Brendan Rodgers: Daniel Sturridge can shine new light on revamped Liverpool

Brendan Rodgers expects the imminent return of "reference point" Daniel Sturridge to help Liverpool push for a top-four place.

Saturday's home game against West Ham is the latest target for Sturridge, who returned to full training earlier in January after five months out with a thigh injury.

And Rodgers reckons the England striker could complete a side which has been rapidly returning to form under a new system following an indifferent autumn.

Liverpool go into the West Ham game unbeaten in six league games, and even their performance in Capital One Cup defeat to Chelsea earned widespread positive reviews.

Rodgers said: "It's had a huge impact on our season, Daniel being out. You can trace it back to the beginning of the season when we played one of our early games against Tottenham (Liverpool won 3-0 at White Hart Lane in August).

"You could see what a reference he was for the team. From that point he hasn't played, and the team struggled for a few months. The last number of months we've nailed down a way of working. Put Daniel into that and he shines a different light onto the team again.

"He's looked very, very good in training and we'll see how he is on Friday, but certainly at this moment he looks in top-class condition."

Raheem Sterling has been starting in a more central attacking role recently in Sturridge's absence and, according to Rodgers, there have been no hitches in ongoing contract talks with the 20-year-old.

"I think it's all in hand with the football club and his representatives," the manager said. "Raheem's very happy here - as I've said he's a young player at one of the greatest clubs in the world and playing very, very well.

"He sees his long-term future here - he's very happy with his progress and how he's developing, and he's a real sponge for learning. He knows he's in the right place to develop and be looked after, and I'm sure it'll be sorted very soon."

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Mamadou Sakho injury update

Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho had some good news for fans on Thursday afternoon, revealing there’s “nothing to worry about” with his latest injury.

Sakho was forced off after 57 minutes of Liverpool’s League Cup semi-final defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.

Initial reports suggested it was a reoccurance of both an old back and groin injury, whilst the French international didn’t train with the Reds at a snowy Melwood on Thursday morning.

However, Sakho took to his official website with a post titled “Nothing to worry about!” to clarify his situation:

It’s been several days I felt a tension in the back, the pain has increased and it became very strong in the last game.

I am currently receiving treatment, but there’s nothing to worry about. I will resume training tomorrow with the team!

Liverpool will be hoping to have Sakho fit for this Saturday’s Premier League clash against West Ham at home.

Brendan Rodgers‘ side will be looking to build on their improved form of late and avenge the 3-1 defeat they suffered in the reverse fixture at Upton Park in September.

A win for the Reds would lift them above the Hammers in the Premier League table and closer to the top four.

Download the This Is Anfield app for iPhone and Android for the latest team news, previews and predictions ahead of Liverpool v West Ham at 3pm this Saturday.

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Mario Balotelli “will stick it out with Liverpool”

Things have not gone as planned for Mario Balotelli at Liverpool but the Italy international is hopeful of turning things around at Anfield, according to his agent.

Balotelli has failed to score in the Barclays Premier League since joining Liverpool from AC Milan in a B£16million transfer deal last summer.

The 24-year-old striker has since been linked with a return to Italy in the January transfer market in a bid to reignite his career.

However, Balotelli's agent Mino Raiola has brushed off those rumours and insists the former Manchester City player will stay put.

"Balotelli is very disappointed with himself, " Raiola told La Gazzetta dello Sport . "He's going through a bad time like he's never had before.

"In Liverpool he hasn't had the space he needs: if you can't make things go the way you want, you stay out of the team.

"Then he was injured for eight weeks so he lost his rhythm.

"But the plan is for him to continue at Anfield.

"I saw him on Monday and told him: 'You have a four-year contract and I will not send you away.

"Or you leave Liverpool at 60-70 million (euros), and I win my bet, or you will die there'.

"It's the first time I have made a speech like that to a player.

"I've seen him quiet, changed, different from when he was at Milan. "

Raiola believes Balotelli has not been treated fairly by the media and claims that the former striker is "insecure".

b"Of all the players I knew I've never met one forced to face the injustices suffered by Mario," Raiola said. "People don't know him but the truth is that Mario is an insecure boy, and it's down to his insecurity that maybe he does stupid things."

Balotelli played for City between 2010 and 2013 before being sold to Milan, where he scored 26 goals in 43 appearances.

However, the pressure at Milan ultimately proved too much for Balotelli, according to Raiola.

"AC Milan needed a leader," Raiola said. "But he is not a leader, and it is also wrong to ask him to be one.

"There are very strong players who have no leadership skills, others less strong that do." PA

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Photos: Liverpool train in the snow at Melwood ahead of West Ham clash

Liverpool players endured a snowy training session at Melwood on Thursday morning ahead of this Saturday’s Premier League clash agaisnt West Ham at Anfield.

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Snow descended on Merseyside overnight and was still coming down as Brendan Rodgers lead the morning training session.

No more snow is forecast in the city for the rest of the week, according to BBC Weather, with warmer temperatures and sunshine expected by Saturday’s matchday.

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Mamado Sakho did not train following his groin injury during Tuesday’s League Cup defeat at Chelsea, however he tweeted to reassure fans the injury is nothing serious:

Daniel Sturridge stepped up the pace of his comeback. The England international is expected to play some part against the Hammers.

Liverpool v West Ham gets underway at 3pm on Saturday, 31st January. Download the This Is Anfield mobile app for more build-up and previews of another big game for the Reds.

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Who is Ruben Neves? The Portuguese ‘new Busquets’ Liverpool are scouting

Liverpool have been linked with a move for highly-rated Portuguese star Ruben Neves, and we give you the lowdown on the hugely promising 17-year-old.

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“Ruben Neves, for a 17-year-old, is fantastic with the ball at his feet, he knows how to position himself and he’s aggressive. He’s similar to Sergio Busquets.”

Those were the words of Neves’ Porto teammate Christian Tello, who is on loan at the Portuguese giants from Barcelona, and who has played alongside Spain’s World Cup-winning midfielder many times.

To be the dubbed the ‘new Busquets’ is a huge accolade in itself; whether or not you like the Barcelona star, he has a case to be considered the finest defensive midfielder of his generation.

Having risen through the ranks in Porto’s youth team, Neves was surprisingly drafted into the first-team for the start of this season, and has been superb in his 18 appearances since.

He produced a Man of the Match performance on his debut, which also saw him become the youngest ever player to start a league game for Porto, scoring his side’s opening goal of the campaign in the process.

Reves also became the youngest ever Portuguese player to start a Champions League match in August last year, as his side won 1-0 at Lille.

The 17-year-old has become an integral part of the Porto side, and is now widely seen as their most effective holding midfielder.

He has all the attributes that Busquets has in his locker, whether it be an expert positional sense, top class reading of the game or elegance in possession.

Reves arguably has more natural talent than the Spaniard, and when it comes to his range of passing, he has more in common with former Liverpool hero Xabi Alonso.

Porto’s B team coach Luis Castro spoke glowingly about the teenager’s mental strength, on top of his superb ability.

People talk about technical and tactical ability, but Ruben Neves is incredibly talented from the mental point of view. He plays with an extraordinary calmness; he knows what each game situation calls for.

Neves has starred for Portugal’s Under-16s, 17s and 18s, and has now been fast-tracked into the Under-21s. Assuming his meteoric rise continues, it surely won’t be long before the youngster is given a call-up to the senior team.

Liverpool sent scouts to watch Neves in action in Madeira last weekend, according to the Mirror , but the midfielder is also being closely monitored by Real Madrid, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain. He has a release clause of £29m, which outlines just how highly thought of he is at Porto.

It is always easy to go overboard about a young player, touting them as future world-beaters before they are even out of their teens, but Neves looks the real deal.

Whether Liverpool would be able to compete with some of Europe’s financial powerhouses remains to be seen, but if they did manage to acquire his signature in the summer it would be quite a coup.

Have you seen much of Ruben Neves? Let us know your thoughts on him in the comments section.

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Raheem Sterling contract delay explained

Raheem Sterling‘s stalling contract talks with Liverpool have been much-publicised of late, but it is a situation that should be sorted in the near future.

According to the always reliable Chris Bascombe of the Telegraph , the delayed contract talks between Liverpool and arguably their most prized asset is due to Sterling’s representatives.

Is it reported that the 20-year-old’s agent, Aidy Ward, is in the process of splitting from current employers Impact Sports Management.

The main issue is sorting whether the commission for Sterling’s new deal would be paid by them or the new agency Ward is starting up. Once that problem is solved, Liverpool will be given the green light.

There have been worries among some Reds fans in recent weeks that Sterling is considering a move elsewhere, with current European champions Real Madrid reportedly interested in bringing the England international to Santiago Bernabeu.

Despite this, the club are still very confident of keeping hold of their brilliant attacking youngster, and his new contract would likely see him earn somewhere in the region of £100,000 a week.

It is vital that Liverpool keep hold of their star players and don’t allow them to move on, as has frustratingly been the case in recent years.

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In from the cold: Crediting Lucas Leiva for forcing his way back into the Liverpool side

Lucas Leiva’s form over the past six weeks since becoming a regular in the side again has perhaps personified Liverpool as a team – improving with every game. Credit to him, writes Rebecca Parry.

Every transfer window, it seems standard practice that there will be the same names floating around as to whether they will be next out of the departure door. Over the past few transfer windows, it has to be said that Lucas Leiva was one of them.

After a couple of major injury setbacks a way back into the frame looked a tough ask, with that part of the midfield looking congested on paper already. Players were yet to find which positions they were comfortable in, and Brendan Rodgers was doing a fair bit of shuffling around and experimenting with the first eleven.

Working his way back into the side

Some of the underlying issues may have been trying to find the best position for Steven Gerrard. Was it beneficial to put him in a central but holding role, pushing Jordan Henderson to the right? Was it time to start managing his games? Whether or not this was the best thing to “prolong his career”, it was later pushed to the back of the mind after the announcement was made that the captain was to leave in the summer.

We wanted to see the best of Steven Gerrard; we wanted to see him where he was always so effective in his prime. And when it was confirmed that it was going to be his final few months, we could afford to put all eggs in one basket.

This made room for the once congested central midfield to free up a little. Henderson can play where he thrives, in using his energy to push the team forward as a whole, and chasing down runners that may get past our first wall of defence.

An important piece of the puzzle

Lucas, however, does the scrappy work. He’s worked his way back in the team by picking up the pieces when things might not always be on our side. One of the first philosophies Rodgers picked up on when he came to Liverpool was the importance of possession.

As we’ve developed as a side throughout his reign, our play has become a lot more fast-paced and counter attacking, and so this may not exactly his overall game plan now. Although, since our defence has lacked in confidence, winning back possession in the middle of the park has become all the more important.

Lucas may not find the glory balls like Gerrard, but finding those short passes, and blocking what could be a crucial opening for an opposition striker is what holds a team together. Players like Coutinho, Sterling or Markovic may be the ones who are the catalyst to an attack, but the dominating the a compact midfield and having the eye to find players in space is just as significant.

There have been a number of times where Lucas has had to prove his worth, but coming back after losing your place in the side is somewhat more of a challenge than the first spell – proving yourself to those who already know you.

You can’t take it away from the Brazilian that he is definitely a fighter. When you saw his name in the transfer rumours first of all, you could have thought that we could have replaced him with another similar type of player. However, in the past few weeks, we’ve seen how important he is to our side, putting himself right back in the picture, and winning back the plaudits he rightly deserves.

What was somewhat inevitable with Lucas when he’s had spells in and out the team, was the inevitability that he would always be the first to be in the referee’s book. That’s also been improved recently, despite tackles which had to be made like the fatal free-kick against Chelsea, with him pulling out of silly challenges, and playing more of a cultured game.

Lucas has fought his way back into the thoughts of everyone, with the idea of selling him now sounding foolish in the current circumstances. We still need to progress if we are to make the most of this season, but with individuals like the Brazilian making a stand, and with Daniel Sturridge‘s return imminent, we’re beginning to look like last season’s Liverpool again.

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Tyrone Mings: Scouting Liverpool’s Reported Summer Defensive Target

Ipswich Town’s Tyrone Mings has been linked with a move to Liverpool in the summer, and Jack Lusby provides a report on the defender.

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Liverpool are interested in signing Ipswich Town defender Tyrone Mings, reports claim, and the 21-year-old could be another high-potential acquisition for manager Brendan Rodgers to mould.

Matt Law of The Telegraph claims that “Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United have all been on the trail of Mings for some time, with Newcastle [United] the latest Premier League club to show a strong interest.”

Law continues that “the £10million-rated Mings is unlikely to be at the Suffolk club next season” and, with January set to be a quiet month for the Reds, a summer move for Mings is more likely.

At a reported £10 million, is Mings the right signing for Rodgers in the summer?

2014/15 Form Guide

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Mings is part of a highly ambitious Ipswich side which has mounted a surprising challenge for the Championship title this season under manager Mick McCarthy.

The Tractor Boys have so far won 14 of their 27 league games this season, and sit comfortably in a play-off position and just one point from league leaders AFC Bournemouth.

Typically lining up in a 4-3-3 formation, McCarthy’s side thrive on a direct, attacking style of play, and owe much of their success to the goalscoring talents of 31-year-old right-forward Daryl Murphy, who has netted 18 times in 26 games.

However, a heavy feature of Ipswich’s game this season has been the probing forward play of Mings and fellow full-back Jonathan Parr, who provide the side with added width on the attack.

Ipswich have the five highest number of goals scored in the Championship this season.

Furthermore, their defensive record, having conceded just 27 goals, is the third best in their division.

This success is harboured in McCarthy’s ambition, as highlighted in a recent interview with BBC Sport:

“I would love to take Ipswich to the Premier League. Personally, I’d love to do it because I don’t think I’d ever get another job in the Premier League. If they’re not going to give me one, I’m going to have to boot the door down and gatecrash.”

Unlikely challengers under an unlikely manager—Ipswich seems the perfect place for Mings to establish his talents this season.

Strengths and Weaknesses

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Naturally, as a defender, Mings can take a large portion of the credit for Ipswich’s superior defensive record this season—in his 22 appearances so far this season, Ipswich have conceded 23 goals, at a clear average of just under a goal per game.

Obviously the calibre of opposition is much higher in the Premier League, but Liverpool have conceded 27 goals from 22 games so far this season.

Mings typically operates as a left-back, and is an accomplished defensive outlet.

Compared statistically to Liverpool’s current left-back options this season, Mings is an effective defender:

(Note: All statistics based on average per game, via WhoScored.)

As evident, Mings is a more prolific physical defender than Jose Enrique and Glen Johnson this season, completing 2.4 tackles on average per game to their 0.8 and 1.6 respectively.

However, Mings has conceded more fouls per game than both of them, suggested a lack of discipline.

Furthermore, with 2.5 interceptions on average per game, Mings is statistically the most perceptive of defenders, as is also evident with his superior average of offsides won per game—the left-back is comfortable playing in a well-engineered high line.

In terms of attacking play, too, Mings is comparable to his Merseyside counterparts:

(Note: Dribbles, crosses and key passes averaged per game, via WhoScored)

Obviously there are significant variable to consider, with different levels of opposition and different styles of play, but Mings is an effective left-back in terms of both defence and attack.

Most interestingly, the 21-year-old makes more dribbles per game on average than the hugely attacking Liverpool first-choice Alberto Moreno.

Hampered by the dominance of now-West Ham left-back Aaron Cresswell last season, Mings also performed well in a centre-back role, and this versatility would surely endear to Rodgers.

With these qualities considered, where would Mings fit in if he moved to Liverpool?

Where Would Mings Fit in at Liverpool?

Mings’ balanced prowess in defence and attack, as well as his versatility, lend the 21-year-old to various potential roles at Liverpool.

Firstly, with the likely departures of both Enrique and Johnson this summer, a void will open in Rodgers’ squad in terms of competition for Moreno at left-back – while Johnson is a natural right-back, he has arguably played better on the left this season.

Mings is clearly an accomplished left-back, and his perceptive qualities in a high line, as well as his ability to probe forward in the attacking phase, could make him the perfect deputy to Moreno in a back four.

However, if Rodgers’ impressive back three formation prevails next season, Mings’ ability to play as a centre-back would also lend him to a back-up role for the imperious Mamadou Sakho.

At just 21, and physically versatile in a way similar to Emre Can, Mings would fit in well within Rodgers’ squad and play a variety of roles.

While £10 million seems a steep price for even the most outstanding of Championship talents, Liverpool could do a lot worse than adding Tyrone Mings to their squad to provide depth, quality and competition next season.

Should Liverpool sign Tyrone Mings in the summer? Let us know in the comments below.

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Capital One Cup: FA charges Chelsea striker Diego Costa over 'stamp' on Liverpool's Emre Can

Chelsea striker Diego Costa has been charged with violent conduct over his clash with Liverpool's Emre Can on Tuesday night.

A statement from the Football Association confirmed Costa's alleged stamp was missed by all four officials on duty for the second leg of the Capital One Cup semi-final at Stamford Bridge.

Referee Michael Oliver has since watched replays and told the FA the offence warranted a red card, and Costa now faces a three-match ban if the charge is proven.

That would sideline Chelsea's top scorer for the huge Saturday Night Football game against champions Manchester City, and subsequent matches against Aston Villa and Everton.

Costa has until 6pm on Thursday either to accept or contest the charge, and a final outcome will be reached before the weekend.

He will not be punished over a separate incident involving Martin Skrtel which was also reviewed by the match officials.

Speaking in the Sky Sports studio at Stamford Bridge, Thierry Henry and Jamie Redknapp both condemned Costa's stamp on Can as deliberate, and that view was shared by Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers.

But Jose Mourinho defended his player and said Chelsea should have been awarded a penalty for a Skrtel foul on Costa.

Watch Chelsea v Manchester City live on Saturday Night Football this weekend. Coverage begins at 4.45pm on Sky Sports 1.

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Chelsea striker Diego Costa charged over 'stamp' on Liverpool's Emre Can

Diego Costa has been charged with violent conduct over his clash with Liverpool's Emre Can on Tuesday night.

A statement from the Football Association confirmed Costa's alleged stamp was missed by all four officials on duty for the second leg of the Capital One Cup semi-final.

Referee Michael Oliver has since told the FA he would have sent off Costa if he had seen the incident, and he now faces a three-match ban if the charge is proven.

That would sideline Chelsea's top scorer for the huge Saturday Night Football game against champions Manchester City, and subsequent matches against Aston Villa and Everton.

Costa has until 6pm on Thursday either to accept or contest the charge, and a final outcome will be reached before the weekend.

He will not be punished over a separate incident involving Martin Skrtel which was also reviewed by the match officials.

Speaking in the Sky Sports studio at Stamford Bridge, Thierry Henry and Jamie Redknapp both condemned Costa's stamp on Can as deliberate, and that view was shared by Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers.

But Jose Mourinho defended his player and said Chelsea should have been awarded a penalty for a Skrtel foul on Costa.

Watch Chelsea v Manchester City live on Saturday Night Football this weekend. Coverage begins at 4.45pm on Sky Sports 1.

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