The road to Madrid begins this week as the league phase gets under way - but which teams are currently looking in the best shape to go on and lift the European Cup?
Graeme Souness has once again voiced his concerns over Declan Rice’s credentials as an elite midfielder, delivering a scathing review of the Arsenal star's tactical approach. Despite Rice’s instrumental role in the Gunners' recent successes, the Liverpool legend remains entirely unconvinced by the England international’s positioning on the pitch.
Former Liverpool winger Steve McManaman has challenged Dominik Szoboszlai to step up following the summer departures of Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson. The Hungarian midfielder has been named vice-captain under new head coach Andoni Iraola alongside Alisson Becker and Joe Gomez.
Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher engaged in a heated debate over whether Arsenal forward Kai Havertz can replicate the vital role Roberto Firmino played for Liverpool. The discussion escalated when Neville accused his colleague of disrespecting the Brazilian, firmly rejecting the idea that Havertz operates at the same exceptional level as the former Anfield favourite.
Milos Kerkez has urged his Liverpool team-mates to maintain their concentration as the club enters a relentless period of fixtures across three different competitions. The Hungarian defender believes the momentum from Friday's victory at Ipswich Town is vital with Atletico Madrid set to arrive at Anfield for a massive Champions League showdown.
Former Chelsea forward Demba Ba has shared the fascinating origin story behind Jurgen Klopp's famous high-intensity tactical system. Ba explained how an aggressive, breathless performance by Hoffenheim completely altered Klopp's approach to the game, laying the absolute foundation for his immense future European successes and legendary modern football legacy.
Andoni Iraola has revealed why he took a ruthless approach with Jeremy Jacquet during Liverpool's hard-fought victory over Ipswich Town. Despite the young defender flirting with a red card, the Reds boss insisted that the Frenchman needed to endure the pressure to aid his long-term development at Anfield.
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher believes new signing Bradley Barcola faces a daunting task to break into the starting XI following Cody Gakpo's sensational display against Ipswich Town. Despite the Frenchman's record-breaking arrival, he had to settle for a place on the bench before coming on as a substitute, while his rival for a starting spot dominated proceedings at Portman Road.
Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola has dismissed any lingering concerns over Cody Gakpo's commitment following the late collapse of his proposed transfer to Manchester City. The Dutch forward quickly put the disappointment behind him, immediately bouncing back in style by providing two crucial assists in the Reds' recent 2-0 victory over Ipswich.
Liverpool striker Alexander Isak has admitted his journey to peak fitness at Anfield has been a grueling process after his match-winning brace against Ipswich Town. The Swedish striker struck twice in the opening nine minutes to secure a 2-0 victory, marking a turning point following a difficult debut campaign on Merseyside.
Andoni Iraola has hailed the impact of Alexander Isak after the Swedish striker’s clinical first-half double guided Liverpool to a 2-0 victory against Ipswich Town. The win marks Iraola’s first three points since taking the reins at Anfield, moving the club past a stuttering start to the new Premier League campaign.
Liverpool finally picked up their first win of the Premier League campaign with a clinical 2-0 victory at Portman Road, dispatching Ipswich Town following back-to-back draws in their opening two games. Alexander Isak was the star of the show, delivering a devastating first-half display that justified his record-breaking price tag and set the tone for a dominant afternoon in Suffolk.
Liverpool duo Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak are quickly becoming the Premier League’s most feared partnership after another devastating display at Portman Road. The Dutchman provided both assists as his strike partner netted twice in the opening nine minutes to secure a vital victory for the Reds.
Alexander Isak continued his impressive start to the season with Liverpool, adding another two goals to his tally against Ipswich Town. The Swedish forward, who arrived at Anfield with a record price tag, appears to have firmly moved past the injury frustrations of his debut season.
Bradley Barcola was heavily linked with Arsenal during the summer transfer window, but ultimately ended up at Liverpool after completing a £123 million ($167m) move from Paris Saint-Germain. That deal has raised a few eyebrows, and concerns, with ex-Gunners and France defender Bacary Sagna discussing the financial state of football during an exclusive interview with GOAL.
Liverpool are implementing a major tactical shift under Andoni Iraola as they attempt to replace the legendary Mohamed Salah. By moving their primary attacking threat to the left flank with Bradley Barcola, the Reds are exploring a completely new dynamic to supply striker Alexander Isak.
New Liverpool signing Bradley Barcola has made an immediate impact on his new team-mates following his high-profile arrival from Paris Saint-Germain. Left-back Milos Kerkez praised the French forward's speed and dribbling ahead of the Reds' trip to Ipswich Town.
Virgil van Dijk is into the final year of his contract at Liverpool, meaning that free agency will be hit in the summer of 2027. Do the Reds have a succession plan in place for their defensive king? Stephen Warnock has admitted to GOAL that they might, with talented youngsters Jeremy Jacquet and Giovanni Leoni ready to fill roles of crown princes at Anfield.
Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo have been left out of Liverpool's Champions League squad for the league phase. The Italian winger faces another European snub under Andoni Iraola after experiencing a similar exclusion last season.
Jamie Carragher has warned that Liverpool duo Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo face bleak futures at Anfield after being excluded from Andoni Iraola’s Champions League squad. The former Reds defender claimed the pair are effectively frozen out of the new manager's plans and suggested they should have been sold.
Paris Saint-Germain head coach Luis Enrique has addressed the high-profile departure of Bradley Barcola to Liverpool, admitting he could not offer the winger the specific assurances he sought regarding playing time. The French international completed a staggering £123m move to Anfield this summer, becoming a key part of the Reds' attacking rebuild.
Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage has admitted that Ismaila Sarr needs time to recover mentally and physically after seeing his dream move to Liverpool collapse. Sage insisted that the forward remains committed to Selhurst Park despite outside interest, while firmly defending the club against accusations of disrespect from the player's agent Diomansy Kamara.
Liverpool will need a new No.1 in 2027, as long-serving goalkeeper Alisson heads towards free agency. Did they have a perfect successor to the Brazil international on their books, only to let him leave? Stephen Warnock has suggested to GOAL that may have been the case, with the former Reds defender assessing a change between the sticks that will be difficult to get right.
Jamie Carragher has fiercely criticised Milos Kerkez following Liverpool's sluggish start to the Premier League season, bizarrely labelling the left-back as the 'Darwin Nunez of full-backs'. The former Reds defender also questioned the Hungarian's footballing intelligence.
Liverpool
