Martin Skrtel‘s good performances of late seem set to earn him a new contract at Anfield, according to reports on Monday evening.
The Guardian claims Brendan Rodgers is keen on keeping the 30-year-old at the club for longer than the 18 months he has left on his current deal, especially with other experienced stars like Steven Gerrard and, potentially, Lucas Leiva leaving.
Skrtel is clearly very happy on Merseyside still, and took to his website at the weekend having celebrated seven years with the Reds.
“It is a great honour for me to play seven years for Liverpool. We’ve had some great moments together and I am really happy I am part of this all. Liverpool are now in my heart,” he said.
The Slovakian’s form has been improved of late, having looked rather erratic at times earlier on in the season. It comes as no surprise that his improvement coincides with Mamadou Sakho and Emre Can coming into the defence alongside him. He is only ever as good as the defence he is playing in.
It’s widely acknowledged that Skrtel is Rodgers’ first-choice centre-back, and although this is debatable he remains an important member of a young squad.
Keep an eye on This Is Anfield for an analysis of Skrtel’s form since changing to three at the back, online later today.
.
Martin Skrtel‘s good performances of late seem set to earn him a new contract at Anfield, according to reports on Monday evening.
The Guardian claims Brendan Rodgers is keen on keeping the 30-year-old at the club for longer than the 18 months he has left on his current deal, especially with other experienced stars like Steven Gerrard and, potentially, Lucas Leiva leaving.
Skrtel is clearly very happy on Merseyside still, and took to his website at the weekend having celebrated seven years with the Reds.
“It is a great honour for me to play seven years for Liverpool. We’ve had some great moments together and I am really happy I am part of this all. Liverpool are now in my heart,” he said.
The Slovakian’s form has been improved of late, having looked rather erratic at times earlier on in the season. It comes as no surprise that his improvement coincides with Mamadou Sakho and Emre Can coming into the defence alongside him. He is only ever as good as the defence he is playing in.
It’s widely acknowledged that Skrtel is Rodgers’ first-choice centre-back, and although this is debatable he remains an important member of a young squad.
Keep an eye on This Is Anfield for an analysis of Skrtel’s form since changing to three at the back, online later today.
.
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Growing in influence this season, Philippe Coutinho has become indispensable for Liverpool, but can still improve, writes Jack Lusby.
After an initial struggle in a Liverpool shirt this season, Philippe Coutinho has well and truly established himself as a key player once again for manager Brendan Rodgers.
A series of star turns since Rodgers has switched his tactical layout to a 3-4-2-1 formation has earned Coutinho widespread praise, and the manager’s summer planning is seemingly coming to fruition.
During pre-season, Rodgers described Coutinho as “the brain in our team, the continuity player,” and “the one that gets the team ticking.”
While this would have suggested a central role for the 22-year-old, Coutinho was deployed in a variety of positions in the early stages of 2014/15, typically as a left inside forward.
Now, however, Coutinho is becoming that nucleus, and the improvement is truly stark.
Becoming Key in a Central Role
After this turbulent start to 2014/15, Coutinho has come into his own of late, and this can be widely attributed to a positional switch in Rodgers’ new 3-4-2-1 formation.
This has allowed Coutinho to become a more advanced version of the deep-lying “brain” that Rodgers theorised in the summer.
Prior to the switch, Coutinho had an average of 30 passes per game, with an accuracy of 83 per cent; after the switch, he has made an average of 36 passes per game, with an accuracy of 79 per cent.
While he may be less accurate, that’s the case for any player playing in a more attacking role, where risks are expected.
In terms of chances created, Coutinho’s move into a central role has seen a significant improvement.
Prior to Rodgers’ formational turn, Coutinho created just five chances — including key passes and assists — in 12 games, at a rate of 0.42 per game.
Since moving central in the 3-4-2-1, however Coutinho has created 14 chances in six games, at a rate of 2.33 per game.
Furthermore, as Rodgers described that his formational change as one that “allows you to press and it means your game can be much more aggressive,” Coutinho’s physical game has increased since a move into a central position.
Before the 3-4-2-1, Coutinho made 0.67 tackles per game with a success rate of 31 per cent; in the 3-4-2-1, Coutinho has made 2.5 tackles per game with a success rate of 44 per cent.
Clearly, this central role has improved Coutinho’s output.
Amongst Contemporaries
Overall, these attributes are crucial for a modern No. 10.
Comparing Coutinho to his compatriot Oscar, as well as other outstanding Premier League No. 10’s, since his move into a central role outlines his improvement.
For the sake of comparison, these are taken from fellow those closer to the top of the table: Oscar of Chelsea, Christian Eriksen of Tottenham Hotspur, Dusan Tadic of Southampton, David Silva of Manchester City, Santi Cazorla of Arsenal and Juan Mata of Manchester United.
From the last six Premier League games—as in line with Rodgers’ introduction of the 3-4-2-1—below we compare each players’ average of passes, passing accuracy, chances created and tackles made per game.
Furthermore, his imperious statistical output in terms of pressing the opposition from high up the pitch is a testament to his fitting Rodgers’ system—defending from the front is vital.
However, there are areas that Coutinho can still improve in his game in order to become a complete No. 10, and a truly invaluable asset to Liverpool.
Room for Improvement
This, namely, comes in form of the Brazilian’s frustratingly profligate shooting.
This is an issue that has plagued Coutinho’s game since joining Liverpool, despite a measure of spectacular goals such as the winner in last season’s 3-2 victory over Manchester City.
Comparing Coutinho to the No. 10s mentioned above displays an alarming oversight in his game:
While Coutinho takes less shots per game and is more accurate than Oscar and Eriksen, the vastly superior conversion rates of Silva, Cazorla and Mata, for example, underline his deficiency.
To take him to the very top, and comparable to the likes of Silva and Cazorla, Coutinho must develop this area of his game.
However, as detailed, Coutinho’s development since moving into a central, free playmaking role in Liverpool’s 3-4-2-1 formation is exceptional, and the 22-year-old is clearly flourishing since this switch.
It is also worth noting that, in terms of age, Coutinho has plenty of time on his hands, especially when compared to the likes of Silva, Cazorla and Mata.
This should allow the midfielder to hone his finishing, and thus becoming a truly devastating player for Liverpool.
For the time being, however, Brendan Rodgers must continue to utilise Philippe Coutinho in a central role for Liverpool, as in this position the 22-year-old is one of the Premier League’s most prolific creative outlets, as well as a true proponent of the pressing game.
Statistics via Squawka.com.
Can Philippe Coutinho become one of the Premier League’s best players? Let us know in the comments below.
.
Growing in influence this season, Philippe Coutinho has become indispensable for Liverpool, but can still improve, writes Jack Lusby.
After an initial struggle in a Liverpool shirt this season, Philippe Coutinho has well and truly established himself as a key player once again for manager Brendan Rodgers.
A series of star turns since Rodgers has switched his tactical layout to a 3-4-2-1 formation has earned Coutinho widespread praise, and the manager’s summer planning is seemingly coming to fruition.
During pre-season, Rodgers described Coutinho as “the brain in our team, the continuity player,” and “the one that gets the team ticking.”
While this would have suggested a central role for the 22-year-old, Coutinho was deployed in a variety of positions in the early stages of 2014/15, typically as a left inside forward.
Now, however, Coutinho is becoming that nucleus, and the improvement is truly stark.
Becoming Key in a Central Role
After this turbulent start to 2014/15, Coutinho has come into his own of late, and this can be widely attributed to a positional switch in Rodgers’ new 3-4-2-1 formation.
This has allowed Coutinho to become a more advanced version of the deep-lying “brain” that Rodgers theorised in the summer.
Prior to the switch, Coutinho had an average of 30 passes per game, with an accuracy of 83 per cent; after the switch, he has made an average of 36 passes per game, with an accuracy of 79 per cent.
While he may be less accurate, that’s the case for any player playing in a more attacking role, where risks are expected.
In terms of chances created, Coutinho’s move into a central role has seen a significant improvement.
Prior to Rodgers’ formational turn, Coutinho created just five chances — including key passes and assists — in 12 games, at a rate of 0.42 per game.
Since moving central in the 3-4-2-1, however Coutinho has created 14 chances in six games, at a rate of 2.33 per game.
Furthermore, as Rodgers described that his formational change as one that “allows you to press and it means your game can be much more aggressive,” Coutinho’s physical game has increased since a move into a central position.
Before the 3-4-2-1, Coutinho made 0.67 tackles per game with a success rate of 31 per cent; in the 3-4-2-1, Coutinho has made 2.5 tackles per game with a success rate of 44 per cent.
Clearly, this central role has improved Coutinho’s output.
Amongst Contemporaries
Overall, these attributes are crucial for a modern No. 10.
Comparing Coutinho to his compatriot Oscar, as well as other outstanding Premier League No. 10’s, since his move into a central role outlines his improvement.
For the sake of comparison, these are taken from fellow those closer to the top of the table: Oscar of Chelsea, Christian Eriksen of Tottenham Hotspur, Dusan Tadic of Southampton, David Silva of Manchester City, Santi Cazorla of Arsenal and Juan Mata of Manchester United.
From the last six Premier League games—as in line with Rodgers’ introduction of the 3-4-2-1—below we compare each players’ average of passes, passing accuracy, chances created and tackles made per game.
Furthermore, his imperious statistical output in terms of pressing the opposition from high up the pitch is a testament to his fitting Rodgers’ system—defending from the front is vital.
However, there are areas that Coutinho can still improve in his game in order to become a complete No. 10, and a truly invaluable asset to Liverpool.
Room for Improvement
This, namely, comes in form of the Brazilian’s frustratingly profligate shooting.
This is an issue that has plagued Coutinho’s game since joining Liverpool, despite a measure of spectacular goals such as the winner in last season’s 3-2 victory over Manchester City.
Comparing Coutinho to the No. 10s mentioned above displays an alarming oversight in his game:
While Coutinho takes less shots per game and is more accurate than Oscar and Eriksen, the vastly superior conversion rates of Silva, Cazorla and Mata, for example, underline his deficiency.
To take him to the very top, and comparable to the likes of Silva and Cazorla, Coutinho must develop this area of his game.
However, as detailed, Coutinho’s development since moving into a central, free playmaking role in Liverpool’s 3-4-2-1 formation is exceptional, and the 22-year-old is clearly flourishing since this switch.
It is also worth noting that, in terms of age, Coutinho has plenty of time on his hands, especially when compared to the likes of Silva, Cazorla and Mata.
This should allow the midfielder to hone his finishing, and thus becoming a truly devastating player for Liverpool.
For the time being, however, Brendan Rodgers must continue to utilise Philippe Coutinho in a central role for Liverpool, as in this position the 22-year-old is one of the Premier League’s most prolific creative outlets, as well as a true proponent of the pressing game.
Statistics via Squawka.com.
Can Philippe Coutinho become one of the Premier League’s best players? Let us know in the comments below.
.
Oussama Assaidi's forgettable spell at Liverpool has ended with a move to Dubai side Al Ahli, the Barclays Premier League club have announced.
Reports on Sunday suggested Liverpool would net £4.75 million from the deal.
The 26-year-old signed from Heerenveen in 2012 but made only 12 appearances for the Reds, spending time on loan at Stoke last season and this.
The highlight of the Moroccan's Premier League career came in December 2013 when his ferocious last-minute strike earned the Potters a dramatic 3-2 win over Chelsea.
From everyone at This Is Anfield, best of luck, Oussama.
PA
.
Oussama Assaidi's forgettable spell at Liverpool has ended with a move to Dubai side Al Ahli, the Barclays Premier League club have announced.
Reports on Sunday suggested Liverpool would net £4.75 million from the deal.
The 26-year-old signed from Heerenveen in 2012 but made only 12 appearances for the Reds, spending time on loan at Stoke last season and this.
The highlight of the Moroccan's Premier League career came in December 2013 when his ferocious last-minute strike earned the Potters a dramatic 3-2 win over Chelsea.
From everyone at This Is Anfield, best of luck, Oussama.
PA
.
The Merseyside derby clash between Everton and Liverpool next month will kick-off at 17:30 as scheduled despite opposition from Merseyside Police and the local council, the Premier League has confirmed.
The police, supported by Liverpool City Council's Licensing Committee, wanted the match to kick-off no later than 1330.
Everton informed the Premier League on December 9 of the police's objections and the issue was then discussed by the council's licensing committee, which initially said it would "take legal advice on all appropriate options to enforce the position" in the event of no change of kick-off time being determined.
However, only if there are concerns over a safety certificate being issued could a change be viable, and that was not a consideration as Everton have confirmed they are in a position to stage the game.
And the Premier League confirmed to Press Association Sport on Monday that the derby will go ahead at the 1730 start.
Merseyside Police's report last month stressed there was no specific intelligence indicating any organised disorder is planned but stated the wider implications of a late kick-off meant they had to take action.
PA
.
The Merseyside derby clash between Everton and Liverpool next month will kick-off at 17:30 as scheduled despite opposition from Merseyside Police and the local council, the Premier League has confirmed.
The police, supported by Liverpool City Council's Licensing Committee, wanted the match to kick-off no later than 1330.
Everton informed the Premier League on December 9 of the police's objections and the issue was then discussed by the council's licensing committee, which initially said it would "take legal advice on all appropriate options to enforce the position" in the event of no change of kick-off time being determined.
However, only if there are concerns over a safety certificate being issued could a change be viable, and that was not a consideration as Everton have confirmed they are in a position to stage the game.
And the Premier League confirmed to Press Association Sport on Monday that the derby will go ahead at the 1730 start.
Merseyside Police's report last month stressed there was no specific intelligence indicating any organised disorder is planned but stated the wider implications of a late kick-off meant they had to take action.
PA
.
With Wilfried Bony reportedly set to move to Manchester City this month, Jack Lusby believes Liverpool should move for Stevan Jovetic.
The biggest transfer window this January is likely to be Manchester City’s reported £28 million move for Swansea City striker Wilfried Bony, and Liverpool should follow this with a move for current City’s Stevan Jovetic.
This would leave Manuel Pellegrini with a bloated strike force of Bony, Jovetic, Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko—all players whose quality demands regular first-team football.
With City more often than not fielding a lone-striker formation, there is cause to believe Jovetic—City’s least-favoured strike option—could leave the club on Bony’s arrival.
Liverpool are in need of a striker this January, and Jovetic fits the bill.
The Reds have missed out on summer target Bony, now they must go all-out to sign Jovetic this transfer window – a player we’ve targeted more than once in the past.
A Failed Bony Pursuit, and the Failures of Mario Balotelli
City’s interest in Bony notoriously succeeds that of Liverpool in the summer, with Rodgers clearly a big fan of the forward who has revitalised Swansea after a dip in fortunes amid the furore of former manager Michael Laudrup’s departure.
£19 million was reportedly quoted to the club in the summer, but Liverpool seemingly pulled out of the deal due after failing to agree personal terms.
Instead, Liverpool turned to £16 million Mario Balotelli, but the maverick Italian’s spell on Merseyside so far has proved a miserable one.
This is compounded by Rodgers’ belief that “Mario was a calculated risk and that is something I have to make work for the team.”
Rodgers continued in December that the required “level of intensity and pressing isn’t a part of his game.”
If Balotelli doesn’t fit Rodgers’ perceived vision of football at Liverpool, the manager must turn to a player that does, and that man can be Montenegrin Jovetic.
Stevan Jovetic: A Brendan Rodgers Striker
Jovetic signed for City in a £22 million deal in the summer of 2013, joining with an enhanced reputation following a 2012/13 season with previous club Fiorentina, which heralded 13 goals and two assists in 33 Serie A games.
The striker later revealed that he had turned down La Liga giants Real Madrid to move to City.
Last season with City Jovetic struggled with an injury-hit, bit-part role, scoring just three goals in 13 Premier League games—although only two of these appearances came as a starter.
This season has been much the same, with Aguero shining in a regular role as centre-forward, but nevertheless Jovetic has netted five times in 12 games, with a further two assists to his name.
Labelled, predictably, the Montenegrin Messi, Jovetic is a multi-faceted attacking player.
On his 2013 Premier League move, Sheridan Bird of the Mirror outlined how Jovetic “has the skill to light up the Premier League, and the resilience to cope with the physicality of English football.”
A pacey, skilful strike option, Jovetic is a “sinuous dribbler, despite being a shade over six feet tall.”
This underlines Bird’s assertion: Jovetic is strong enough to keep up with the Premier League pack, but also intelligent enough to bamboozle it.
With an average of 1.3 dribbles per game, Jovetic would be Liverpool’s fifth most-prolific dribbler, and his direct attacking style lends itself to Rodgers’ system.
Furthermore, with a tactical versatility which has seen him play in three different starting positions already this season, Jovetic can lend himself to Rodgers’ flexible tactical outline and give the manager option.
That Jovetic is clearly effective when utilised just behind the striker suggests a bold partnership with star forward Daniel Sturridge could be fostered.
What’s more, and perhaps most important, Jovetic can be a devastating finisher when in form, as his two-goal haul in City’s 3-1 victory over Liverpool in August proved.
Overall, if Liverpool were to sign Jovetic in January, they would be acquiring a player with many talents, who is capable of slotting into Rodgers’ system with ease.
However, there are some negatives the club must consider in any potential deal for the striker.
Pitfalls of the Move
The biggest pitfall with a move for Jovetic in January is the striker’s injury record.
As the Manchester Evening News detailed, Jovetic has suffered “with a number of muscular issues” since his move to the Premier League.
This is an issue Liverpool supporters know all too well, given Sturridge’s miserable fitness record.
However, on these problems Jovetic claimed: “I don’t think I have a big problem. I would say that I have just been unlucky.”
“The City fans have not seen the best of me…I just want to stay healthy now. If I can do that then I can promise them that I am a much better player than they have seen so far.”
Furthermore, with an average of just 0.6 tackles and 0.7 interceptions per game, this suggests that work must be done if Jovetic is to suit a high pressing game; although Sturridge’s average of 0.3 tackles and 0.1 interceptions perhaps belies this notion.
Nevertheless, just as City has proven a miserable ground for Jovetic’s development after a phenomenal spell with Fiorentina, Liverpool could offer the backdrop for a revival for the striker.
At just 25 years old, and possessing the talents that demanded a £22 million transfer last summer, Jovetic should be a prime candidate for Rodgers this January.
When Bony moves to Manchester City this month, Liverpool must target Jovetic to add quality in attack.
Should Liverpool target Stevan Jovetic in January? Let us know in the comments below.
.
With Wilfried Bony reportedly set to move to Manchester City this month, Jack Lusby believes Liverpool should move for Stevan Jovetic.
The biggest transfer window this January is likely to be Manchester City’s reported £28 million move for Swansea City striker Wilfried Bony, and Liverpool should follow this with a move for current City’s Stevan Jovetic.
This would leave Manuel Pellegrini with a bloated strike force of Bony, Jovetic, Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko—all players whose quality demands regular first-team football.
With City more often than not fielding a lone-striker formation, there is cause to believe Jovetic—City’s least-favoured strike option—could leave the club on Bony’s arrival.
Liverpool are in need of a striker this January, and Jovetic fits the bill.
The Reds have missed out on summer target Bony, now they must go all-out to sign Jovetic this transfer window – a player we’ve targeted more than once in the past.
A Failed Bony Pursuit, and the Failures of Mario Balotelli
City’s interest in Bony notoriously succeeds that of Liverpool in the summer, with Rodgers clearly a big fan of the forward who has revitalised Swansea after a dip in fortunes amid the furore of former manager Michael Laudrup’s departure.
£19 million was reportedly quoted to the club in the summer, but Liverpool seemingly pulled out of the deal due after failing to agree personal terms.
Instead, Liverpool turned to £16 million Mario Balotelli, but the maverick Italian’s spell on Merseyside so far has proved a miserable one.
This is compounded by Rodgers’ belief that “Mario was a calculated risk and that is something I have to make work for the team.”
Rodgers continued in December that the required “level of intensity and pressing isn’t a part of his game.”
If Balotelli doesn’t fit Rodgers’ perceived vision of football at Liverpool, the manager must turn to a player that does, and that man can be Montenegrin Jovetic.
Stevan Jovetic: A Brendan Rodgers Striker
Jovetic signed for City in a £22 million deal in the summer of 2013, joining with an enhanced reputation following a 2012/13 season with previous club Fiorentina, which heralded 13 goals and two assists in 33 Serie A games.
The striker later revealed that he had turned down La Liga giants Real Madrid to move to City.
Last season with City Jovetic struggled with an injury-hit, bit-part role, scoring just three goals in 13 Premier League games—although only two of these appearances came as a starter.
This season has been much the same, with Aguero shining in a regular role as centre-forward, but nevertheless Jovetic has netted five times in 12 games, with a further two assists to his name.
Labelled, predictably, the Montenegrin Messi, Jovetic is a multi-faceted attacking player.
On his 2013 Premier League move, Sheridan Bird of the Mirror outlined how Jovetic “has the skill to light up the Premier League, and the resilience to cope with the physicality of English football.”
A pacey, skilful strike option, Jovetic is a “sinuous dribbler, despite being a shade over six feet tall.”
This underlines Bird’s assertion: Jovetic is strong enough to keep up with the Premier League pack, but also intelligent enough to bamboozle it.
With an average of 1.3 dribbles per game, Jovetic would be Liverpool’s fifth most-prolific dribbler, and his direct attacking style lends itself to Rodgers’ system.
Furthermore, with a tactical versatility which has seen him play in three different starting positions already this season, Jovetic can lend himself to Rodgers’ flexible tactical outline and give the manager option.
That Jovetic is clearly effective when utilised just behind the striker suggests a bold partnership with star forward Daniel Sturridge could be fostered.
What’s more, and perhaps most important, Jovetic can be a devastating finisher when in form, as his two-goal haul in City’s 3-1 victory over Liverpool in August proved.
Overall, if Liverpool were to sign Jovetic in January, they would be acquiring a player with many talents, who is capable of slotting into Rodgers’ system with ease.
However, there are some negatives the club must consider in any potential deal for the striker.
Pitfalls of the Move
The biggest pitfall with a move for Jovetic in January is the striker’s injury record.
As the Manchester Evening News detailed, Jovetic has suffered “with a number of muscular issues” since his move to the Premier League.
This is an issue Liverpool supporters know all too well, given Sturridge’s miserable fitness record.
However, on these problems Jovetic claimed: “I don’t think I have a big problem. I would say that I have just been unlucky.”
“The City fans have not seen the best of me…I just want to stay healthy now. If I can do that then I can promise them that I am a much better player than they have seen so far.”
Furthermore, with an average of just 0.6 tackles and 0.7 interceptions per game, this suggests that work must be done if Jovetic is to suit a high pressing game; although Sturridge’s average of 0.3 tackles and 0.1 interceptions perhaps belies this notion.
Nevertheless, just as City has proven a miserable ground for Jovetic’s development after a phenomenal spell with Fiorentina, Liverpool could offer the backdrop for a revival for the striker.
At just 25 years old, and possessing the talents that demanded a £22 million transfer last summer, Jovetic should be a prime candidate for Rodgers this January.
When Bony moves to Manchester City this month, Liverpool must target Jovetic to add quality in attack.
Should Liverpool target Stevan Jovetic in January? Let us know in the comments below.
.
Mario Balotelli and Lucas Leiva’s Liverpool futures have made the headlines in the last few days, and we update you on the current situation.
Balotelli was linked with a loan move to Serie A champions Juventus on Sunday evening, but the Old Lady head coach Massimiliano Allegri has told Italian tv station RAI that the rumours are false.
“I think this is a made-up story. Balotelli has done very well with me but he belongs to Liverpool and he is not a player that can arrive at Juventus,” he said.
“With me, Balotelli had a good year, with a good goalscoring record. Unfortunately he’s built a ‘persona’ outside of the football world and because of this people tend to talk more about what he does off the pitch than what he does on the pitch.
“But I think the time has come for him to show that he really can achieve his full potential- through sacrifices and effort. Whether I would like to work with him again or not, well, I would love to have all the best players, but he’s at Liverpool now, and while he is there he needs to concentrate on playing well. He needs to concentrate on showing he is an important player.”
Meanwhile, The Echo ‘s James Pearce reported on Sunday that Liverpool are reluctant to sell Lucas, with Inter Milan clearly interested in acquiring the Brazilian’s services for approximately £7m.
It is believed that the Reds have yet to receive an offer from the Nerazzurri though, and a loan deal for the 28-year-old is out of the question.
Lucas’ form has been terrific of late, which makes it totally understandable as to why Brendan Rodgers would not want to sell him.
Balotelli, meanwhile, may be having a poor time of things at the moment, but getting rid of him without bringing in a replacement makes little to no sense.
He still has the potential to offer more than Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini, and deserves a chance to star alongside the returning Daniel Sturridge at some point. They gelled against Tottenham back in August.
Let us know your thoughts on the Balotelli and Lucas situation in the comments section.
.
Mario Balotelli and Lucas Leiva’s Liverpool futures have made the headlines in the last few days, and we update you on the current situation.
Balotelli was linked with a loan move to Serie A champions Juventus on Sunday evening, but the Old Lady head coach Massimiliano Allegri has told Italian tv station RAI that the rumours are false.
“I think this is a made-up story. Balotelli has done very well with me but he belongs to Liverpool and he is not a player that can arrive at Juventus,” he said.
“With me, Balotelli had a good year, with a good goalscoring record. Unfortunately he’s built a ‘persona’ outside of the football world and because of this people tend to talk more about what he does off the pitch than what he does on the pitch.
“But I think the time has come for him to show that he really can achieve his full potential- through sacrifices and effort. Whether I would like to work with him again or not, well, I would love to have all the best players, but he’s at Liverpool now, and while he is there he needs to concentrate on playing well. He needs to concentrate on showing he is an important player.”
Meanwhile, The Echo ‘s James Pearce reported on Sunday that Liverpool are reluctant to sell Lucas, with Inter Milan clearly interested in acquiring the Brazilian’s services for approximately £7m.
It is believed that the Reds have yet to receive an offer from the Nerazzurri though, and a loan deal for the 28-year-old is out of the question.
Lucas’ form has been terrific of late, which makes it totally understandable as to why Brendan Rodgers would not want to sell him.
Balotelli, meanwhile, may be having a poor time of things at the moment, but getting rid of him without bringing in a replacement makes little to no sense.
He still has the potential to offer more than Rickie Lambert and Fabio Borini, and deserves a chance to star alongside the returning Daniel Sturridge at some point. They gelled against Tottenham back in August.
Let us know your thoughts on the Balotelli and Lucas situation in the comments section.
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