Liverpool could put itself into a position to receive a cash influx in the long-term resulting from a potential deal between owners FSG, RedBird Capital, Nike and basketball star LeBron James’ entertainment company.

This update comes from Variety (via the Liverpool Echo), with the publication claiming that the LA Lakers small forward could part with a minority stake in SpringHill Co with the aforementioned consortium.

Given the American’s links to Nike – not to mention the brand’s sponsorship of the Reds – the opportunity has been tipped to be a potential gamechanger for the Merseyside-based outfit in the long run.

READ MORE: Liverpool interest in West Ham star further justified by performance in defeat v Manchester United – report

We saw our financial income take a significant hit during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly given that our deal with Nike was based, for the most part, on merchandise sales.

Strengthening our relationship with the corporation and brand icon James, however, would undoubtedly be a no-brainer as far as we’re concerned.

The reality of the situation is that we need to find unique ways of competing with the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea (and PSG abroad) and addressing the evident financial disparity.

As such, we at EOTK would certainly encourage the club to embrace a venture that could yield significant rewards.

#Ep12 of The Red Nets Podcast: Divock Origi’s surprise inclusion, the importance of James Milner… and more!

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One Liverpool fan on Reddit has released a host of statistics to support their claim that Jurgen Klopp’s men are on course to hit roughly 99 (98.98) points this season.

Stats, of course, can be misleading if misapplied, though the early signs from the Reds campaign thus far are far from discouraging.

Likewise, however, the like-for-like start from Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea outfit suggests that the Merseysiders’ will not be unchallenged this term.

READ MORE: Liverpool interest in West Ham star further justified by performance in defeat v Manchester United – report

Despite Manchester City’s mixed bag of results so far, we can probably expect the Cityzen’s to build far more consistency down the line as has been the case historically.

We’ve seen before an impressive points tally of 97 still falling short of the 98 secured by Guardiola’s men, so a total exceeding that would certainly put us in a good position with regard to securing the return of the league title.

Pundits appear, for the most part, reluctant to change their initial predictions around Liverpool, though credit has to be given for our early efforts, which can only bode well for us over the course of the season.

You can catch the statsheet in question below, with more detail available on Reddit, courtesy of u/SuperHyperFunTime:

#Ep12 of The Red Nets Podcast: Divock Origi’s surprise inclusion, the importance of James Milner… and more!

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Liverpool and Premier League rivals Tottenham and Leicester City’s reported interest in West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen was further vindicated by the forward’s performance against Manchester United at the weekend.

This comes from Melissa Reddy for the Independent, with the renowned reporter highlighting a number of qualities within the Hammers star that would be well-suited to Jurgen Klopp’s outfit.

“The 24-year-old, whose allure is undoubtedly aided by the homegrown factor, helped West Ham soften the absence of the suspended Michail Antonio,” the journalist wrote.

“He created four chances, was credited with the assist for Said Benrahma’s opener, had four shots – forcing the first save from David de Gea, later testing him with a long-ranger – and was hugely efficient in possession.

“What really impressed about Bowen was his work off the ball; consistently alert, on the move making the most sprints, showing great acceleration, being the first defender, winning most of his duels and contesting the highest number of them for West Ham.

“He got stuck in, involved in all phases of their play and while the goals have not yet flowed this season, every other facet of his game: ball-carrying, energy in the press, movement and creation have been stellar.”

Despite the number of player sales the Reds made in the window, it appeared that not enough exits had occurred to justify any additional signings beyond Ibrahima Konate.

READ MORE: (Video) Adorable clip captures young Virgil van Dijk fan too nervous to face her hero

When The Athletic journalist James Pearce first confirmed our interest in the Englishman in the summer, there was a somewhat mixed reaction from supporters.

Having turned the likes of Gini Wijnaldum and Andy Robertson (coming from relegation-battling outfits) into world-class talents, however, one might be inclined to argue that the recruitment team has more than earned some faith in its decision-making.

With the need for a backup forward highlighted by the limited contributions of the likes of Divock Origi and Taki Minamino last term, we’d imagine that a new attacker will be a priority for us in the next summer window.

#Ep12 of The Red Nets Podcast: Divock Origi’s surprise inclusion, the importance of James Milner… and more!

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Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk has been a beloved figure at club level since his signing from Southampton helped transform Jurgen Klopp’s men into a title-winning outfit.

During the international break, one young fan was captured meeting the Dutch international but appeared too nervous to face the No.4 in person.

READ MORE: Liverpool closely tracking Bundesliga hotshot ex-Bayern chief Rummenigge claimed FSG are too tight to go for – report

The bemused No.4 signed the back of the supporter’s shirt and took a picture with the family in question, departing briefly only to return a moment later to see if the youngster had come out of hiding.

You can catch the clip below, courtesy of @ESPNFC:

She was so nervous about meeting her favourite player, Virgil van Dijk, that she couldn't even turn around

(via @OnsOranje) pic.twitter.com/IAEGi0ZaKS

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 17, 2021

#Ep12 of The Red Nets Podcast: Divock Origi’s surprise inclusion, the importance of James Milner… and more!

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Liverpool’s Mo Salah earned his third yellow card across his entire Anfield career for ripping off his shirt after doubling the Reds’ lead in their 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace.

Instead of immediately rushing to join in with the celebrations, skipper Jordan Henderson first made a slight detour to retrieve the Egyptian international’s discarded jersey, before proceeding to hand it back to him.

The Merseysiders’ latest victory saw them climb to joint-top of the Premier League, level with Chelsea and Manchester United on points.

You can catch the clip below, courtesy of @LFC:

134 goal involvements in the #PL since his Reds debut…

At least 24 more than any other player. @MoSalah is simply breathtaking pic.twitter.com/x5W1BH3WRz

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 19, 2021

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Liverpool are said to be closely tracking Borussia Dortmund hitman Erling Haaland ahead of a potential move in the next summer window.

This comes from Mundo Deportivo (via Sport Witness), with the publication claiming the Merseysiders could rival Barcelona for the centre-forward’s signature.

This runs against what former Bayern Munich chief Karl Heinz-Rummenigge suggested with regard to the Reds chances of signing the Norwegian, predicting that principal owner John W. Henry wouldn’t sanction such a move.

READ MORE: Liverpool proving Gary Neville’s bold Manchester United call wrong as Reds continue strong start

Whilst we at the Empire of the Kop would welcome the recruitment team targetting a player of the 21-year-old’s calibre, we find it somewhat unlikely that the former RB Salzburg hitman will end up in a red shirt next summer.

It would potentially require us to part ways with at least one of our prestigious front-three (Mo Salah, Bobby Firmino or Sadio Mane), which is a possibility in light of the reality of the trio heading into the thirties.

However, we it’s a rare moment when we go for already world-class talents; either making an exception, as was the case with Thiago Alcantara, for a talent we’d be daft to ignore or plugging a critical gap in the squad as we did with the signing of Virgil van Dijk.

Owen’s criticism of Keita after midfielder’s Palace cameo has failed to consider role Klopp asked him to perform at start of season

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Liverpool’s unbeaten run in the league – having not lost a game in the English top-flight since the surprise home defeat to Fulham in March – continued with their 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace at the weekend.

The Reds’ early form has given rise to some reasonable doubt with regard to pundit Gary Neville’s earlier comments in the season predicting the Merseysider’s to struggle to finish above Manchester United this term.

“I was at the game on Saturday, Liverpool v Chelsea, and I said after the game – sometimes you can’t put your finger on it [but] something’s not right,” the Monday Night Football host spoke on the Webby and O’Neill YouTube channel (via the Express).

“Not bad. There’s no massive spirit issue, or the manager falling out with players. Nothing like that.

“[Jurgen Klopp’s] not got that money [to improve the side]. He’s having to deal with a team who are a good team but look like the team that needed a boost.

“There are no massive problems at Liverpool. I’m not saying it is broken. Not by any stretch of the imagination.

“But I don’t think they have got the momentum with them at this moment. They are just plateauting. I’m not sure Liverpool can get to first. I don’t think they will get above [United] this year.”

Following the Red Devils’ comeback against West Ham United, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men find themselves level on points with Jurgen Klopp’s outfit and Chelsea at the league summit.

READ MORE: Garth Crooks explains how ‘giant’ Red justified Liverpool holding on to him ‘when they didn’t really have to’

Though it’s certainly early days, the manner in which we’ve started the campaign, not to mention earning a trio of wins against difficult opponents – Leeds United, AC Milan and Crystal Palace – in the space of six days is encouraging.

By contrast, United suffered defeat against Young Boys in the Champions League with wins against the Hammers and Newcastle United either side of their opener in Europe.

Comparing overall performances, one might be inclined to argue that Neville was somewhat hasty with his early prediction, though time will certainly till in that regard.

Owen’s criticism of Keita after midfielder’s Palace cameo has failed to consider role Klopp asked him to perform at start of season

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Garth Crooks has lauded James Milner’s performance for Liverpool in their 3-0 victory over Patrick Vieira’s Crystal Palace outfit at the weekend.

The veteran midfielder, with the help of Mo Salah, helped keep dangerman Wilfried Zaha quiet over the course of the contest, whilst filing out in the right-back position.

“As a Liverpool player, James Milner has been a giant,” the BBC Sport pundit wrote in his weekly column.

“Not only was he instrumental in seeing Jurgen Klopp’s safe transition into Liverpool Football Club as his captain, but Klopp is now repaying the dedication and service he has shown to him and the club by retaining his services when they didn’t really have to.

“Against Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon, we all saw why.”

The Merseysiders’ latest victory saw them climb to join-top of the Premier League table, with rivals Chelsea matching the side’s scoreline against Tottenham yesterday.

READ MORE: Pundit finds it ‘really strange’ that Liverpool striker didn’t demand Anfield exit

Bizarrely, the former Spurs forward placed the 35-year-old in the midfield section of his team of the week, despite the player covering for Trent-Alexander Arnold in the fullback spot – a mishap we can overlook in light of the praise provided.

Having provided a brief but somewhat effective cameo coming on in the latter stages of our meeting with AC Milan in the Champions League group stage, the Englishman added to his list of contributions in a Red shirt.

Since signing on a free transfer from Manchester City in 2015, Milner has proved to be an extremely reliable, not to mention versatile, option for Jurgen Klopp over the years, making a case to at least be considered one of Liverpool’s greatest ever free signings.

Owen’s criticism of Keita after midfielder’s Palace cameo has failed to consider role Klopp asked him to perform at start of season

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Nigel Jemson has suggested that it’s bizarre out-of-favour Liverpool forward Divock Origi didn’t demand an exit out of Anfield this summer.

Jurgen Klopp himself admitted that he was surprised a “proper offer” hadn’t come in for the player during the transfer window just gone.

“I just find it really strange,” the former Nottingham Forest striker told ThisIsFutbol. “I think if I’d have been Origi, I’d have demanded to go out on loan to try to get some game time or a permanent transfer.”

The former Premier League forward did, however, acknowledge the Belgian international’s recent contributions, with the 26-year-old having earned an assist for Mo Salah’s equaliser in the Champions League against AC Milan last week.

“But I do have to say that when he has come on, he’s delivered.”

READ MORE: Gary Neville suggests Liverpool have stagnated from ‘the team they were a few years ago’

Though we at the EOTK have always noted the former Lille man’s contributions on Europe’s biggest stage and beyond, we would have certainly encouraged the forward’s departure in the window had it meant that reinforcements would be brought in.

That being said, it would be entirely improper to not recognise the No.27’s solid performance in our Champions League group stage opener, which potentially suggests that there may be a future yet for the Belgian.

We’d still strongly advocate the importance of bringing in another attacker who can grow with the side where possible, though it’s encouraging to see Origi delivering when called upon.

Owen’s criticism of Keita after midfielder’s Palace cameo has failed to consider role Klopp asked him to perform at start of season

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Gary Neville has put a dampener on Liverpool’s title challenge this term, suggesting that Jurgen Klopp’s men have stagnated.

The Reds put three away without reply against Patrick Vieira’s Crystal Palace outfit at the weekend to make it five games unbeaten in the league, sharing the top of the table with rivals Chelsea.

“At this moment in time I do believe Liverpool aren’t the team they were a few years ago, even though they are very, very good,” the former Red Devil spoke on The Gary Neville podcast (via The Boot Room). “It’s not quite the squad of a few years ago.”

The Merseysiders had been tipped in pre-season to replace key former midfielder Gini Wijnaldum and bolster the forward line after questions were raised regarding Bobby Firmino and Sadio Mane’s form last term.

READ MORE: (Video) US Open champion Raducanu thanks Klopp for ‘talent of the century’ comment & reveals favourite football team

Having only added Ibrahima Konate to the squad – albeit a very talented centre-half at that, which plugs a gap – the argument has been made that we’ve failed to build on the side that won the title in the 2019/20 campaign.

Yet, it has to be remembered that summer signings of the likes of Thiago Alcantara and Diogo Jota last season had their first year with Liverpool stunted by injuries.

As such, the side, as it is, technically has yet to reach its full potential under Jurgen Klopp’s management.

Owen’s criticism of Keita after midfielder’s Palace cameo has failed to consider role Klopp asked him to perform at start of season

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Tennis star Emma Raducanu thanked Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp for his congratulatory comments.

The German had described the 18-year-old as the “talent of the century” after securing the US Open title.

When questioned on her favourite football team, the teenager avoided naming a specific club, opting instead for Gareth Southgate’s England outfit, which reached the European Championship final in the summer.

You can catch the clip below, courtesy of Sky Sports’ YouTube channel:

Owen’s criticism of Keita after midfielder’s Palace cameo has failed to consider role Klopp asked him to perform at start of season

The post (Video) US Open champion Raducanu thanks Klopp for ‘talent of the century’ comment & reveals favourite football team appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Sadio Mane has compared Naby Keita’s cool reaction to his own spectacular long-range effort against Crystal Palace to that of Manchester United legend Eric Cantona’s famous goal celebration against Sunderland.

Finding himself unmarked on the edge of the 18-yard-box, the Guinean positioned himself to receive Eagles shotstopper Vicente Guaita’s punched clearance from a corner and let fly with a first-time volley to kill the game.

READ MORE: (Video) ‘Looks like you’ve got nothing on there, lad’ – Henderson digs into scantily clad Robertson on Instagram

The 26-year-old appeared almost surprised by his own effort, though quickly broke into a smile after being crowded by his Liverpool teammates.

You can catch the image below, courtesy of Mane’s Instagram:

Sadio Mané on Instagram comparing Keita’s celebration to Cantona’s iconic celebration pic.twitter.com/PThMA25dbI

— Watch LFC (@Watch_LFC) September 19, 2021

Trent was arguably at fault for the goals conceded v AC Milan… but to say he can’t defend is wide of the mark

The post (Image) Mane compares Keita’s reaction to spectacular volley to famous Cantona celebration appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Whenever an amusing Liverpool clip emerges on social media, Reds fullback Andy Robertson is usually never too far away from the action.

Such was the case on Twitter, with @Watch_LFC posting Jordan Henderson’s Instagram story, which documented his swim at the club training facilities with the Scotland skipper.

The somewhat scantily clad 27-year-old was captured by his fellow teammate emerging from a pool in a thong, with the latter unable to hold back on making a cheeky remark.

You can catch the clip below, courtesy of Jordan Henderson’s Instagram:

Hendo & Robbo having a swim pic.twitter.com/YgLXNsG9J7

— Watch LFC (@Watch_LFC) September 19, 2021

The post (Video) ‘Looks like you’ve got nothing on there, lad’ – Henderson digs into scantily clad Robertson on Instagram appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Gary Lineker described James Milner’s efforts during Liverpool’s 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace as “extraordinary” after noting a graphic displaying the midfielder’s stats from the afternoon clash.

The 35-year-old had been filling in for Trent Alexander-Arnold, declared ill prior to the Reds’ meeting with the Eagles, in the English top-flight tie.

“This guy just defies Father Time, doesn’t he?” the former Barcelona forward told MOTD (via HITC).

James Milner with a solid display vs Crystal Palace yesterday pic.twitter.com/J9NT3hAnt2

— Watch LFC (@Watch_LFC) September 19, 2021

The former Leeds United star had required some support down the right-flank from Mo Salah to handle the threat of Wilfried Zaha, though proved to be more than competent in the role.

READ MORE: Ex-Red ranks Mo Salah, Cristiano Ronaldo and Thierry Henry in his list of all-time PL greats

Whilst the argument remains that we need to invest in solid cover for Alexander-Arnold – as we have for Andy Robertson in the form of Kostas Tsimikas – it’s worth highlighting how tremendous a professional Milner has been for us over the years.

From slotting in at left-back to filing out for the odd cameo when we’re looking to kill off a tie (as was the case midweek against AC Milan), the No.7’s contributions have been undoubtedly important.

The utility man’s contract is set to expire this summer, an eventuality we can’t see the club wishing to change in light of his age.

However, it may very well be worth the hierarchy actively considering a role with us beyond his playing career, should the midfielder so desire it.

Trent was arguably at fault for the goals conceded v AC Milan… but to say he can’t defend is wide of the mark

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Former Liverpool midfielder Michael Thomas has claimed that Mo Salah should be considered one of the 10 best players to have ever featured in the Premier League.

The Egyptian international was on target again this weekend, scoring a goal against Patrick Vieira’s Crystal Palace side to help the Reds jump to the top of the league table.

“In terms of his goal involvement and pushing the club to a first league title in may years, he must be in the top 10 players to ever play in the Premier League!” the 54-year-old told CaughtOffside.

The former Arsenal star did clarify that he felt Cristian Ronaldo and Thierry Henry should be placed higher on the list in question above the No.11.

“Thierry Henry is without doubt at the top of the list! His impact on Arsenal, and on the Premier League as a whole, is unrivalled,” Thomas added. “Ronaldo is probably in the top three ever but not purely for his Premier League greatness. If he does lead United to the title this season then I may have to re-evaluate.”

READ MORE: Exclusive: Liverpool urged to take advantage of ‘clubs in financial distress’ to secure potential January signings

Whilst no one can dispute the brilliance of either Henry or Ronaldo, if we were to consider the ‘Premier League’s’ all-time greats, there’s an argument to be made about Salah being ranked higher than the Manchester United star.

We would be looking at things purely from a Premier League perspective, of course, with the Portuguese international having rightfully earned his place as one of the top two players in the world.

However, if we are to compare the pair’s contributions in the English top-flight, we’d be inclined to disagree with Thomas with regard to Salah’s placement compared to the former Real Madrid frontman.

Trent was arguably at fault for the goals conceded v AC Milan… but to say he can’t defend is wide of the mark

The post Ex-Red ranks Mo Salah, Cristiano Ronaldo and Thierry Henry in his list of all-time PL greats appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Stan Collymore has encouraged his former side to look at the possibility of bringing in any January signings by taking advantage of clubs still suffering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A number of leagues across Europe have been hit hard by the financial ramifications of Covid, with Ligue 1 outfits, in particular, still reeling from a collapsed TV deal.

“For me, I’m very comfortable with what Liverpool have got and I would like to see to Liverpool add a couple, whether it be a couple of really good loans or if anybody is available in the January transfer window,” the 50-year-old told Empire of the Kop. “Particularly post-Covid, there are clubs in financial distress – France, Germany, Italy, Spain or Portugal – that you might be able to extricate [players] six or seven months earlier from their clubs.”

With links to the likes of Renato Sanches and Jonathan David popping up during the window, one would expect Liverpool’s recruitment team to be paying close attention to the circumstances plaguing the French top-flight.

READ MORE: ‘Getting me emotional’ – Liverpool fans react to Salah’s post-Palace tweet

Though we don’t tend to dip into the winter window unless absolutely necessary – as was the case last term, not to mention when we brought in Virgil van Dijk from Southampton – the club could be swayed by the right man being available under favourable conditions.

Sanches’ knee injury, which could keep him out until late November, may very well encourage us to look at other reported targets.

However, with a Wijnaldum replacement yet to be secured and the forward line deemed to be a man short, Liverpool could yet surprise us when the window reopens in early January.

You can catch our chat with Stan below:

"This nonsense that you need to spend £200-300m every single transfer window to win the league is nonsense!"@StanCollymore's verdict on the importance of spending big in the transfer market #LFC pic.twitter.com/BNn1wcgrCn

— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) September 18, 2021

Trent was arguably at fault for the goals conceded v AC Milan… but to say he can’t defend is wide of the mark

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Mo Salah posted a tweet after Liverpool’s 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace thanking fans for their support.

The Egyptian international registered yet another goal in the English top-flight to take his total tally to four in five league games.

You, the fans, keep me going. You give me more strength than I think you’ll ever know. pic.twitter.com/HgNx8YbTtS

— Mohamed Salah (@MoSalah) September 18, 2021

Supporters on Twitter were quick to react to the social media update from the 29-year-old and express the mutuality of the feeling.

READ MORE: Exclusive: ‘Nonsense’ – Collymore rubbishes idea that sides need to spend big in the window to win the PL

It’s utterly bizarre to look at the former Chelsea man’s stats over the last five seasons and remember that he was once branded a ‘one-season wonder’ for his efforts in the 2017/18 campaign.

Having registered six goal contributions in the English top-flight in our first five league games, the forward has matched his opening tally achieved in our prior two terms at the same stage in the season.

With the fans back in the stadiums, we can only begin to imagine the heights Salah could reach this term in a full-strength Liverpool side with the supporters behind him.

You can catch some of the fan reaction below:

Unbelievable this lad is…Liverpool Legend…I think we, the fans, love you more than you will ever know @MoSalah https://t.co/f49e4zZ4oy

— Kop 305 (@kopite305) September 19, 2021

Salah’s tweet getting me emotional.

— – (@AnfieldRd96) September 18, 2021

That Salah tweet made me tear up man. He needs to stay

— Hugo (@tijaniro) September 18, 2021

why does reading salah's tweet get me tears in my eyes

— (@mushhu_) September 19, 2021

Trent was arguably at fault for the goals conceded v AC Milan… but to say he can’t defend is wide of the mark

The post ‘Getting me emotional’ – These Liverpool fans are saying the same thing about Salah’s post-Palace tweet appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Stan Collymore has rubbished the notion that it is necessary for Premier League title challengers to spend gigantic sums in the transfer window in order to secure the title.

Liverpool, in particular, came under fire this summer for failing to bring in further new faces to the squad beyond centre-half Ibrahima Konate.

“There is an argument to refresh a couple of areas to ask more questions of the players in those positions,” the former striker told Empire of the Kop.

“But beyond that, this nonsense that you need to spend £200m, £300m every single transfer window to win the league is nonsense!

“Leicester City couldn’t have won the Premier League five, six years ago in that theory, that most fans have, the mindset in the summer that, ‘if we buy six players: we will win the league’ – it doesn’t happen like that.”

The Reds’ summer window was ultimately defined by player sales and contract renewals, with key stars from Jordan Henderson to Virgil van Dijk handed fresh terms at Anfield.

READ MORE: Exclusive: Ex-Liverpool forward fires dig at Man City with ‘mainline striker’ goals comparison

Whilst we at the Empire of the Kop believe that a signing or two – specifically to replace Gini Wijnaldum and bolster the forward line – would have ensured a stronger title challenge, there’s no question that Liverpool have impressed at the start of the season.

We’re still in some amount of danger of being reliant on backup options for longer than most would perhaps wish, should further injuries arise, though we’d be extremely unfortunate to suffer a crisis to the extent that suffocated our title retention hopes last term.

You can catch our chat with Stan below:

Trent was arguably at fault for the goals conceded v AC Milan… but to say he can’t defend is wide of the mark

"This nonsense that you need to spend £200-300m every single transfer window to win the league is nonsense!"@StanCollymore's verdict on the importance of spending big in the transfer market #LFC pic.twitter.com/BNn1wcgrCn

— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) September 18, 2021

Trent was arguably at fault for the goals conceded v AC Milan… but to say he can’t defend is wide of the mark

The post Exclusive: ‘Nonsense’ – Collymore rubbishes idea that sides need to spend big in the window to win the PL appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Stan Collymore has suggested that the early signs from Liverpool’s forward line are positive in comparison to that of some of their league rivals.

The 50-year-old pointed out that Manchester City appeared to be struggling to match the Reds’ form in front of goal with regard to their “mainline strikers”.

“10 goals so far in the league, that’s all of Liverpool’s mainline strikers that have scored; Manchester United, four from strikers, three of them from a rookie, Mason Greenwood, the other one from Cristiano Ronaldo; Manchester City, two goals from strikers, Gabriel Jesus and Ferran Torres,” the former Red told Empire of the Kop.

“Five or six games in, Pep Guardiola [is] desperate to get Harry Kane in at £140m, £130m, £120m (whatever figures you want to believe), and you can see why.

“You can see why Romelu Lukaku was worth £97m to Chelsea. Chelsea have four goals from strikers – Kai Havertz, Romelu Lukaku and Christian Pulisic has scored for Chelsea.

“But Liverpool, six games in, have scored five times as many goals as Manchester City from strikers – that’s telling.

“If that carries on: Liverpool walk the league.”

The former Liverpool striker posed a question as to whether fans would prefer to have a midfield stacked with the talent at Pep Guardiola’s disposal or the clinical forward line available to Jurgen Klopp.

“The question I’m going to ask Liverpool fans and football fans generally is: do you want somebody who’s going to pop up in the 90th minute having done nothing and is an intuitive striker – Salah, Mane, Jota, less so Bobby Firmino, Mason Greenwood, Romelu Lukaku?” Collymore added.

“Or do you want eight attacking midfielders that do great little twists and turns and pirouettes but might not weigh in with your 15 or 20 goals this season?”

READ MORE: Milner aims cheeky ‘Zaha-itis’ dig at absent Trent Alexander-Arnold

It all depends on who you classify as a “mainline striker”, but City’s front-three stars have managed six league goals between them, which is still a considerable four-goal deficit to our 10.

There’s no questioning the fact that our forward line is in scintillating form this term, due in no small part to the efforts of Mo Salah.

It’s an interesting point from Collymore given that our midfield has previously earned critique for its limited contributions to the scoresheet in prior seasons, raising the question as to the importance of such efforts when the forward men are regularly supplying the goals.

You can catch our interview with Stan below:

"Liverpool, six games in, have scored five times as many goals as Manchester City from strikers – that's telling. If that carries on: Liverpool win the league."@StanCollymore dissects the stats on #LFC's attacking prowess compared to their rivals pic.twitter.com/LsZ9b7JgFe

— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) September 18, 2021

Trent was arguably at fault for the goals conceded v AC Milan… but to say he can’t defend is wide of the mark

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James Milner joked that Trent Alexander-Arnold would likely become the subject of some banter with regard to his illness-enforced absence from the Liverpool squad that faced Crystal Palace.

Jurgen Klopp confirmed post-match that the fullback had been kept out by illness, with Joel Matip omitted to allow the Cameroonian a chance to rest.

“Trent’s definitely going to get some ribbing for that! A bit of Zaha-itis or something like that!” the midfielder told liverpoolfc.com.

“It was probably three, two-and-a-half hours before the game really.

“But that’s what we’re prepared for and the training is done so anyone is ready at any time. That’s my job when I’m needed.”

In the right-back’s place, James Milner was a solid stop-gap solution, as the Reds managed to secure a valuable clean sheet in their 3-0 victory over Patrick Vieira’s new-look outfit.

READ MORE: Exclusive: ‘Jurgen, please play him’ – Ex-Red calls on Klopp to field 26-year-old star more regularly

It has to be said that the 35-year-old did need some support in the form of Mo Salah tracking back throughout the tie to help dispel the threat of Eagles frontman Wilfried Zaha.

However, it would be doing the Englishman a disservice to claim that he was entirely reliant on the interventions of the Egyptian international.

Coming on for a short cameo midweek against AC Milan, Milner has proved to be a reliable option for Klopp to call upon to suit a variety of responsibilities and situations – a utility role he excelled in once again on Saturday.

Trent was arguably at fault for the goals conceded v AC Milan… but to say he can’t defend is wide of the mark

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