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Yahoo
a day 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.
Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Times
Caoimhin Kelleher: Liverpool want more than £20m for Brentford target
Liverpool will seek in excess of £20million for Caoimhin Kelleher with Brentford among a number of suitors for the Ireland goalkeeper. The potential loss of Mark Flekken to Bayer Leverkusen has resulted in Brentford registering an interest in Kelleher, who wants to leave Anfield and establish himself as a No1 elsewhere. The contact is not yet at an advanced stage. Kelleher, 26, has one year left on his deal otherwise Liverpool would seek more for a player who made 20 appearances this season and 26 in 2023-24 to underline his reliability. The valuation comes with Aaron Ramsdale having joined Southampton from Arsenal for £25million last summer, and with Burnley unlikely to countenance the departure of James Trafford for less than £30million. Brentford are not the only club monitoring Kelleher's situation but most of the interested parties must resolve goalkeeping issues themselves. They include Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Leeds United, West Ham United and potentially even Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur. Kelleher's determination to step out of Alisson Becker's shadow at Anfield comes with Liverpool welcoming Giorgi Mamardashvili this summer, 12 months after agreeing a £29million deal for the Georgia international with Valencia. Mamardashvili will challenge Alisson, who is expected to remain the No1. 'I think I've said it before that I feel like I'm a No1, I think I'm good enough to play week in week out, and that's what I'm looking to do,' Kelleher said. 'This season I was lucky enough to play a lot of games but definitely something I'm looking at.' Liverpool's ability to sell for high prices has been a feature of their trading in recent years and will be again important as the club pursues interest in a number of players. A £30million deal for Jeremie Frimpong is essentially just waiting to be announced, while negotiations are continuing for his Bayer Leverkusen team-mate Florian Wirtz, who would cost a club-record fee. There is interest too in the Bournemouth left back Milos Kerkez, who has been valued at £45million by his club.
Irish Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Caoimhín Kelleher and Nathan Collins outliers as Ireland's Premier League roll call continues to decrease
Caoimhín Kelleher is expected to leave Anfield in the coming weeks. Not by choice, but necessity. 'They are looking at me as the Liverpool goalkeeper for the next 10 years,' said Giorgi Mamardashvili, the 24-year-old Georgian international, who arrives from Valencia to potentially unseat Alisson Becker. Kelleher has seen the writing on the wall for over a year. 'I'm good enough to be a number one,' said the 26-year-old Corkman during this week's Premier League title celebrations. 'Good enough to play week in, week out – and that's what I'm looking to do.' READ MORE After making 20 starts this season, which included clean sheets against Aston Villa , Manchester City and Real Madrid, the Liverpool hierarchy are expected to accept bids in the region of £30-40 million (€36-48m). Liverpool declined Nottingham Forest's bid of £15 million for the goalkeeper in January 2024. Kelleher, who has 22 caps for the Republic of Ireland, is contracted until 2027, when he could leave the club for free. Aston Villa are prospective buyers as they seek to replace Argentina international Emi Martínez . Newly promoted Leeds United could also be interested but the opportunity of Champions League football might turn him towards Newcastle United or Chelsea. Evan Ferguson struggled during his loan move to West Ham and will hope to rediscover some form back at parent club Brighton and Hove Albion. Photograph: Zac Goodwin/PA Wire An alternative move for Kelleher, and Ireland forward Evan Ferguson for that matter, could be a big European club like Bayern Munich. Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer turns 40 next March, so a new No 1 might be on manager Vincent Kompany's shopping list. Alternatively, the Irish pair might follow Scottish duo Billy Gilmour and Scott McTominay to Italy. McTominay has excelled in Serie A since Manchester United sold him to Napoli last summer, scoring his 13th goal of the season against Caligari last weekend to clinch the Scudetto. Kelleher has more options than Ferguson after the 20-year-old's career stalled at Brighton and Hove Albion before an unsuccessful loan spell with West Ham United. Ferguson did accumulate 21 appearances in the Premier League this season but he only started three matches and scored just one goal. Amid the low point of an enormously promising career, Ferguson delivered for Ireland with important goals against Finland and Bulgaria. Following an injury-interrupted two years, a solid pre-season at Brighton might be the best he can hope for as he attempts to get back on track. Nathan Collins is an outlier among the Irish in English football. The Ireland skipper was the Premier League's iron man in 2024/25, playing every second of Brentford's 38 matches, although Matt Doherty's Indian summer at Wolverhampton Wanderers is equally impressive. Doherty benefited from Vítor Pereira replacing Gary O'Neil as Wolves manager last December. The Portuguese coach turned the benched wing-back into a starting right-centre-half as the club finished comfortably clear of relegation. Ipswich Town's Irish defender Dara O'Shea (left) could return to the Premier League if a bid is tabled in the next couple of months. Photograph: Glyn Kirk/AFP via Getty Images Doherty made 30 appearances and, at 33, the Swords native reclaimed the right-back slot in Heimir Hallgrímsson's Ireland side over Everton's Jake O'Brien and Séamus Coleman. O'Brien had a similar experience at Goodison Park to Doherty at Wolves. Under Sean Dyche, the big Cork defender was not given the opportunity to live up to the £17 million (€20.1m) Everton paid Lyon for him last summer. On David Moyes's arrival in January, however, the player was repositioned at right-back as The Toffees finished 13th. Moyes, who signed Coleman from Sligo Rovers for £60,000 in 2009, offered his club captain a contract extension but this appears to be in a player-coach capacity. In between Dyche and Moyes, the 36-year-old co-managed Everton along with Leighton Baines to a 2-0 win over Peterborough in the FA Cup. 'Without doubt Séamus will be part of the group,' said Moyes. 'I need him here. His leadership, his sort of message he has among the players and in the dressing room is so strong it would be wrong of me to let him go.' That's the good news. With Burnley and Sunderland following Leeds into the Premier League, while the barely competitive Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Southampton were relegated, there could be a record low of just seven Irish players left in the English top flight come the 2025/26 campaign. Chiedozie Ogbene is returning from surgery on his Achilles tendon but Ipswich teammates Sammie Szmodics, Dara O'Shea and Jack Taylor might follow his lead by attracting interest from the newly promoted clubs. In 2023, Ogbene broke into the Premier League by signing for Luton Town. When the Hatters were relegated, Ipswich came in for the winger. O'Shea had a similar experience, moving from relegated Burnley to Ipswich in 2024, so a return to Turf Moor to be reunited with Josh Cullen is not out of the question. Szmodics impressed on his first foray into the Premier League, scoring four goals off the left before an ankle injury in January spoiled his and Ipswich's hopes of survival. Plenty of clubs with midtable aspirations would value the 29-year-old's attacking ability. Ireland's Finn Azaz was one of Middlesbrough's best players this season. Photograph:Similar can be said of Finn Azaz. He has cemented his position in the Ireland team and contributed 12 goals and 11 assists for Middlesbrough in the season just ended. FA Cup winners Crystal Palace are rumoured to be interested in him. Both Southampton and Ireland missed Will Smallbone's presence in midfield this season while Gavin Bazunu's recovery from an Achilles tear prompted a loan move to Standard Liége in Belgium that was cut short by a knee issue. Bazunu might seek another move if Aaron Ramsdale remains The Saints' first choice goalkeeper in the Championship. If international football was only played with goalkeepers and defenders, Ireland would be a feared football nation. Josh Keeley had a standout season on loan to Leyton Orient from Tottenham Hotspur. Named by Hallgrímsson in the squad to play Senegal and Luxembourg ahead of Mark Travers, who is out of favour at Bournemouth, Keeley was named Orient's young player of the year, in recognition of his 16 clean sheets, and he won goal of the season for a 99th minute header that brought the cup tie against Oldham Athletic to extra-time. Even Pep Guardiola was impressed by the Meath goalkeeper after Manchester City knocked Orient out of the cup in February. 'We were lucky at the end because they had chances, but we created a lot - their keeper was really, really good.' Richie Wellens, the Orient manager, concurred. 'Josh has got good character for a young kid and he'll only go on and develop potentially into a top-level Premier League goalkeeper if he keeps his feet on the ground.'
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Caoimhin Kelleher hints at Liverpool exit ahead of Giorgi Mamardashvili arrival
Caoimhin Kelleher has hinted he could leave Liverpool this summer in a bid for more regular playing time. The Irishman reiterated his ambition to be a first-choice goalkeeper as the Reds prepare to welcome Valencia shot-stopper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who signed for the club for £30m last summer but remained in Spain until the end of this season. Speaking after Liverpool's 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace - in which he was an unused substitute - on Sunday, Kelleher said: '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 continued: 'This season I was lucky enough to play a lot of games but definitely something I'm looking at.' Having deputised for Alisson Becker throughout the entirety of his first-team career, Kelleher made 20 appearances for Arne Slot's side in all competitions this season due to the Brazilian's injury issues, keeping nine clean sheets. Four of those came in his 10 Premier League matches, while three were kept in his four Champions League outings. He will have hoped to be in the club's long-term plans between the sticks, especially with Alisson out of contract in two years' time. But the imminent arrival of Georgian 'keeper Mamardashvili - which Kelleher expressed frustration over last summer - has evidently muddied that picture. It means the 26-year-old is likely to be on the market for either a loan or permanent move in the upcoming transfer window, presenting a solid option for other clubs potentially in search of a new goalkeeper. Aston Villa and Manchester United could be in the market if Emiliano Martinez and Andre Onana are on the move. Kelleher, who came up through Liverpool's youth ranks before signing his first professional contract with the club in 2018, remained excited about the team's title celebrations despite the uncertainty over his own future. 'It's obviously very special,' he said on Sunday of playing and celebrating the 2024-25 Premier League title win in front of supporters. '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.' Kelleher added that he expects Liverpool's trophy parade on Monday to be a rowdy one. '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!'
International Business Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- International Business Times
Liverpool vs Crystal Palace Live Streaming: How to Watch the Premier League Match in the US, UK and India
Liverpool will host Crystal Palace at Anfield on Sunday as they prepare to celebrate their Premier League win in style. The Reds have dominated Crystal Palace in recent years, having been unbeaten in 16 of their last 17 meetings with them. They will be eager to end the 2024/25 campaign on a high note when the two teams clash on the final day of the season. However, Liverpool's recent form has declined, possibly due to a lack of urgency after securing the title. Major losses to Chelsea and Brighton have highlighted their recent struggles, and they will be desperate to deliver a memorable performance in front of their home fans. Liverpool Aim to Celebrate Title in Style Meanwhile, Crystal Palace arrive in brilliant form, having won four of their last five matches across all competitions. The Eagles also claimed a historic FA Cup victory over Manchester City, which will boost their confidence heading into this matchup. The South London side will hope to crash Liverpool's celebration with a spirited display, although a win or loss won't overshadow their recent success. Whether they can spring a surprise at Anfield remains to be seen. Liverpool are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation against Crystal Palace, with Alisson Becker guarding the net. Conor Bradley and Andrew Robertson will be the full-backs. In central defence, Ibrahima Konate will partner with captain Virgil van Dijk. In midfield, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch will provide stability and control. Harvey Elliott is likely to take on the role of attacking midfielder, aiming to create chances for his teammates. On the flanks, Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz will offer flair and goal threat, while Diogo Jota is expected to spearhead the attack as the central striker. Crystal Palace are expected to line up in a 3-4-1-2 formation, with Dean Henderson between the posts. The back three will consist of Chris Richards, Maxence Lacroix, and Marc Guehi. On the flanks, Daniel Munoz and Tyrick Mitchell are set to operate as wing-backs, providing support in both attack and defence. In midfield, Will Hughes and Daichi Kamada will offer a balance of creativity and defensive discipline. Eberechi Eze and Ismaila Sarr will take on advanced roles, tasked with driving the attack and linking up with forward Jean-Philippe Mateta in the final third. When and Where The English Premier League match between Liverpool and Crystal Palace will be played at Anfield, Liverpool, England, on Sunday, May 25, at 4 PM BST/11 AM ET and 8:30 PM IST. How to Watch Fans in the United States can watch the Liverpool vs Crystal Palace Premier League match live on NBC, Peacock, and USA Network. Fans in the United Kingdom can watch the Liverpool vs Crystal Palace Premier League match live on Sky Sports, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Ultra HD How to Live Stream Fans in the United States, can watch the live streaming of the Liverpool vs Crystal Palace Premier League match on FuboTV, DirecTV Stream (free trial) and SlingTV. Fans in United Kingdom can watch the live streaming of the Liverpool vs Crystal Palace Premier League match on Sky Go UK, NOW TV and SKY GO Extra. Fans can watch the Liverpool vs Crystal Palace Premier League match live streaming in India on Disney+ Hotstar.
