Latest news with #Alisson
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Liverpool player ratings as one gets 10/10 and four more sensational in title win
It isn't just the best team who wins the Premier League. With nine substitutes on the bench per game and a relentless schedule, it has long been the most impressive squad that ultimately ensures a team gets over the line in first place. Injuries, drops in form and suspensions all play a part, and Liverpool have been no different (despite what some myopic observers still contend). A total of 24 different players featured for Arne Slot's side on their way to finally sealing the title. And here the ECHO rates each of them out of 10 for their overall contribution to the Premier League campaign. READ MORE: Craig Bellamy visibly moved as he makes 'heartbreaking' claim about Liverpool parade car incident READ MORE: Alisson Becker ready for 'new challenge' as key Liverpool quality named Alisson Becker 9 The best goalkeeper in the world for a reason. While absent for three different spells through injury and illness, the Brazilian brought an air of assurance behind Liverpool's defence and made key saves when required. Nobody is better when one-v-one with an opponent. Caoimhin Kelleher 8 The most able of deputies between the sticks, who would walk into almost every other Premier League team. Filled in for the injured Alisson during a difficult period of fixtures in late autumn and helped Liverpool maintain their early-season momentum with solid performances. Vitezslav Jaros n/a The third-choice goalkeeper was introduced in the 79th minute as substitute for the hamstrung Alisson at Crystal Palace in October, and a clean sheet on his surprise debut was one of the most celebrated displays for the Liverpool coaching staff this season. Virgil van Dijk 9 Ever-present on the road to the title, the skipper belied his years and speculation over his future by setting the example for his team-mates. Such was his dominant consistency that indifferent performances were rare enough to become a major talking point, while he popped up with key goals at Arsenal and home to West Ham United. Andy Robertson 7 The Scot readily admits he wasn't always at his best during the season, with a number of errors leading to Liverpool conceding goals, while there was also a red card against Fulham. But his form was impressive for certain spells, particularly when adding energy down the left flank. Trent Alexander-Arnold 8 Another whose game could easily have been overshadowed by the chatter whether or not he would sign a new contract. A regular at right-back when available, he provided key assists at Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Brentford while popping up with big goals at Aston Villa and Leicester City. He will be a big loss. Ibrahima Konate 7 Began the season on the bench but soon regained his place until a knee injury in late November ruled him out for five weeks. The France international wasn't always at his consistent best on his return, but retained the faith of Slot as van Dijk's main centre-back partner, and managed a goal early on in the season at Wolves. Kostas Tsimikas 6 Forced his way above Robertson at left-back in April but before then had made just five starts in 31 Premier League games. It was therefore difficult for the Greece international to build rhythm, but his set-pieces were regularly a threat, most notably when assisting Diogo Jota's equaliser from a corner at Nottingham Forest with his first touch having been introduced from the bench. Conor Bradley 7 The youngster would have featured far more regularly but for two separate hamstring injury absences. But when involved, the Northern Ireland international largely impressed save a difficult first Goodison derby experience. He will be one for the future. Jarell Quansah 6 The centre-back was the 'victim' of Slot's first show of managerial intent when hooked at half-time of the opening day win at Ipswich Town, and subsequently rarely started in the Premier League. However, his defensive abilities from the bench became increasingly important, most notably in the second half of the nervy home win over Wolves in February. Joe Gomez 7 Having flirted with leaving in the summer, the defender forced his way into the starting line-up in December with a series of impressive showings having helped turn the home game against Brighton from the bench in early November. But a hamstring injury at West Ham just before New Year ended his Premier League involvement. Alexis Mac Allister 9 The Argentina international had already cemented his place among Liverpool's all-time Premier League greats the previous season, but then moved up to another level. The scorer of some big goals – against Tottenham, Everton and Newcastle – his all-round game made the Reds' engine room tick and is deservedly a fan favourite. Ryan Gravenberch 9 The real revelation of the season since being transformed into a number six by Arne Slot. The Dutchman didn't take long to learn his new positional and defensive duties which, married to his regular silky game and surprising physicality, made him extremely easy on the eye and, more importantly, effective with it. Dominik Szoboszlai 7 A term of fluctuating fortunes for the Hungarian in the newly-established number 10 slot, although he remained very much a regular. Scored and assisted in key wins at Tottenham and Manchester City and was in good form in the first few months of the calendar year but, as with last season, looked leggy during the closing weeks before a late revival. Curtis Jones 7 The first player to whom Slot turned when it was time for rare rotation in midfield, the versatility of Jones proved a major asset with the homegrown talent also starting on the left of the attack and at right-back. His performance against Chelsea in October when marking Cole Palmer out of the game before scoring the winner was a high point. Wataru Endo 7 Minutes may have been sparse for the Japan international compared to the previous campaign, but he made the most of them by establishing himself as Liverpool's 'closer' of games. The new James Milner in that respect. Harvey Elliott 6 A frustrating campaign which promised much in pre-season before an injury on international duty in September left the youngster playing catch-up. His best run of Premier League appearances was six in a row at the end of the season. Mohamed Salah 10 This, more than anyone, was Salah's Premier League title. At the start of April, there had only been four games in which the Egyptian had not either scored nor assisted. There were big goals, too, including an equaliser at Arsenal, two at Newcastle, a goal and an assist in both games against Manchester City and his usual strikes against Manchester United. He slowed down a little in the final weeks, but by then he had done enough. Oh, and there was a new contract, too. Luis Diaz 8 The Colombian winger was being touted to leave last summer, but started the campaign as first-choice on the left wing and responded with a goal against Brentford and braces at Old Trafford and home to Bournemouth. He was then switched to the number nine role which, despite two goals at Tottenham, was a case of diminishing returns before rediscovering his verve back on the left with key goals and assists in the decisive months of the title race. Cody Gakpo 8 Gakpo wasn't a regular starter until Diaz was moved to the central striking role, with the Dutchman responding with a superb run of form that saw eight goals and three assists during Liverpool's busiest run of Premier League fixtures. However, after being sidelined by an injury suffered at the Goodison derby, he wasn't anywhere near as effective until the closing weeks. Darwin Nunez 6 The Uruguay international worked hard to fit into Slot's ethos but it came at the detriment to his own natural game, scoring only twice in the Premier League before Christmas. His best moment came with his injury-time double as substitute to win the victory at Brentford in January. But while Nunez regularly saw action in the second half of the campaign, it was usually as substitute. Diogo Jota 7 The Portuguese scored the first goal of the Slot era at Ipswich and was the first-choice number nine until picking up an injury against Chelsea in October from which he was sidelined for two months and didn't properly gain full match sharpness for several more. There were, though, key goals to earn points against Fulham and Forest and a derby winner against Everton. Federico Chiesa n/a The summer signing was limited to precious few minutes from the bench, but was on the pitch for the late drama at Brentford. Jayden Danns n/a Ten or so minutes as substitute at the end of the 4-1 win over Ipswich Town in January, but it was enough for the 19-year-old so say he had played a small part.
New York Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New York Times
Liverpool want more than £20m for Caoimhin Kelleher with Brentford among interested clubs
Liverpool value goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher at above £20million ($26.9m) this summer with Brentford among several Premier League clubs interested in his availability. Kelleher, 26, is entering the final year of his contract at Anfield and has made 67 appearances for Liverpool, including nine clean sheets in 20 games in 2024-25. Advertisement Brentford's interest in Kelleher is fuelled by the possibility of Mark Flekken moving on this summer; the Dutch goalkeeper has been Brentford's No 1 since David Raya's 2023 move to Arsenal and has missed just two Premier League games across two seasons. Kelleher has primarily been utilised as a back-up goalkeeper to first-choice goalkeeper Alisson but has played a significant role in his side's cup matches, starting in both Liverpool's Carabao Cup victories at Wembley in 2022 and 2024. The Republic of Ireland international has played when Alisson has been injured this campaign; firstly when the Brazil international suffered a hamstring injury in October and also for the concussion sustained while on international duty in March. Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili will join Liverpool's squad this summer after his £29m move was confirmed last year. Kelleher has made it clear he wants to pursue a new challenge. Speaking after Sunday's trophy lift, he told Optus Sport: 'I think I've said it before as well that like, I feel like I'm a number one and I feel like I'm good enough to play week in, week out. That's what I'm looking to do. 'Obviously, this season I was lucky enough to play a lot of games … but yeah, it's definitely something I'm looking at.' On Wednesday, Kelleher — alongside Robbie Brady of Preston North End and Brentford centre-back Nathan Collins — was shortlisted for the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) senior men's international player of the year. James Pearce It's been clear for some time that Caoimhin Kelleher's Liverpool career would be coming to an end this summer. At the age of 26, he's desperate to step out of Alisson's shadow and become a No 1 in his own right. He had hoped to move on a year ago but with no suitable offers forthcoming, he stayed put and knuckled down. Advertisement Liverpool don't want to lose the best back-up goalkeeper in the Premier League. Kelleher made a significant contribution to their title triumph this season as he played in 10 league matches due to Alisson's injury issues. However, with just one year left on his contract, a move makes sense for all parties. The Premier League champions should get a decent fee for him and Kelleher should get the regular football he craves. Liverpool have long since been preparing for this eventuality. Mamardashvili will arrive from Valencia to compete with Alisson after that deal was struck last summer. Additional reporting: Jay Harris (Top image: Alex Dodd – CameraSport via Getty Images)
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Brentford 'eye move for £20m-rated Liverpool star as Bayer leverkusen close in on Mark Flekken'
Brentford are among the clubs interested in signing one of Liverpool 's players this summer, according to reports. It looks set to be a busy summer at Anfield after the club sealed their 20th Premier League title in convincing fashion. The champions are set to complete the £29.5m signing of Jeremie Frimpong while they are closing in on fellow Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz and Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez. Trent Alexander-Arnold is leaving and expected to join Real Madrid while another star looks headed for the exit door. Goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher is entering the final year of his contract and is set to depart in search of regular first team football, according to The Independent. Brentford are looking for a potential successor to keeper Mark Flekken, who is the subject of interest from Leverkusen. However, the Bees could face some competition if they are to make a move for Kelleher. Nottingham Forest have previously made a bid for the Republic of Ireland international while a number of top flight clubs are in the market for a new stopper this summer. Kelleher has made 46 appearances for the Reds over the past two campaigns with No 1 Alisson having had injury issues. He has also started in back-to-back Carabao Cup finals. However, Alisson is going nowhere and the club confirmed the signing of Giorgi Mamardashvili for a fee of £25m last summer.
Daily Tribune
3 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Carlo Ancelotti Unveiled as Brazil Head Coach: 'We're Going to Make Brazil Champions Again'
TDT | Manama Carlo Ancelotti has officially taken charge of the Brazil national team, pledging to restore the Seleção to their former glory and lead them to a record-extending sixth World Cup title. The 65-year-old Italian, who steps into one of the most high-pressure jobs in world football, was introduced at a press conference at the Grand Hyatt in Rio de Janeiro on Monday. Ancelotti, a four-time Champions League-winning manager, said he was 'honoured and proud' to lead what he described as 'the best team in the world.' 'The challenge is great,' he said. 'I've always had a special connection with this team. We're going to work to make Brazil champions again.' Big Job, Bigger Expectations Ancelotti takes over from Dorival Junior, who was dismissed in March following a 4–1 defeat to arch-rivals Argentina — a loss that capped off a worrying run of form. Since being knocked out of the 2022 World Cup by Croatia on penalties, Brazil have struggled for consistency, losing five of their last 14 matches and conceding 16 goals. Despite sitting fourth in the South American qualifiers — a position still within the six automatic World Cup spots — the pressure is mounting. With Copa America on the horizon and the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico fast approaching, Ancelotti knows he has little time to waste. 'These two matches [against Ecuador and Paraguay] are very important,' he said. 'I've tried to bring in players who are ready and prepared to help the team win.' Ancelotti's First Squad The newly appointed boss has wasted no time in stamping his mark on the team. His first squad, announced this week, includes a blend of experience and fresh talent: Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Athletico Paranaense), Hugo Souza (Chaves) Defenders: Alex Sandro (Juventus), Alexsandro (Santos), Lucas Beraldo (PSG), Carlos Augusto (Inter Milan), Danilo (Juventus), Leo Ortiz (Red Bull Bragantino), Vanderson (Monaco), Wesley (Cruzeiro), Marquinhos (PSG) Midfielders: Andreas Pereira (Fulham), Andrey Santos (Strasbourg), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Ederson (Atalanta), Gerson (Flamengo) Forwards: Antony (Manchester United), Estevão (Palmeiras), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Matheus Cunha (Wolves), Raphinha (Barcelona), Richarlison (Tottenham), Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid) There is room for veterans like Alisson and Casemiro, but also exciting young talents such as Estevão and Andrey Santos — a sign that Ancelotti is planning for both the short and long term. Backed by Legends The Italian tactician was welcomed by Luiz Felipe Scolari, the man who led Brazil to their fifth World Cup title in 2002. Scolari's presence was symbolic — a passing of the torch, perhaps — and a reminder of the expectation that comes with managing the Seleção. Ancelotti has previously worked with Brazilian stars at club level, including Kaka, Ronaldo, and most recently Vinicius Jr. at Real Madrid. That connection may help him earn trust within a passionate and often demanding footballing nation. Winning the Crowd The new coach was candid about the pressure that comes with the role, acknowledging Brazil's deep desire for international success. 'People want me to do a good job and win the World Cup again,' he said. 'Because of what I've done in the past, they expect me to win the trophy. But I hope they will support the team — that's very important.' Brazil's next step begins in June with a pair of critical World Cup qualifiers. For Ancelotti, it's more than just a new chapter — it's a mission. And if history is any guide, the man who has conquered Europe's top leagues may just be the one to return Brazil to the summit of world football.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Future uncertain for Kelleher with Mamardashvili move nearing completion
Caoimhin Kelleher has suggested he could be set for a departure from Liverpool this summer, as the club prepares to welcome Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili in a £30 million deal from Valencia. Kelleher has served as understudy to Alisson Becker since breaking into the senior squad, but the 26-year-old is increasingly eager for regular football. Speaking after Liverpool's 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace, where he was an unused substitute, the Republic of Ireland international gave a clear indication of his ambitions. 'I think I've said it before that I feel like I'm a No. 1, I think I'm good enough to play week-in week-out, and that's what I'm looking to do,' he said. Kelleher continued, 'This season I was lucky enough to play a lot of games but definitely something I'm looking at.' In Alisson's absence through injury, Kelleher made 20 appearances across all competitions this season for Arne Slot's side. He registered nine clean sheets, including four in 10 Premier League appearances and three in four Champions League outings. Despite his performances, the impending arrival of Mamardashvili is expected to further limit opportunities for Kelleher next season. The Georgian international was signed last summer but remained on loan at Valencia until the end of the 2024–25 campaign. With Alisson under contract for two more years and Mamardashvili entering the fold, Kelleher may be available either on loan or on a permanent deal this summer. He is likely to attract significant interest, particularly from clubs seeking first-choice goalkeepers. Aston Villa and Manchester United have both been linked with goalkeeping reshuffles, and Kelleher represents a reliable option with top-flight and European experience. Having joined Liverpool's youth ranks and signed professionally in 2018, he is well-regarded for his composure and shot-stopping abilities. Kelleher remained upbeat following Liverpool's title win, embracing the celebrations with supporters at Anfield despite his uncertain status. 'It's obviously very special,' he said. 'You know from being in the stadium how special the fans are. It's special memories for us all and we'll just soak up the atmosphere now and enjoy today.' Looking ahead to the trophy parade, Kelleher predicted a lively occasion: 'I think it's going to be crazy,' he said. 'I remember the last one, when we won the Champions League, was crazy. 'But it's the first time in the Premier League with fans, I think it could be mental!'
