Cody Gakpo.

However, knowing how Liverpool operate. Given Gakpo’s age and the fact that he is on a long-term contract – there’s a good chance that the Reds will be open to selling him – just like they were open to selling Luis Diaz.

In that scenario, signing a right-winger who is actually left-footed would make sense. But would it make sense to spend £80m on Minteh? Or perhaps there’s a better option out there for the Reds?

The perfect right-winger for Liverpool

It’s not the greatest market when it comes to right-wingers at the moment. Lamine Yamal and Michael Olise lead the way. Yan Diomande is no far behind them.

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Liverpool booked their place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals with a dramatic 6-5 penalty shootout victory over Chelsea at Anfield, following a closely contested 1-1 draw in normal time.

Andoni Iraola’s side found themselves behind when Morgan Rogers converted a penalty for Chelsea in the 40th minute, but Cody Gakpo responded just three minutes later with a spot-kick of his own to restore parity. Neither side could find a winner, sending the tie to penalties and setting up a thrilling finish in front of the Kop.

The shootout certainly had its twists and turns. Valentin Barco struck the woodwork for Chelsea, while Kostas Tsimikas fired over for Liverpool. Former Reds captain Jordan Henderson converted on his return to Anfield before Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders saved Ryan Gravenberch’s effort, threatening to send the visitors through.

However, Giorgi Mamardashvili came to Liverpool’s rescue with a vital save from Emmanuel Emegha, allowing Joe Gomez to step forward and convert his penalty. Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana then blazed his effort over the crossbar, sparking jubilant celebrations around Anfield.

It was far from straightforward, but Liverpool found a way to get the job done. For returning former Reds Xabi Alonso and Jordan Henderson, it was a disappointing evening, while Iraola and his players can celebrate another step towards potential silverware.

The Reds are into the last eight and will face Bournemouth at Anfield. Chelsea are heading home, and the Carabao Cup dream remains very much alive!

Post-Match Podcasts

Gags Tandon and Sam Quaye gave their instant match reaction on Full-Time Reds - Watch now.

Gags Tandon and Sam Quaye gave Player Ratings for tonights Carabao Cup match at Anfield - Watch now.

Guy Drinkel and Jim Boardman analysed Liverpool’s win over Brighton on ‘Post-Match RAW’ - Listen now.

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola shared his thoughts on the game - Listen now.

Post-Match Articles:

• Match Report

• Player Ratings by Steven Smith

• Man of the Match by Steven Smith

• David Lynch’s Five Key Takeaways

Liverpool welcome Chelsea to Anfield tonight with a place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals at stake, and I sense this fixture carries considerable importance for Andoni Iraola. Four consecutive victories have brought renewed confidence to a club that desperately needed stability. A fifth, particularly against opposition of Chelsea’s quality, would strengthen the belief that Liverpool are developing into a formidable side once again.

Victories over LASK, Brentford, Villarreal and Brighton have provided encouraging evidence of progress. Performances have occasionally required adjustment, patience and resilience, qualities that were conspicuously absent during Liverpool’s difficulties last season.

Iraola deserves considerable credit for restoring a sense of purpose. His decisions increasingly appear calculated, his tactical adjustments intelligent and his management of an injury-hit squad particularly impressive.

Tonight offers another examination of those qualities.

Liverpool’s Revival Faces a Familiar Chelsea Challenge

There is something wonderfully intriguing about Xabi Alonso returning to Anfield as Chelsea head coach, accompanied by Jordan Henderson, Liverpool’s former title-winning captain.

Both men occupy distinguished places in Liverpool’s history. Alonso’s elegance and extraordinary passing range made him a cherished figure, while Henderson’s leadership helped deliver trophies that generations of supporters had waited to celebrate.

Their reception will be fascinating. Affection for former heroes runs deep at Anfield, although sentiment becomes considerably less important once the football begins.

Chelsea arrive with their own ambitions and considerable attacking ability. Alonso’s side have demonstrated an appetite for goals, although their inconsistency suggests Liverpool have an opportunity to exploit vulnerabilities.

The visitors also have significant selection problems, with Cole Palmer unavailable and other important players facing fitness concerns.

Nevertheless, Chelsea possess sufficient quality to punish careless defending. Liverpool cannot afford to mistake their opponents’ difficulties for an invitation to abandon defensive discipline.

Iraola Must Balance Carabao Cup Ambition With Arsenal Preparations

The greatest challenge facing Iraola concerns selection.

Liverpool meet Arsenal in the Premier League this weekend, making tonight’s Carabao Cup encounter a delicate exercise in squad management.

Dominik Szoboszlai and Victor Munoz are expected to miss out, joining Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong on the sidelines.

Florian Wirtz should be available, although I would exercise considerable caution with the German international following his recent ankle problems.

His growing influence makes him an invaluable asset. Risking a more serious injury for additional minutes tonight would represent an unnecessary gamble, particularly with Arsenal approaching.

Iraola has already demonstrated an encouraging ability to rotate without surrendering competitiveness. That experience should serve Liverpool well against Chelsea.

There remains a legitimate concern about squad depth, particularly in defence and midfield. Injuries have exposed how quickly Liverpool can find themselves relying upon players to cover unfamiliar positions.

Yet the Carabao Cup offers a genuine opportunity to secure silverware during Iraola’s first season. Winning a trophy would provide tangible recognition of the progress being made under his leadership.

That ambition deserves respect.

Liverpool Predicted XI Against Chelsea

Predicted formation, 4-3-3: Mamardashvili, Araujo, Gomez, Van Dijk (C), Tsimikas, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Nyoni, Ngumoha, Koumas, Gakpo.

Giorgi Mamardashvili should start in goal, providing another opportunity to demonstrate his credentials as a potential long-term successor to Alisson Becker.

Ronald Araujo, Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk and Kostas Tsimikas offer a reasonable defensive balance, although the absence of natural right-back options remains troublesome.

In midfield, Trey Nyoni deserves another opportunity alongside Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister. The Argentine’s positional intelligence and composure could prove especially important in protecting a relatively inexperienced midfield combination.

Further forward, Rio Ngumoha, Lewis Koumas and Cody Gakpo provide an appealing combination of youthful adventure and established quality.

Ngumoha’s confidence and directness have been particularly encouraging. These are precisely the occasions when young footballers can demonstrate their readiness for greater responsibility.

Koumas also deserves his opportunity. Liverpool’s academy prospects must be trusted when circumstances demand it, provided they receive adequate support from experienced colleagues.

Liverpool vs Chelsea Score Prediction: Penalties Could Decide Anfield Contest

I expect an entertaining encounter, with both sides creating opportunities and neither entirely comfortable defensively.

Chelsea’s attacking quality demands respect, while Liverpool’s recent momentum and growing collective confidence provide legitimate grounds for optimism.

There is also something compelling about the possibility of another penalty shootout between these clubs, given their memorable domestic cup encounters.

My prediction is Liverpool 2-2 Chelsea after 90 minutes, with Iraola’s side progressing on penalties.

That would deliver a fifth consecutive victory in competitive terms, a place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals and another valuable step towards restoring Liverpool’s competitive identity.

For Iraola, the significance would extend beyond qualification. Every victory strengthens the relationship between manager, players and supporters.

Liverpool are beginning to look like a team with direction, conviction and renewed appetite.

Tonight offers another opportunity to demonstrate precisely how far that recovery has progressed.

Four wins in a row. Alexander Isak scoring goals. Florian Wirtz finding his rhythm. Bradley Barcola starting to deliver the moments we bought him for.

There’s plenty to enjoy about Liverpool at the moment, and I think we should enjoy it. We’ve spent enough time worrying about this team, particularly after everything that happened last season.

Andoni Iraola is getting results, the defensive structure has improved, and those expensive attacking players are beginning to look like genuine match winners.

However, when I look at the numbers, I see several areas that still need attention. Liverpool are eighth in the Premier League for expected goals, 19th for big chances created and 11th for touches in the opposition box.

Those figures matter. They tell us there’s considerable room for improvement, even during this encouraging run.

Alexander Isak’s Numbers Show Liverpool Where Their Attack Must Improve

I’ve been banging this drum for a while now. Get Alexander Isak three shots a game, predominantly inside the penalty area, and Liverpool will benefit.

Against Brighton, he had exactly three shots. One on target, one blocked and another over the bar. He also scored with a lovely instinctive finish after excellent work from Barcola.

Look at the progression in his Premier League numbers.

Last season, Isak averaged 0.38 goals per 90 minutes. This season, that figure has climbed to 0.95. His expected goals have increased from 0.33 to 0.67, while shots have risen from 2.2 to 3.2.

Perhaps the most encouraging statistic is his opposition box touches, increasing from 3.8 to 5.7 per 90.

He’s already scored six league goals, with only Erling Haaland ahead of him at the time of our discussion. Nineteen of his 20 shots this season have come from inside the penalty area.

That’s where we want him.

Iraola has already spoken about Isak’s movement and the need for him to help the team create opportunities. I agree with that assessment.

There were moments against Brighton when his positioning made it difficult for teammates to find him, particularly during counterattacks.

We can improve that movement. We can improve the service. And if we’re getting Isak into positions where he can take even more shots inside the box, the possibilities are enormous.

The Brighton shooting statistics demonstrate why this matters.

Cody Gakpo took six shots, producing 0.38 xG. Isak took three, producing 0.36 xG.

That’s virtually identical expected goals from half the attempts.

Gakpo has contributed five assists this season, and I’ve praised the improvements in his game. His delivery and ability to create for others have been valuable.

Yet against Brighton, too many attacking moves ended with the wrong decision. We repeatedly broke into promising positions without finding the right final action.

Isak needs more opportunities. Barcola needs opportunities too. Liverpool must become smarter about where their shots are coming from.

Florian Wirtz’s Improvement Raises Questions About Szoboszlai

One of the most fascinating developments recently has been Florian Wirtz’s improvement while Dominik Szoboszlai has been largely absent.

Across the four matches we’ve been discussing, Szoboszlai has played approximately half an hour. During that period, Wirtz has started looking increasingly influential.

The statistical comparison is particularly interesting.

With Szoboszlai in the team, Wirtz averaged 2.1 chances created and 2.1 shots per 90 minutes. Without him in the starting XI, those numbers have risen to 4.6 chances created and 3.5 shots.

His touches have increased from 68 to 80 per 90, with passes attempted rising from 49 to 57.

It’s a small sample, and we have to acknowledge that. Nevertheless, the improvement deserves examination.

Wirtz has increasingly become the creative hub. He’s getting into positions where he can influence games, attempting more passes and creating opportunities.

We’ve talked repeatedly about balance in this Liverpool midfield.

Alexis Mac Allister is my first name on the team sheet. Wirtz is my number ten. That leaves one midfield position to consider.

Trey Nyoni has given Liverpool something interesting alongside Mac Allister. His willingness to tackle, compete and put his body on the line was evident again against Brighton.

Szoboszlai remains a very good footballer. His physical capacity, running power and ability to score goals are obvious qualities.

But the question is whether Liverpool’s strongest individual players necessarily produce their strongest collective midfield.

There’s also the right wing situation.

Liverpool have scored or created eight of their 11 Premier League goals through moves originating on the right, representing 72.7%.

Barcola, Victor Muñoz, Rio Ngumoha and Gakpo have all contributed from that side in different ways.

I previously understood the argument for Szoboszlai playing on the right. Looking at the options now, I struggle to see that happening.

He remains an important rotation option in midfield and someone who could replace Wirtz at number ten when required.

Whether he automatically returns to Liverpool’s strongest starting XI is a legitimate question.

Alexis Mac Allister’s Contract Situation Demands Attention

Mac Allister has been outstanding this season. For me, he’s Liverpool’s best midfielder, and his performances have been absolutely brilliant.

Yet we’re still discussing whether Liverpool will offer him a new contract.

Ben Jacobs has reported that Liverpool have no plans to offer a renewal. David Lynch has expressed doubts about whether committing to another lengthy contract would be sensible, particularly given Mac Allister’s age and the potential for physical decline.

Lewis Steele has also indicated there are currently no firm plans, while acknowledging that a different contract structure might be possible.

I don’t like hearing any of that.

Mac Allister’s current form makes the discussion uncomfortable, but we’ve seen Liverpool make difficult contractual decisions before.

We also spent the summer hearing that midfield recruitment would depend on departures, and Liverpool ultimately entered the season without the additional midfielder many of us wanted.

That experience matters when assessing what journalists are reporting now.

We can disagree with Liverpool’s approach. We can argue that Mac Allister deserves a renewal. What we cannot do is dismiss the possibility that the club will decide against offering one.

January Transfers Could Determine Liverpool’s Title Ambitions

Liverpool’s midfield shortlist is becoming clearer, even if the timing of any potential deal remains uncertain.

Lamine Camara, Alex Scott, Sergi Altimira and Manu Koné are among the names being discussed. Felix Nmecha has also featured in the conversation.

What interests me most is the type of midfielder Liverpool want.

Camara offers an all action profile, someone who can cover ground and disrupt opponents across midfield. I’ve compared that style to N’Golo Kanté.

Altimira offers something different. He’s closer to the traditional holding midfielder, a physical number six who can break up play and contribute in possession.

That’s the type of profile Steven Gerrard discussed when he spoke about Liverpool needing a strong midfield presence, someone capable of protecting the middle of the pitch in the manner of Fabinho.

I particularly like Altimira’s profile.

However, the biggest concern is the uncertainty surrounding January.

David Lynch isn’t expecting a midfield signing. Lewis Steele has suggested Liverpool’s shortlist could be aimed at the summer. Ben Jacobs has also indicated that Liverpool have less urgency about strengthening in January.

Three journalists providing similar indications should make us pay attention.

Liverpool face Arsenal next, and Lewis Steele made an interesting point when we discussed that fixture. Beat Arsenal and Liverpool must begin entering the title conversation.

If we’re within touching distance of the Premier League summit at New Year, surely that’s the moment to strengthen?

Imagine bringing in Camara or Altimira in January when Liverpool are three points from the top.

That could provide an enormous boost.

I like the players being linked. I like the profiles. I particularly like the idea of adding a physically imposing midfielder who can help Liverpool compete for the biggest prizes.

What I don’t like is the suggestion that we might wait until summer.

There’s a lot to be excited about with Liverpool right now. Isak is scoring, Wirtz is improving, Iraola is finding solutions and the team has won four consecutive matches.

But this season can still move in either direction.

Liverpool need to improve their attacking decisions, establish the right midfield balance and consider whether January recruitment could turn encouraging progress into a genuine title challenge.

We’ve seen what these players can produce. Now it’s about making sure Liverpool give themselves the best possible opportunity to sustain it.

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Liverpool secured a vital 2-0 victory over Brighton at Anfield, ending the visitors’ four-match Premier League winning streak and recording their first home league triumph of the season.

Andoni Iraola’s side started with purpose, although Brighton should have taken the lead when Yasin Ayari squandered a glorious opportunity.

Liverpool punished that miss in the 17th minute when Florian Wirtz’s effort deflected off Pascal Gross for an own goal. Four minutes later, Bradley Barcola capitalised on defensive uncertainty, delivering an excellent cross for Alexander Isak to finish clinically.

Brighton threatened a response, with Ayari striking the post following a Liverpool mistake, while Ronald Araújo and Jérémy Jacquet produced important defensive interventions.

Liverpool controlled much of the second half without adding to their advantage, although Wirtz’s withdrawal through injury provided some concern.

Barcola impressed with his energy and attacking threat, while Isak continued his outstanding scoring form, taking his tally to six Premier League goals this season.

The victory represents Liverpool’s fourth consecutive win across all competitions, lifting them into fourth place and strengthening confidence in Iraola’s developing side.

With Brighton arriving in formidable form, this was an encouraging afternoon for Liverpool, whose defensive resilience and attacking quality proved decisive.

Post-Match Podcasts

Guy Drinkel and Sam Quaye gave their instant match reaction on Full-Time Reds - Watch now.

Dave Hendrick and Karl Matchett analysed Liverpool’s win over Brighton on ‘Post-Match RAW’ - Listen now.

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola shared his thoughts on the game - Listen now.

Post-Match Articles:

• Match Report

• Player Ratings by Steven Smith

• Man of the Match by Steven Smith

• David Lynch’s Five Key Takeaways

Liverpool are approaching a fascinating period under Andoni Iraola, and sporting director Julian Ward has some enormous decisions ahead of him.

We’ve spent plenty of time discussing the problems within this squad, particularly the midfield, but recent performances have changed the complexion of several conversations.

Rio Ngumoha’s development has been extraordinary. Alexis Mac Allister is producing numbers that demand attention. Trey Nyoni is increasingly influencing how Liverpool play. Meanwhile, Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker face uncertain contractual futures.

For me, these are four interconnected priorities. What Liverpool decide over the coming months will tell us plenty about their ambitions, their recruitment strategy and their ability to build a team capable of winning major trophies.

Rio Ngumoha Must Be Julian Ward’s Number One Priority

I’ve previously argued that Liverpool should get Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker into a room, ask them to write down a number and sort everything else afterwards.

My priorities have changed.

Rio Ngumoha is now the most urgent contract situation at Liverpool.

Lewis Steele has reported that talks are ongoing over an extension to his current deal, which expires in 2028. Both parties are confident, and Rio wants to stay.

That’s encouraging, particularly with Arsenal, Bayern Munich and other leading European clubs monitoring his situation.

There are three reasons I consider this deal essential.

First, the level of interest tells you how highly Ngumoha is regarded. Second, losing a player Liverpool brought from Chelsea and developed through a clear first-team pathway would send an awful message about the club’s ability to retain elite young talent.

Third, his value is increasing almost every week.

And the numbers explain why.

Before the LASK match on 14 October, Ngumoha had played 247 minutes, attempting 11 dribbles and completing five.

That’s a success rate of 45.5%, averaging 4.01 attempts and 1.82 successful dribbles per 90 minutes.

Perfectly respectable numbers for an 18-year-old adapting to playing on the right.

What happened next was remarkable.

Against LASK, he completed seven of nine dribbles. Against Brentford, three from three. Against Villarreal, nine from ten.

That’s 19 successful dribbles from 22 attempts across 197 minutes, an extraordinary 86.4% success rate.

His attempted dribbles per 90 have increased from 4.01 to 10.05. Successful dribbles have climbed from 1.82 to 8.68.

Those numbers are ridiculous.

And the Villarreal performance provided the perfect illustration.

Ngumoha repeatedly attacked defenders, beating three players in the move that created Mac Allister’s goal. He could potentially have gone down under contact, but continued towards the byline and delivered the cutback.

Against Brentford, his driving run also contributed directly to Vitaly Janelt receiving his second yellow card.

These are significant contributions that conventional goals and assists statistics can overlook.

Credit must go to Iraola for developing Ngumoha’s game on the right.

We cannot expect an 86.4% dribble success rate to continue indefinitely. The sample remains small, but even a meaningful reduction would leave him producing exceptional figures.

Julian Ward needs to recognise what Liverpool have here.

The negotiations may prove difficult. His representatives will understandably seek the best possible contract, particularly given the interest elsewhere.

There are occasions when established wage structures need flexibility.

For me, this is one of them.

Alexis Mac Allister’s Numbers Demand a Contract Rethink

The second major issue concerns Liverpool’s midfield, where Alexis Mac Allister has completely changed the conversation.

Remember the concerns about his legs? The suggestion that Liverpool should sell him and move on?

Look at what he’s producing now.

Mac Allister has scored three goals in three Champions League appearances this season, including twice against Villarreal.

He has also reached eight Champions League goals at Anfield, matching Sadio Mané’s total and reaching that figure in fewer appearances than Fernando Torres.

That’s particularly impressive when you consider how much of his European football for Liverpool has been played in a deeper midfield role.

But his overall development is even more revealing.

Seven of the eight metrics I’ve examined have increased compared with last season.

His accurate passes per 90 have risen from 43.47 to 46.58. Recoveries have increased from 3.89 to 4.73, while defensive contributions have climbed from 6.63 to 8.73.

He’s also winning possession more frequently in the final third.

The attacking figures are particularly interesting.

His expected goals per 90 have increased from 0.17 to 0.27, while expected assists have risen from 0.08 to 0.15.

Those might look like relatively modest improvements.

Extrapolate them across the 3,884 minutes he played last season, however, and you’re looking at approximately 4.38 additional expected goals and 3.29 additional expected assists.

If those rates continue, the projected attacking output becomes hugely significant.

Of course, expected goals and expected assists are projections of chance quality, not guaranteed goals or assists.

But the underlying improvement is clear.

We’ve spoken about Dominik Szoboszlai’s attacking contributions and how important they were to his contract renewal.

Mac Allister is now showing the potential to deliver comparable attacking output alongside his outstanding all-round midfield performances.

For me, he’s Liverpool’s best midfielder by a considerable distance at present.

And yet he’s the one whose long-term future remains uncertain.

That deserves serious consideration from Julian Ward.

Trey Nyoni Is Changing Liverpool’s Midfield Plans

Trey Nyoni has created another fascinating problem for Liverpool, although I’d describe this as a positive one.

We’ve spent months discussing which midfielders Liverpool should sign. Now we’re watching a young player increasingly influence the structure of Iraola’s team.

There’s a subtle tactical adjustment when Nyoni plays.

Rather than always operating with a conventional double pivot and Florian Wirtz ahead, Liverpool can resemble a 4-1-4-1.

Nyoni receives possession in front of the centre-backs, dictates the tempo and progresses the ball.

His recent statistics underline that responsibility.

Across the LASK, Brentford and Villarreal matches, he recorded 260 touches, attempted 223 passes and completed 204.

That’s 91.5% passing accuracy.

Against Villarreal alone, he attempted 88 passes, the most of any Liverpool player, and completed 82 while also making seven recoveries.

The relationship with Mac Allister is particularly encouraging.

Across the season, the pair average 16.6 passes between them per 90 minutes. Mac Allister and Szoboszlai average 16.8, while Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch average 11.5.

More interestingly, during their 139 shared minutes against Brentford and Villarreal, Mac Allister and Nyoni averaged 19.4 passes between them per 90.

You can see the connection developing.

Both players move possession quickly, recognise opportunities to break lines and help Liverpool establish rhythm.

Nyoni is still developing, and managing his minutes will be important. But we’ve reached a point where he’s contributing considerably more than a youngster receiving occasional 20-minute appearances.

That complicates January recruitment.

Liverpool have been linked with Alex Scott and Lamine Camara, two players we’ve discussed extensively.

Scott offers progressive qualities, while Camara represents another potential midfield solution.

But where would either fit alongside Mac Allister, Nyoni and Wirtz?

And if Liverpool sign Camara with the intention of eventually replacing Mac Allister, what does that mean for the Argentine’s transfer value?

These questions require proper planning.

By January, Liverpool will have played approximately 26 competitive matches. That provides a much stronger evidence base for Iraola and Ward to determine their preferred midfield combinations.

I want Liverpool planning several transfer windows ahead, understanding who fits the system and which players genuinely improve the squad.

Nyoni’s emergence deserves to be central to those discussions.

Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker and Liverpool’s Winning Ambitions

That brings us to two Liverpool legends whose futures require different approaches.

I would love both Van Dijk and Alisson to finish their Liverpool careers lifting another major trophy.

But their situations appear to be developing differently.

With Van Dijk, patience is important.

Julian Ward has previously demonstrated his willingness to negotiate lengthy contract situations, including Mohamed Salah’s 2022 renewal.

However, Van Dijk has reasons of his own to wait.

At 35, he’s considering what could be his final major contract. He wants to understand Liverpool’s plans, the players arriving, those potentially departing and whether the club can realistically compete for the biggest prizes.

That’s entirely reasonable.

Van Dijk carries enormous influence within football. He wants to win, and Liverpool need to demonstrate that their ambitions match his.

Securing Ngumoha’s future and resolving the midfield would strengthen the club’s position in those discussions.

Alisson’s situation feels considerably less encouraging.

There has been little indication of renewed contract negotiations, and Liverpool already have Giorgi Mamardashvili, Luca Brughmans and Vítězslav Jaroš within their goalkeeping plans.

I’ve also heard suggestions Liverpool could consider recruiting another goalkeeper.

Names such as Bart Verbruggen and Diogo Costa have been discussed.

For me, replacing Alisson requires serious thought about immediate quality.

Liverpool need a goalkeeper capable of helping them compete for major honours now. Long-term investments are important, but the squad must also contain players ready to deliver immediately.

And that’s the wider point connecting all four priorities.

Liverpool have outstanding young talent, established elite performers and important decisions approaching.

Ward and Iraola must determine how those pieces fit together.

My priority remains getting Ngumoha secured, establishing a clear midfield strategy and presenting Van Dijk with a convincing vision of Liverpool’s future.

There are encouraging signs, particularly in the development of Ngumoha and Nyoni and Mac Allister’s return to his best.

Now Liverpool need to turn those signs into a coherent plan.

Because ultimately, the objective remains winning the biggest trophies.

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Liverpool are once again in a right-back crisis. Jeremie Frimpong is out for the next four weeks.

And in the last two games Andoni Iraola has made tactical changes which resulted in Ronald Araujo being taken off while playing as a right-back.

Against Villareal, Ryan Gravenberch occupied the role. We saw Victor Munoz feature there briefly against Brentford.

Conor Bradley is on his way back, but it will be a while until he is capable of playing at the level that he played before. We may not even see him get back to his best this season.

So, the answer is clear. Liverpool need to fix their right-back issues, and they need to fix it by going to the market.

The obvious choice for Liverpool

Signing a right-back may be more important than bringing in a midfielder this January for the Reds.

Liverpool might just be able to get by with Dominik Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, Trey Nyoni and Alexis Mac Allister for the rest of the season; no matter how badly this team needs a defensive minded midfielder.

But they will struggle on the right-side until they are able to recruit a competent right-back. Someone who is capable of going forward and who also defends really well.

So, who should they go for?

We know Liverpool like Daniel Banjaqui but he is very experienced and Benfica will demand a fortune for him. January is not the time to make a move.

Instead, Liverpool should be looking at RC Lens defender Ismaelo Ganiou.

He’s a French U21 international. He is extremely young at 21-years-old but already has experience playing at a high level in France.

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Sometimes watching Liverpool on television and watching Liverpool from inside Anfield can feel like two completely different sports. I was there on Tuesday night with my wife and our two kids, and perhaps that is why this one will stick with me a little longer than some of the other games this season. There was a really good atmosphere around Anfield before kick off and, even after Villarreal had somehow found themselves 2-0 ahead, the ground never felt completely resigned to what was happening. Frustrated, absolutely, and quiet at times, certainly, but there was still a sense that Liverpool could find a way back into it if they could produce one proper moment.

The first half hour had been poor. Liverpool looked far too relaxed and there were spells where it seemed as though everybody expected the game to eventually turn in their favour simply because they had plenty of the ball. Virgil van Dijk’s mistake for the opening goal was particularly unlike him, and I do think there are occasions when his laid back manner becomes slightly too laid back. He remains a magnificent defender, but even the very best can occasionally need reminding that Champions League opponents will punish you if concentration drops.

When Villarreal made it 2-0, the mood changed again. From where we were sitting, you could sense the frustration spreading around the stadium because Liverpool had allowed themselves to drift into serious trouble without Villarreal having to produce anything extraordinary. Then, almost as quickly as the game had gone away from them, Liverpool woke up. Alexis Mac Allister gave Anfield something to believe in, Araujo found the equaliser before the interval and suddenly we were walking into half time at 2-2 wondering how on earth we had got there.

Watching it with the family, that was the point where the night became properly enjoyable. A potentially miserable European evening had turned into exactly the sort of Anfield night you hope your kids remember.

Liverpool Needed the Shock Before Finding Their Rhythm

Liverpool’s problems early in the game were not simply about attitude. There were tactical issues too, and Villarreal did a good job of exposing them. Ryan Gravenberch playing high in midfield did not work for me. I do not think he looks comfortable as a number 10, just as I have never been convinced that asking him to operate permanently as the deepest midfielder gets the best from him either. His strengths are in movement through midfield, receiving possession with the game in front of him, carrying the ball into space and arriving into areas rather than already standing in them.

When Gravenberch was receiving with his back to goal in crowded attacking positions, Liverpool lost much of what makes him effective. He was barely involved during that opening period and the midfield looked disjointed around him. Interestingly, once he was removed from that role later in the game, the whole balance improved, even when he eventually found himself filling in at right back.

Villarreal also caused problems by dragging Liverpool players away from their usual defensive positions. Iraola’s man to man approach relies heavily on everyone understanding who takes responsibility when a defender follows his opponent into another area. At times Liverpool were still thinking their way through those situations rather than reacting instinctively, and Villarreal exploited that uncertainty.

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Liverpool have now won seven of their last nine matches, five of their last six and three in succession. Those are encouraging numbers for Andoni Iraola, particularly when you consider that performances have still left room for improvement.

The Champions League victory over Villarreal gave us plenty to discuss, particularly the extraordinary performance of Rio Ngumoha and the growing influence of Florian Wirtz.

I’ve spent plenty of time looking at the underlying numbers, and what strikes me is how quickly the conversation around these two players is changing.

Ngumoha is producing performances that invite comparisons with some of Liverpool’s greatest teenage talents. Wirtz, meanwhile, is demonstrating why judging a creative midfielder purely through goals and assists can produce a misleading picture.

Both deserve serious attention, because the numbers behind their recent performances are remarkable.

Rio Ngumoha’s Liverpool Performance Belongs Alongside Michael Owen

I’ll start with Ngumoha, because what we witnessed against Villarreal was exceptional.

At 18 years and 52 days old, he delivered two assists, completed nine of his ten attempted dribbles and won ten of his 13 ground duels.

Nine successful dribbles represents a 90% success rate. Consider the level of opposition and the number of defenders regularly confronting him, and that becomes even more impressive.

There were moments when Villarreal committed two or three defenders to stopping him. He continued finding ways through.

Yet the most important numbers are the two assists.

We’ve always known Ngumoha can beat defenders. His ability to carry the ball has been obvious throughout his emergence at Liverpool. What has changed over these last three matches is the quality of his final contribution.

Against Villarreal, he delivered an excellent cross for Ronald Araújo and another superb ball for Alexis Mac Allister.

That end product is what separates exciting dribblers from genuinely influential attacking players.

The historical comparisons are fascinating.

Ngumoha became Liverpool’s youngest European assist provider, surpassing Michael Owen’s previous record. He also became the club’s second youngest player to provide at least two assists in a match.

Owen achieved that feat aged 18 years and 44 days against Middlesbrough in January 1998. Ngumoha was only eight days older when he matched the achievement on a Champions League stage.

Whenever we examine Liverpool’s youngest players to achieve something significant, Owen’s name appears repeatedly. Robbie Fowler and Raheem Sterling also feature prominently in those conversations.

For Ngumoha to be entering that company is extraordinary.

I can see the influence Iraola is having, too. Ngumoha looks more direct, increasingly decisive and more capable of identifying the right pass after beating his opponent.

There is an important balance to maintain.

We cannot forget his age or the physical demands of regular senior football. Liverpool have Bradley Barcola, Victor Muñoz and Cody Gakpo available across the wide positions, providing opportunities to rotate without compromising the team’s attacking options.

That depth could prove crucial to Ngumoha’s development.

Florian Wirtz Is Transforming Liverpool’s Attacking Creativity

Wirtz deserves equal attention, particularly after his contribution against Villarreal.

He entered at half-time, with Ryan Gravenberch moving to right-back, and immediately demonstrated the value of having a natural number ten operating in that position.

Within six minutes, Wirtz had completed more passes than Gravenberch managed during the entire first half.

That tells you something about his ability to involve himself in Liverpool’s attacking play.

He finished with 34 successful passes from 38 attempts, won seven of eight ground duels and scored.

His introduction changed the rhythm of Liverpool’s performance. Possession became more controlled, Villarreal were pushed backwards and attacking opportunities became more frequent.

This followed encouraging performances against LASK and Brentford, giving Wirtz three consecutive matches with goal contributions.

What interests me most, however, is the wider evidence of his creativity.

Since the beginning of the 2025/26 Premier League season, Wirtz has created 75 chances from open play, averaging 2.29 per 90 minutes.

That places him first among Liverpool players and second across the Premier League, behind Bruno Fernandes on 108.

Cody Gakpo is Liverpool’s next highest player with 61 chances created, followed by Dominik Szoboszlai with 45.

There’s a reason players such as Fernandes, Rayan Cherki and Wirtz consistently feature in these rankings.

They are frequently responsible for delivering the decisive pass during an attacking move.

And there’s an important distinction between understanding what a statistic measures and dismissing its value.

A chance created is recorded when a player’s pass leads to a shot. Some opportunities are naturally better than others, but the definition applies equally to everyone.

Against Brentford, Wirtz created nine chances. That figure attracted criticism because several resulted from passes followed by speculative shots.

Yet the same performance contained excellent passes that received no statistical reward whatsoever.

He released Barcola into dangerous positions, including an opportunity where the forward chose to pass rather than shoot. Wirtz consequently received no chance created for that particular action.

Similar situations arose against Atlético Madrid and Ipswich, where promising attacking moves failed to produce the goal or assist his involvement might have deserved.

These examples illustrate why watching the football alongside examining the data matters so much.

Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz Is Delivering Under High Pressure

Perhaps the most revealing numbers concern how opposition teams are defending against Wirtz.

They recognise the danger he presents when afforded time and space.

Consequently, he is being pressured relentlessly.

Wirtz has received more touches under high pressure in the opposition half than any other attacking player in the Premier League this season.

For this measure, high pressure means an opponent is within two metres when the player receives or touches the ball.

What makes the next statistic particularly impressive is his ability to remain productive in those circumstances.

Wirtz has completed 17 defensive line-breaking passes under high pressure, placing him third in the Premier League.

Only Morgan Gibbs-White, with 22, and Bruno Fernandes, with 19, rank higher.

Remember, these are completed passes that penetrate an opposition defensive line while the player is being closed down.

Against Brentford alone, Wirtz completed seven defensive line-breaking passes, his joint second highest total in a Premier League match for Liverpool.

That tells me opponents are fully aware of his creative threat, and he’s still finding ways to influence matches.

It also explains why I place considerable importance on his recent improvement in confidence.

We’re seeing him attempt dribbles, receive possession in congested areas and play with greater freedom.

Liverpool need that version of Wirtz.

Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool Are Building Momentum at the Right Time

The wider attacking picture is increasingly encouraging.

Barcola has scored a hat-trick and supplied an assist for Alexander Isak against Brentford. Gakpo has reached five assists this season, Muñoz has scored his second Liverpool goal, and Ngumoha is producing exceptional performances.

Wirtz has contributed in three consecutive matches, while Isak continues supplying goals.

The difference between Liverpool’s domestic and European performances remains interesting.

Liverpool have scored four more goals in the Champions League than in the Premier League, despite playing four fewer matches in Europe.

Their European fixtures have produced plenty of goals at both ends, while Premier League matches have generally been tighter affairs.

Iraola has also made at least three starting line-up changes in seven consecutive matches, a level of rotation Arne Slot never achieved during his two seasons in charge.

That willingness to rotate could become increasingly important with Brighton, Chelsea and Arsenal approaching.

Liverpool still have improvements to make, particularly in controlling matches and preventing opponents from creating opportunities.

Yet seven victories in nine matches represents meaningful progress.

And when I look at Ngumoha’s remarkable development alongside Wirtz’s underlying creativity, I see considerable reasons for optimism.

Ngumoha is already challenging records established by Michael Owen. Wirtz is creating more opportunities than any Liverpool player and finding teammates through defensive lines despite intense opposition pressure.

The challenge now is maintaining those standards, managing the players intelligently and turning encouraging individual performances into sustained collective improvement.

Because the numbers are telling us something important about Liverpool’s attacking future.

And, increasingly, the performances are supporting them.

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Liverpool produced a thrilling Champions League comeback at Anfield, recovering from two goals down to defeat Villarreal 4-3 and maintain their perfect start to the European campaign.

Andoni Iraola’s side delivered a performance filled with attacking quality, defensive uncertainty and individual brilliance. Eighteen-year-old Rio Ngumoha emerged as the outstanding performer, providing two assists as Liverpool secured their third consecutive Champions League victory.

Alexis Mac Allister scored twice, Ronald Araujo equalised before half-time and Florian Wirtz opened his account for the season. However, Liverpool’s defensive problems ensured Villarreal remained dangerous until the final whistle.

Liverpool Recover From Disastrous Opening Against Villarreal

Iraola made six changes following Liverpool’s victory over Brentford, with Alexander Isak, Bradley Barcola and Wirtz among those starting on the bench.

The reshuffle appeared to disrupt Liverpool’s rhythm, particularly defensively.

Virgil van Dijk made an uncharacteristic mistake when his weak header towards Alisson allowed Georges Mikautadze to intercept and finish clinically.

Villarreal doubled their advantage when Nathan Saliba’s pass exposed Liverpool’s defensive organisation, allowing Sergi Cardona to beat Alisson.

Anfield needed inspiration, and Mac Allister provided it after 36 minutes, heading home from a Kostas Tsimikas corner.

Ngumoha then demonstrated his exceptional creative ability, delicately lifting the ball into Araujo’s path for the equaliser.

Liverpool emerged transformed after the interval.

Ngumoha accelerated beyond Cardona before presenting Mac Allister with a straightforward finish. Wirtz subsequently extended the advantage with an accomplished left-footed strike.

Tani Oluwaseyi’s late goal, following Ayoze Perez’s delivery, created further anxiety, although Liverpool ultimately protected their slender lead.

Post-Match Podcast

Lola Katz Roberts and Lewis Aspinall give their instant match reaction on ‘Full-Time Reds’ - Watch Now.

Lola Katz Roberts and Lewis Aspinall give their ratings on ‘Rate Don’t Hate’- Watch Now.

Trev Downey is joined by Dave Hendrick & Jim Boardman to discuss Liverpool’s win over Villarreal in The Champions League - Listen now.

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola shared his thoughts on the victory - Listen now.

Post-Match Articles

• Match Report

• Player Ratings by Steven Smith

• Man of the Match by Steven Smith

• David Lynch’s Five Key Takeaways

Liverpool return to Champions League action against Villarreal at Anfield tonight with an opportunity to make it three victories from three in Europe’s premier competition. Andoni Iraola has made an encouraging start to his European campaign, but the demands of the fixture calendar are beginning to bite.

Saturday’s 2-1 victory at Brentford provided another important result, although injuries to Dominik Szoboszlai and Jeremie Frimpong have complicated matters. With Brighton waiting on Sunday, Iraola faces a familiar problem. How much can he change while maintaining Liverpool’s winning momentum?

For me, this is precisely where the strength of Liverpool’s squad should become apparent. Villarreal deserve respect, but Liverpool have sufficient quality to win this game while giving several important players a much-needed breather.

Villarreal Offer Liverpool a Champions League Opportunity

Villarreal arrive at Anfield having endured an inconsistent start to their campaign. Sitting 12th in La Liga, the Spanish side have struggled to establish any meaningful rhythm.

Their Champions League performances tell a similar story. Defeat against Borussia Dortmund was followed by an impressive victory over Napoli, demonstrating that they retain the ability to trouble established European opposition.

However, there are weaknesses Liverpool should be looking to exploit.

Villarreal have conceded four goals across their opening two Champions League fixtures and 13 in nine La Liga matches. Their defensive organisation has improved in recent weeks, but there remain opportunities for opponents capable of applying sustained pressure.

Their anticipated 4-4-2 formation could make central areas particularly important. Florian Wirtz should find opportunities between the midfield and defensive lines, especially if Liverpool move the ball quickly enough to disrupt Villarreal’s shape.

The visitors possess dangerous attacking players and will fancy their chances of exploiting space on the counterattack. Liverpool’s defensive discipline must therefore match their attacking ambition.

There is also some history worth remembering. Villarreal made Liverpool uncomfortable during the second leg of their 2022 Champions League semi-final, briefly threatening an extraordinary comeback before Jürgen Klopp’s side regained control.

Anfield should provide the platform for another Liverpool victory, provided the hosts approach the occasion with the necessary intensity.

Iraola Must Trust Liverpool’s Squad Depth

Liverpool’s injury situation makes team selection particularly interesting.

Frimpong and Szoboszlai join Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley and Hugo Ekitike on the sidelines. Victor Munoz could also face a late fitness decision, while Cody Gakpo’s return to the matchday squad at Brentford offers some welcome encouragement.

I would resist the temptation to rush anybody back unnecessarily.

Liverpool have already beaten Atletico Madrid and LASK in this Champions League campaign. Six points from two matches provides valuable breathing space, particularly with the expanded league phase rewarding consistent performances across eight fixtures.

Another victory would put Liverpool on nine points and strengthen their position considerably.

Iraola should therefore select a side capable of winning comfortably while protecting those who have carried a heavy workload.

Alisson remains my preferred goalkeeper. Ronald Araujo, Jeremy Jacquet and Virgil van Dijk provide a formidable defensive foundation, with Milos Kerkez offering energy down the left.

Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister should control midfield, allowing Wirtz the freedom to operate further forward.

Wirtz’s performance against Brentford offered another reminder of his extraordinary creative ability. His nine chances created from open play demonstrated the influence he can exert when Liverpool provide him with movement and passing options.

Against Villarreal’s compact midfield, his intelligence could prove decisive.

Ngumoha and Koumas Deserve Their Champions League Chance

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of this fixture concerns Liverpool’s attacking selection.

Alexander Isak has become increasingly important, while Bradley Barcola and Victor Munoz have delivered significant contributions in recent matches. However, their workloads require careful management.

This represents an ideal opportunity for Rio Ngumoha and Lewis Koumas.

Ngumoha has looked increasingly confident in recent appearances. His willingness to attack defenders, carry possession and create uncertainty gives Liverpool a valuable weapon against opponents who might otherwise settle into a comfortable defensive shape.

I would start him on the right.

Koumas deserves an opportunity through the middle, where his pressing and movement could make life uncomfortable for Villarreal’s defenders.

There is a tactical argument for this approach. Villarreal have shown vulnerability when attempting to play through pressure, and Liverpool should look to exploit that from the opening whistle.

Gakpo, assuming he is ready to start, would complete my attacking three on the left.

His return would provide experience and positional flexibility alongside two younger players eager to establish themselves.

The beauty of this selection is the attacking quality Iraola could retain among his substitutes. Isak and Barcola would offer considerable options should Liverpool require a change of approach.

It also gives Liverpool an opportunity to develop their younger players in a meaningful European fixture.

These are precisely the occasions when promising talent must be trusted.

Liverpool Can Take Control Before Brighton Challenge

I expect Liverpool to approach this Champions League encounter aggressively.

An early goal would force Villarreal to reconsider their defensive approach, creating additional space for Wirtz and Liverpool’s attacking players.

The priority should be controlling possession, pressing intelligently and limiting the counterattacking opportunities that have occasionally troubled Iraola’s side.

With Brighton approaching, Liverpool would benefit enormously from establishing control early and managing the latter stages without unnecessary drama.

Nine points from nine would represent an excellent European return and provide further evidence that Iraola is developing a squad capable of handling the demands of multiple competitions.

Predicted Liverpool XI: Alisson; Araújo, Jacquet, Van Dijk (C), Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Wirtz; Ngumoha, Koumas, Gakpo.

Score prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Villarreal.

I expect Liverpool’s superior attacking quality and Anfield advantage to prove decisive. Koumas and Ngumoha have an opportunity to make their mark, while Wirtz should enjoy the spaces Villarreal’s formation offers.

Three Champions League victories, another clean sheet and key players protected for Brighton would constitute an excellent evening’s work.

There are some away wins that feel more significant than others, and I think Liverpool’s 2-1 victory at Brentford belongs firmly in that category. It was not always comfortable, nor was it especially pretty, but it was the sort of afternoon where Liverpool had to deal with everything the Premier League can throw at you. There were injuries, physical battles, a hostile ground, a side determined to turn the match into a contest, and then the added pressure of playing against 10 men while already behind.

Those circumstances can make a game far more awkward than they first appear. Once Brentford were reduced to 10 men, the expectation immediately changed. Liverpool were no longer simply trying to play their way back into the match, they were expected to win it. Brentford could drop deeper, defend their penalty area and make every passing minute feel heavier. Liverpool handled that pressure, found the equaliser through Victor Muñoz, then Alexander Isak produced the winner.

What I liked most was the mentality behind it. Andoni Iraola did not manage the second half like a man who would be satisfied with a point. He managed it like the Liverpool manager, with the expectation that his side should find a way to win. That sounds obvious, but it matters.

Liverpool Took Control and Made Territory Count

The overall numbers are strong and give a fairly accurate picture of Liverpool’s control. They finished with 60% possession, had 21 shots to Brentford’s 10 and recorded 38 touches in the opposition penalty area compared with 26 at the other end. Liverpool also generated 1.64 xG against Brentford’s 0.88, while completing 416 passes at 83% accuracy.

The territorial numbers are even more interesting. Liverpool completed 260 passes in the Brentford half, more than double the home side’s total of 125 in Liverpool territory. That tells you where much of the game was being played, and it also reflects what I thought was a very encouraging opening 20 to 25 minutes.

Liverpool were winning second balls, pushing Brentford back and generally looking far more comfortable in the physical side of the game than they have at times in the past. That is important. There were too many away performances last season where Liverpool could be knocked out of rhythm by direct football, set pieces and physical pressure. At Brentford, they looked far more willing to embrace that side of the contest.

The frustration was that Liverpool did not make that early superiority count on the scoreboard. Bradley Barcola had the best opportunity and there were other moments where Liverpool reached good areas without finding the decisive action. Brentford then settled, the game became disrupted by injuries and stoppages, and the home side eventually went ahead late in the first half through Keane Lewis Potter.

It was a very good goal. The delivery was excellent and the header even better, but it also felt harsh on Liverpool because they had spent much of the opening period on top. That probably added to the sense of unease at half time. Liverpool had played well enough to be ahead, yet suddenly found themselves behind.

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Liverpool battled back from a goal down to secure a vital 2-1 Premier League victory over Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium, with second-half goals from Victor Muñoz and Alexander Isak completing the turnaround.

Andoni Iraola’s side endured a frustrating opening period, struggling to find attacking fluency as Brentford took the lead through Keane Lewis-Potter’s powerful header in the 44th minute.

However, the contest shifted dramatically when Yehor Yarmoliuk was dismissed in first-half stoppage time following a VAR review for a headbutt on Jeremy Jacquet.

Liverpool eventually capitalised on their numerical advantage in the 62nd minute, with Florian Wirtz releasing Muñoz, who cut inside and finished superbly past Caoimhin Kelleher.

Eight minutes later, Isak marked his return from injury with a clinical winner, converting after Bradley Barcola headed Alexis Mac Allister’s delivery into his path.

Brentford continued to threaten despite their disadvantage, before Vitaly Janelt received a second yellow card in stoppage time.

The victory lifted Liverpool into fifth place and ended Brentford’s unbeaten league start. However, injuries to Dominik Szoboszlai and Jeremie Frimpong added to Iraola’s concerns.

Three valuable points for Liverpool, although questions remain about their overall performance and defensive vulnerability.

Post-Match Podcast

Lola Katz Roberts and Sam Quaye give their instant match reaction on ‘Full-Time Reds’ - Watch Now.

Guy Drinkel is joined by Dave Hendrick & Karl Matchett to discuss Liverpool’s win over Brentford - Listen now.

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola shared his thoughts on the victory - Listen now.

Post-Match Articles

• Match Report

• Player Ratings by Steven Smith

• Man of the Match by Steven Smith

• David Lynch’s Five Key Takeaways

Liverpool head to Brentford on Saturday knowing that another difficult afternoon could leave them facing some uncomfortable questions about their Premier League ambitions. Andoni Iraola’s side have enjoyed a welcome lift in Europe, but the domestic picture remains considerably less convincing.

Wednesday’s extraordinary 6-3 Champions League victory over LASK provided entertainment, goals and a reminder of the attacking talent available to Liverpool. Bradley Barcola’s hat-trick was exceptional, while several younger players demonstrated why they deserve greater opportunities.

Yet Brentford represent a different challenge entirely.

The London club sit fourth in the Premier League, above Liverpool, and have developed into one of the division’s most awkward opponents. Their unbeaten start, combined with Liverpool’s injury problems and demanding schedule, makes this a fixture that could easily expose the weaknesses Iraola is still attempting to address.

Brentford’s Premier League Form Demands Respect

There is a tendency among supporters of bigger clubs to regard Brentford as opponents who should be beaten regardless of circumstances. That attitude looks particularly misguided this weekend.

Keith Andrews has assembled a side capable of competing physically with almost anybody in the Premier League while possessing sufficient technical quality to punish teams who underestimate them.

Their unbeaten record of two victories and four draws tells its own story. More impressive is the calibre of opposition they have faced, including emphatic 3-0 victories over Chelsea and Tottenham.

Brentford average two goals per game and have conceded only six across their opening six league fixtures. Those numbers reflect an organised, confident team with considerable variety in attack.

Igor Thiago has struggled to reproduce his most prolific form, but Brentford have found goals elsewhere. Kevin Schade has been particularly dangerous, although his potential absence would provide Liverpool with some encouragement.

Mikkel Damsgaard offers creativity, while Brentford’s wide players possess the pace and directness to trouble Liverpool’s defensive structure.

Their greatest weapon, however, might be their ability to turn apparently harmless situations into genuine scoring opportunities.

Michael Kayode’s enormous throw-ins effectively become additional corners. The trajectory and speed of his deliveries make them particularly difficult to defend, especially when Brentford commit their taller players into the penalty area.

Liverpool cannot afford unnecessary fouls, careless clearances or lapses in concentration around their own box.

This will be a proper physical examination, and Iraola must select a team equipped to survive it.

Liverpool Injury Concerns Could Shape Iraola’s Selection

Liverpool’s injury situation has arrived at an especially inconvenient moment.

Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley and Hugo Ekitike remain long-term absentees, while Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai face late fitness decisions.

The absence of encouraging training photographs has added uncertainty, although that alone cannot establish whether any of the trio will be unavailable.

My expectation is that Szoboszlai has the strongest chance of featuring, followed by Isak. Gakpo looks considerably less likely to be involved.

Szoboszlai’s potential return would be particularly valuable given Ryan Gravenberch’s suspension.

Liverpool need athleticism, intelligence and physical resilience in midfield against opponents who will challenge them for every second ball.

Trey Nyoni deserves enormous credit for his Champions League performance. His composure, awareness and technical ability continue to impress, and he has done everything possible to demonstrate his readiness for more senior football.

Nevertheless, Brentford away represents a demanding assignment for a young midfielder still developing his Premier League experience.

If Szoboszlai is available, I would start him alongside Alexis Mac Allister, with Florian Wirtz operating further forward.

Wirtz also needs to build on his encouraging European performance. His ability to find space between midfield and defence could become decisive if Liverpool manage to establish sustained possession.

At the back, Ronald Araujo should start at right-back.

His aerial strength and physical presence are essential against Brentford’s set-piece threat. Jérémy Jacquet and Virgil van Dijk provide further height and defensive authority, while Milos Kerkez should return on the left.

Liverpool need their strongest available defensive unit for this particular contest.

Predicted Liverpool XI: Alisson, Araujo, Jacquet, Van Dijk (C), Kerkez, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Munoz, Isak, Barcola

Barcola and Liverpool’s Attacking Pace Offer Encouragement

Barcola’s hat-trick against LASK was precisely the sort of performance Liverpool needed from one of their major attacking investments.

His confidence should be soaring, and Brentford will have to account for his movement, acceleration and ability to finish opportunities.

Victor Muñoz also makes considerable sense on the opposite flank.

Liverpool could spend extended periods defending against Brentford’s pressure, making rapid transitions an important attacking weapon.

Muñoz offers extraordinary pace and the ability to carry Liverpool forward quickly when possession changes hands.

Lewis Koumas deserves consideration after another impressive European contribution. His intelligent movement and awareness inside crowded penalty areas have become increasingly apparent.

His involvement in creating Barcola’s opening goal against LASK demonstrated the sort of football intelligence that cannot always be measured through goals alone.

However, if Isak is passed fit, I would trust his experience and finishing ability to lead the attack.

Liverpool must also manage their workload intelligently. Two matches since Brentford last played, including a European trip, could become significant during the closing stages.

Iraola has the opportunity to refresh several positions following Wednesday’s rotation, but the physical demands of this schedule remain substantial.

Brentford vs Liverpool Prediction: Premier League Points Shared

There is plenty riding on this fixture despite the season still being in its early stages.

Liverpool cannot allow themselves to drift further away from the leading Premier League positions. With Brentford already above them, Saturday offers an opportunity to regain ground and restore confidence.

The problem is that Brentford look exceptionally well equipped to exploit Liverpool’s vulnerabilities.

Their set pieces, physicality and direct attacking play will test Iraola’s side throughout the afternoon. Liverpool possess enough individual quality to create chances, particularly through Barcola, Wirtz and potentially Isak.

I expect goals, periods of genuine Liverpool attacking quality and some uncomfortable defensive moments.

A victory would represent an excellent result given the circumstances. A draw would provide something to build upon, although it would do little to ease concerns about Liverpool’s league position.

Score prediction: Brentford 2-2 Liverpool.

Liverpool have the talent to win this match. Whether they currently possess the consistency, physical sharpness and defensive concentration required to do so is a much more difficult question.

There are occasions when football does not need to be picked apart until there is nothing left to enjoy, and I think Liverpool’s 6-3 victory over LASK falls into that category.

Yes, conceding three goals will irritate Andoni Iraola. Yes, there were periods towards the end when a match Liverpool had completely under control became far too open. And yes, LASK are clearly a different level of opposition to the Manchester City side Liverpool faced a few days earlier.

But after the disappointment of Sunday, this was exactly the sort of night I wanted.

Liverpool scored six goals away from home in the Champions League. Bradley Barcola scored a hat trick. Florian Wirtz played with a freedom we have been waiting to see more regularly. Rio Ngumoha gave us another reminder of just how exciting his future could be, while Iraola managed to rest Virgil van Dijk from the start and give important minutes to several other members of his squad.

Most importantly, Liverpool looked as though they enjoyed attacking again.

That might sound simplistic, but I think it matters. There have been too many games this season where the attacking players have looked slightly separated from each other, almost waiting for something to happen rather than creating it together. Against LASK, there were combinations, movement and runners going beyond the ball.

For the first time in a little while, I watched Liverpool’s attack and could see clearly what Iraola is trying to build.

Liverpool Found the Space Their Attack Has Been Crying Out For

The statistics underline just how dominant Liverpool were for long periods.

They finished with 64% possession and attempted 26 shots compared with LASK’s 12. Liverpool put nine efforts on target, had 52 touches inside the opposition penalty area and generated 3.25 expected goals.

Those are serious attacking numbers.

Perhaps even more encouraging is that 2.50 of Liverpool’s 3.25 xG came from open play. This was not a night padded out by penalties or fortunate goals. Liverpool repeatedly found ways through LASK and created opportunities from their football.

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There are a lot of discussions going on about Alex Scott right now, so it’s apt to talk about him.

The England international has been tracked by Liverpool for a long time. The club’s scouts first began watching him while he was playing for Bristol City in the Championship.

Their admiration in Scott has only grown since he has arrived in the Premier League, and since Andoni Iraola made him an integral part of Bournemouth’s midfield.

Now, at this moment in time with Scott having refused a contract extension with the Cherries, Liverpool are among the club’s interested in his services.

There’s no denying he is a brilliant player, someone who has also had an outstanding start to the Premier League season.

The question is more about the price tag. Bournemouth reportedly want to sell him for in excess of £100m.

So what does the data say? Is Scott worthy enough to become Liverpool’s fourth £100m+ player?

What Scott does really well

In order to understand him as a player, we need to assess what his strengths are. Under Iraola, Scott was tasked with being the key pressing trigger in order to establish the Spaniard’s intense ‘heavy metal’ style of play.

Let’s have a look at his defensive actions from last season as per Scoutlabs.

What you notice immediately is that he’s covering everywhere. He covers a lot of distances and he makes a lot of blocks, tackles and recoveries all across the pitch.

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Liverpool’s midfield recruitment is becoming one of the most interesting aspects of our planning for January and beyond. We’ve discussed Lamine Camara extensively, and there are good reasons why I continue to regard him as a particularly attractive option. However, another name deserves serious attention, Sporting CP midfielder Sergi Altimira.

I’ve spent time looking at Altimira’s numbers, examining footage and considering the qualities he could bring to Liverpool. There is plenty to admire, particularly when you look at the specific responsibilities we want from a defensive midfielder.

For me, the starting point is understanding exactly what Liverpool need from their number six.

I’ve used the phrase “prison six” before, and it remains a useful description of the type of midfielder I want us to recruit. Someone who understands his defensive responsibilities, wins possession, protects the important areas of the pitch and gets the team playing again.

Altimira demonstrates many of those qualities.

He’s 25, left-footed, developed through Barcelona’s La Masia system and joined Sporting CP in the summer of 2026. His technical education is immediately apparent when you watch him operate in midfield.

There is a composure about his passing, an understanding of positioning and an ability to recognise when to move the ball forward. Those attributes make him an interesting candidate for Liverpool.

The question is whether those qualities, combined with his physical attributes, would translate successfully into the Premier League.

Sergi Altimira’s Sporting CP Numbers Reveal Significant Progress

Insert the first graphic showing his 2025/26 Real Betis numbers against his 2026/27 Sporting CP performances, immediately below this heading.

One of the most encouraging aspects of Altimira’s profile is the improvement in his underlying numbers since moving to Sporting CP.

Across the ten metrics we’ve examined, nine have increased compared with his previous season at Real Betis.

His passing accuracy has climbed from 92.4% to 93.4%, while his touches per 90 minutes have increased from 76.9 to 88.1. Passes attempted have also risen substantially, from 62.4 to 72.2 per 90.

Those figures tell us something about his involvement in possession.

Altimira is seeing more of the football, taking greater responsibility for distribution and maintaining excellent passing accuracy despite the increased volume.

For a defensive midfielder, those are encouraging signs.

I want someone who can provide a consistent passing option, recycle possession intelligently and help Liverpool establish control in midfield.

Altimira looks comfortable performing that role.

His defensive numbers have improved too.

Tackles have increased from 3.1 to 3.6 per 90, recoveries from 6.0 to 7.1 and interceptions from 1.5 to 2.5.

That interception figure particularly interests me because it corresponds with what I’ve seen in the footage.

Altimira anticipates situations well. He recognises where opponents are trying to play, moves into the appropriate spaces and has a habit of getting a foot in to disrupt possession.

He likes what I’d describe as a stab tackle, stepping forward to nick the ball before immediately looking for his next action.

There is an intelligence to that defensive work.

He understands his position and generally operates in the areas where you would expect a disciplined number six to be.

The other figure that stands out is his accurate long-ball percentage, which has risen from 72.3% to 83.7%.

That reinforces the impression of a technically accomplished midfielder who can distribute possession over different distances.

There is one declining metric, chances created per 90, which has fallen from 0.6 to 0.1.

I’m relatively unconcerned about that.

We’re assessing a defensive midfielder whose primary responsibilities involve winning possession, maintaining structure and progressing the ball.

Creating chances is a secondary consideration in this particular role.

These comparisons also require context. We’re looking at 807 minutes for Sporting CP against 2,171 minutes for Real Betis, across different competitions and playing environments.

It’s a relatively small sample, and we should acknowledge that before drawing definitive conclusions.

Nevertheless, the direction of his development is encouraging.

Defensive Intelligence and Aerial Dominance Could Help Liverpool

When I watch Altimira, what appeals to me most is the simplicity of his decision-making.

He recognises his job.

He doesn’t appear desperate to abandon his position or occupy attacking areas unnecessarily. He understands where he needs to operate and how to contribute to the team’s defensive structure.

Watch the clips of him recovering possession.

He anticipates the pass, gets across his opponent, makes the challenge and then looks to restart possession.

If there is space ahead, he’s capable of carrying the ball forward. If a simple pass is the better option, he’ll make it.

That discipline is important.

Liverpool need midfielders who can perform their individual responsibilities within a collective system, particularly when we’re discussing a position that provides protection for the defence.

And then we come to the statistic that genuinely made me look twice.

ALTIMIRA, 2026/27

75.0%

Aerial duel success

That is an outstanding figure for a central midfielder.

It has increased from 65% during his previous season, and it represents a significant part of Altimira’s appeal.

We’ve discussed Liverpool’s need for greater physicality in midfield, and winning aerial challenges is an important component of that.

Altimira’s ability in the air could address several problems.

His ground duel success has also increased, from 59.2% to 61.5%, suggesting improvement in another important defensive area.

There are encouraging signs across his defensive profile, particularly when those numbers are considered alongside his positional discipline.

He also covers good distances. We’ve seen him covering approximately 12 kilometres in a Champions League appearance, while maintaining an 89% passing accuracy and completing five passes into the final third.

That gives us another indication of his capacity to contribute across different phases of play.

However, distance covered and outright pace are separate considerations, and that’s where my reservations begin.

Altimira Versus Lamine Camara: Liverpool’s Midfield Recruitment Decision

Insert the fifth supplied image, showing the ten-category comparison between Altimira and Lamine Camara.

The comparison with Lamine Camara is particularly relevant because we’ve discussed both players as potential Liverpool midfield recruits.

There are similarities in their defensive responsibilities and their ability to move possession efficiently.

However, their physical profiles differ.

Altimira’s passing accuracy of 93.4% compares favourably with Camara’s 90.5%, while he also attempts slightly more passes per 90, 72.2 against 68.5.

Altimira leads on interceptions, 2.5 to 1.5, and his advantage in aerial duels is substantial.

His 75% aerial success rate compares with Camara’s 55.6%.

His accurate long-ball percentage is also considerably higher, 83.7% against 68.6%.

Those are meaningful differences.

Camara, however, produces more tackles and recoveries, with 3.8 tackles and 9.0 recoveries per 90.

His ground duel success is also higher at 68.4%, compared with Altimira’s 61.5%.

The numbers are competitive across several categories, although their different leagues, responsibilities and relatively small samples complicate direct comparisons.

For me, the decisive consideration is mobility.

Altimira has recorded a top speed of approximately 28 kilometres per hour, while Camara operates closer to 30 or 31, potentially reaching 32.

That difference matters when considering the physical demands of the Premier League.

You can have a midfielder who isn’t particularly quick, provided he reads the game intelligently and the players around him complement his attributes.

We’ve seen that principle work before.

However, you need to consider the overall balance of the midfield.

I wouldn’t want Liverpool operating with two players who lack pace in central areas.

Camara’s mobility, defensive contribution and ability to cover ground make me more confident about his capacity to adapt immediately.

That is why, despite Altimira’s excellent technical qualities and aerial superiority, I still lean towards Camara.

Liverpool Must Prioritise Physicality in January Recruitment

Price is another important consideration.

The suggestion is that Sporting CP could entertain an offer somewhere around £30 million to £35 million for Altimira, having signed him for approximately €18 million during the summer.

Camara would likely command a significantly greater fee, potentially £50 million to £60 million in January.

I can understand why Altimira would appeal at the lower valuation.

He’s technically accomplished, positionally disciplined and has produced some very encouraging defensive numbers.

There is certainly a good footballer there.

However, I would be prepared to pay the premium for Camara because I have greater confidence in his physical suitability for the Premier League.

That matters enormously when considering Liverpool’s immediate requirements.

We’re entering an important period of the season, and the danger is that our problems could become more pronounced if results deteriorate.

If Liverpool recruit a defensive midfielder in January, I want someone capable of contributing immediately.

I believe Camara could arrive and perform that role.

With Altimira, I have more uncertainty about the adaptation period.

We’ve seen players require time to adjust physically to English football. Fabinho is an obvious example of someone whose introduction required patience.

There is a possibility Altimira could experience something similar.

He might surprise me. His football intelligence and technical ability are certainly encouraging, and I’d welcome further evidence of how he handles physically demanding opposition.

But based on what I’ve watched, I cannot be as confident about an immediate transition.

That brings us to the wider recruitment philosophy.

Liverpool need to prioritise physical attributes alongside technical quality.

We’ve already got technically capable footballers. The next phase of recruitment must address the physical requirements of the squad in different areas.

Players such as Camara, Altimira and Daniel Banjaqui represent interesting options because they have qualities that can be developed further.

I like the idea of identifying players performing at a good level, bringing them into Liverpool and providing the environment for continued improvement.

That approach has served the club well previously.

With Altimira, there is enough evidence to justify Liverpool’s interest.

His aerial dominance is exceptional, his passing numbers are excellent and his defensive intelligence is obvious in the footage.

At the reported valuation, I can see why he would be considered an attractive option.

Ultimately, though, Camara remains my preferred target because of his mobility and the greater confidence I have in his ability to make an immediate contribution.

Altimira would remain firmly on my shortlist.

He’s a very good footballer, and there is plenty to like about the way he plays the number six role.

The final decision comes down to what Liverpool need most urgently, and how quickly any new signing can provide it.

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Liverpool scored six goals in Austria, conceded three, and somehow managed to provide a compelling exhibition of both the promise and the peril of Andoni Iraola’s football.

Jeremie Frimpong embodied the contradiction. Going forward, he was electric. A goal, an assist, relentless energy and the capacity to stretch a defence until its organisation collapsed. Defensively, however, it was a deeply troubling evening. All three LASK goals originated from his side of the pitch. His positioning, awareness and vulnerability in individual duels remain serious concerns. Against better opposition, those weaknesses will be punished mercilessly.

There was considerable pleasure in watching Bradley Barcola finally announce himself. Three goals, growing confidence and the unmistakable liberation of a player beginning to trust his instincts again. The talent was never in doubt. Hopefully, the conviction will now follow.

And Florian Wirtz? Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of the evening.

For once, he had movement around him, runners anticipating his passes, teammates occupying defenders and combinations creating the spaces his intelligence is designed to exploit. Liverpool’s attacking structure looked coherent, fluid and purposeful. Wirtz suddenly appeared a footballer with possibilities everywhere he looked.

Yes, it was LASK. Perspective remains essential.

But there was genuine satisfaction in seeing attacking ideas translated into something tangible. The movement had purpose, the combinations had rhythm, and the players appeared to understand what their teammates intended.

Six goals provide encouragement. Three conceded demand scrutiny.

Iraola has plenty to work with and plenty to work on.

And Frimpong? He might be the most exhilarating and exasperating footballer in this Liverpool side.

Post-Match Podcasts

Full-Time Reds: Nina Kauser and Sam Qaute give their instant reaction to Liverpool’s win over LASK in Austria - Watch Now

Post-Match RAW: Trev Downey is joined by Dave Hendrick and Guy Drinkel to unpack Liverpool’s 6-3 win over LASK in tonight’s Champions League clash - Listen Now

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola reflects on the win in Austria against LASK this evening - Listen Now

Post-Match Articles:

• Match Report

• Player Ratings by Steven Smith

• Man of the Match by Steven Smith

• David Lynch’s 5 Key Takeaways

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Liverpool travel to Austria tonight carrying the bruises from Sunday’s defeat to Manchester City, and with an opportunity to remind themselves that this season still has considerable promise.

Eight matches into Andoni Iraola’s reign, there are encouraging signs. Defensive organisation has improved, resilience has emerged, and the manager has already demonstrated an ability to make difficult decisions. Yet Liverpool remain a collection of attacking talents searching for the understanding that transforms individual quality into collective menace.

Tonight should provide an opportunity to accelerate that process.

LASK deserve respect. Their remarkable Austrian title triumph and emphatic victory over Celtic demonstrate the danger of allowing an underdog to gather momentum. Give their supporters encouragement and an uncomfortable evening could quickly develop.

Liverpool must impose themselves early, dictate possession and play with authority.

Florian Wirtz particularly needs a performance liberated from hesitation. There’s a magnificent footballer in there, increasingly burdened by expectation. Bradley Barcola must rediscover the instinct to attack defenders, while the youthful enthusiasm of Rio Ngumoha and Lewis Koumas offer genuine possibilities.

I would give Trey Nyoni his opportunity alongside Ryan Gravenberch. Liverpool need to discover the depth of their resources, especially with Brentford approaching and injuries restricting Iraola’s options.

Patience remains essential with this manager. Footballing identities require cultivation, understanding and repetition. Nevertheless, victories can provide the conviction that accelerates everything.

Liverpool have spent enough matches searching for answers. Tonight, against opponents they should possess the quality to overcome, they must begin supplying a few.

Predicted Liverpool XI:

Alisson; Frimpong, Gomez, Araujo, Kerkez; Nyoni, Gravenberch; Ngumoha, Wirtz, Barcola; Koumas.

Score prediction:

LASK 1-3 Liverpool

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There are occasions when you look at a scoreline and it gives you a fairly accurate account of what happened during the previous 90 minutes.

Liverpool 0-3 Manchester City is certainly not one of them.

Manchester City left Anfield with three goals, three points and what will eventually become another comfortable looking victory in the record books. Anyone who watched the first hour will know there was considerably more to this game.

Liverpool were good.

They were disciplined, aggressive and competitive. They restricted a Manchester City side full of attacking talent to almost nothing of consequence for an hour, while creating considerably more themselves.

Then Chris Kavanagh sent Ryan Gravenberch off in the 62nd minute.

Erling Haaland scored in the 65th.

Jérémy Doku made it two in the 68th.

Rayan Cherki added the third in the 78th.

The whole afternoon turned in the space of a few minutes. Andoni Iraola described it afterwards as two completely different games, which is exactly what it was. Liverpool were the better side before the dismissal. Manchester City were unquestionably the better side afterwards.

I have no problem admitting Liverpool could have handled the aftermath better.

I have a much bigger problem with the refereeing decision which created the situation in the first place.

Gravenberch Red Card Changed Liverpool v Manchester City

Let us deal with the biggest moment first.

Gravenberch’s first yellow card was incredibly soft.

Iraola was understandably furious afterwards. He pointed out that the challenge took place in the middle of the pitch, Liverpool had nine players behind the ball, no dangerous attack had been stopped and Kavanagh did not even immediately whistle for the foul. Elliot Anderson continued before going to ground, then the yellow card appeared.

I struggle to understand it.

There was contact. Football contains contact.

If every challenge of that type becomes a booking, we are going to finish Premier League games with seven players on each side.

The second challenge is different. Gravenberch is beaten by Doku and he does make contact. I can understand a foul being given and I can understand the argument for a booking when you look at that incident in isolation.

My issue is that he should never have been carrying the first yellow card.

That is why the refereeing matters so much.

Kavanagh had put himself and Gravenberch into a situation which never needed to exist.

Ronald Araujo was also booked very early for complaining. Again, technically you can point to the laws and say the referee is entitled to produce the card.

Fine.

Then referee everybody like that every week.

Iraola made exactly that point afterwards. If complaining automatically earns a yellow card, the same standard has to be applied throughout the season.

That is where the frustration comes from.

Supporters can accept decisions they dislike. What becomes much harder to accept is inconsistency.

You cannot apply the strictest possible interpretation to Liverpool in one moment and then allow the usual Premier League tolerance five minutes later.

And when that inconsistency ultimately contributes to reducing one team to 10 men in Liverpool against Manchester City, it completely changes the football match.

Liverpool still competed physically. City won 54 duels to Liverpool’s 46, with the ground contests finishing 41 to 35 and the aerial battles 13 to 11.

Those numbers hardly suggest a Liverpool side being swept aside.

Neither did anything we watched for the first hour.

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