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Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Liverpool Weigh Up Future-Proofing vs Short-Term Striker Fix
Liverpool Transfer Watch: Hendrick Weighs Up Mateta and Sesko as Reds Eye Next Step The latest episode of The Daily Red Podcast on Anfield Index delivered a characteristically frank assessment from Dave Hendrick on Liverpool's attacking options, notably focusing on Jean-Philippe Mateta and Benjamin Sesko. Hendrick methodically dismantled the hype, spotlighting stats, context and character to decipher who, if either, could be Liverpool's next forward. Mateta's Momentum or Mirage? 'Mateta is obviously a very good player and he's had a really good run,' Hendrick began, acknowledging the Crystal Palace striker's recent resurgence. Mateta, now 28, finished the 2023–24 season with 19 goals in 39 games, but Hendrick cautioned against reading too much into that stat line. Advertisement 'The arrival of [Oliver] Glasner, massively impactful. Absolutely massively impactful,' he said, contrasting it with Roy Hodgson's reign. 'For whatever reason, Roy Hodgson just stifles forward players… but when Glasner took over, he really took off.' Photo IMAGO However, the context is crucial. 'He doesn't score a single goal up until the 9th of December,' Hendrick pointed out, before rattling off a flurry of goals late in the campaign. 'So of his 19 goals, he'd scored six when Glasner took over… he gets a hat-trick against Aston Villa.' For Hendrick, Mateta's ceiling is already reached: 'He's 28 years of age… I still don't see us buying him to be our starting nine. I could see it as a backup.' The projected fee of £40–£50 million drew further scrutiny: 'That does seem like a lot. Especially with this ownership group.' Advertisement Sesko's Promise and Pitfalls Turning to RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko, Hendrick's tone shifted to cautious intrigue. 'Sesko intrigues me, but he terrifies me as well.' At just 22, the Slovenian has had a steady rise through Red Bull's talent machine, echoing Dominik Szoboszlai's path. 'Sesko's done similar… signed to Salzburg, loaned to Liefering… goes to Leipzig.' Hendrick praised his raw potential: 'He's 6'5, he's well built. He's an immense athlete… might have the best standing vertical jump in football.' He noted Sesko's finishing as streaky but impressive, adding, 'In each of the last two seasons, Sesko has overperformed his xG.' Photo: IMAGO Advertisement Despite that, Hendrick warned, 'He's very much a project… there's a lot to like about him, but you'd like to see a bit more consistency.' His league return of 13 goals in 33 games this past season is 'decent', but not 'win-now'. Futureproofing or Front-Loading? Hendrick drew a clear philosophical line between short-term fixes and long-term projects. 'I would be more in favour of a win-now striker because I would like to see us maximising the last few years of Mo and Virgil and Alisson.' Mateta, at 28, could be a pragmatic if underwhelming stopgap. Sesko, younger but unproven, demands patience. Photo IMAGO Advertisement Comparing him to Hugo Ekitiké, Hendrick noted, 'Sesko's conversion rate is a lot better. I like his game a little bit more… Ekitiké feels like he's got a higher bust potential.' He did, however, highlight Sesko's goal output: '210 games, 70 more games [than Ekitiké], 40 more goals.' Photo: IMAGO Liverpool's Transfer Direction Still Unclear While Mateta and Sesko dominate the rumour mill, Hendrick cast doubt over both. 'Neither of them seem like they're readymade,' he said. 'And I know Morgan Rogers isn't either, but Morgan Rogers is ready made to play in the division.' In closing, Hendrick's view of Liverpool's strategy was measured and realistic. 'There's nothing guaranteed with either of them,' he concluded. 'What we know is Sesko is more proven. He's also more proven at international level, 41 caps, 16 goals.' Advertisement Whether Liverpool go for experience in Mateta or gamble on youth in Sesko, Hendrick makes one thing clear: the Reds cannot afford to get this one wrong.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Exclusive: Former Liverpool Star Hails ‘Brilliant' Arne Slot, Florian Wirtz Signing and More
Arne Slot's Sensational Debut Season: Dean Saunders' Exclusive Thoughts Arne Slot's first season at Liverpool could hardly have gone better. Arriving with the enormous challenge of following Jurgen Klopp, Slot not only met expectations but exceeded them, guiding Liverpool to a Premier League title in his debut campaign. Speaking exclusively to Anfield Index, Dean Saunders shared his views on Slot's success and why Liverpool fans should be excited for the season ahead. Advertisement Winning Over the Dressing Room 'Arne Slot has done brilliantly,' Saunders said. 'He must have been so tempted to do things his own way, but he's managed not to change too much. That's the clever part of it for me because the players will have missed Jurgen Klopp.' Saunders highlights how important it was for Slot to win the trust of key players like Mohamed Salah early on. Slot's ability to blend his own ideas carefully with the Klopp foundations showed both humility and intelligence. Saunders added, 'If Slot had started doing things differently to what made Klopp successful, and the team had lost a couple of games, the players would have been asking 'who is this bloke?'' That early man-management was critical in creating a unified dressing room that could fight for the title. Photo: IMAGO Advertisement Navigating Challenges in Europe Liverpool's Champions League exit at the hands of eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain was tough to take. But Saunders sees no shame in that. 'Liverpool had a great start, they won a lot of games. They were knocked out of the Champions League, but Paris Saint-Germain are a brilliant side – everyone can see how good they are.' The experience in Europe will likely fuel the team next season, offering valuable lessons that Slot and his coaching staff can build on. Exciting Summer Signings Looking ahead, Saunders was full of praise for Liverpool's transfer business. 'Frimpong is a different player to Trent. He's good going forward, a great athlete and you're going to see him galloping up and down that right flank.' Advertisement Replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold is no small task, but Jeremie Frimpong brings energy and dynamism. On the left, Milos Kerkez arrives to compete with, not replace, Andy Robertson. Saunders emphasised, 'I wouldn't sell Andy Robertson. He's 31, a proven left-back and I wouldn't write him off. Kerkez can work with Robertson and learn how to play for Liverpool.' The most exciting addition, though, is Florian Wirtz. Saunders described him as 'a cross between Jack Grealish, James Maddison and Philippe Coutinho.' That type of creativity and unpredictability could be the key to unlocking deep defensive blocks next season. X: @LFC Advertisement Liverpool's title chances Despite strong competition, Saunders is optimistic. 'Arsenal have made some good signings and Manchester City look as if they will improve, but I still make Liverpool favourites.' With Slot's smart leadership, a settled squad and exciting new arrivals, Liverpool have every reason to believe they can defend their Premier League crown. The Anfield faithful will be hoping that this is just the start of a new era of success under Slot.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Fans and Players Join Worldwide Tribute to Fallen Liverpool Hero
Tributes Pour In Across the Football World for Jota The football world is still reeling after the tragic death of Diogo Jota, with tributes flooding in from every corner of the sport. On The Daily Red Podcast by Anfield Index, Dave Hendrick devoted his latest episode to commemorating the late Liverpool and Portugal forward in a deeply emotional and personal monologue. Advertisement 'It still just doesn't seem like a real thing that happened,' Hendrick reflected. 'It's still very hard to come to terms with the fact that Diego won't be playing football next season.' A Global Outpouring of Grief Jota's impact transcended club loyalties and leagues. As Hendrick detailed, 'From concerts to football matches to AFL games to rugby games, there has been people paying tribute to Diego.' Artists such as Robbie Williams, Ozzy Osbourne and even Fatboy Slim at Silverstone paid their respects by displaying his image. Oasis 'During Live Forever, they put Diego's image up on the big screen and it was incredibly touching.' Photo Euronews Advertisement Across football, players responded with heartfelt gestures. Ousmane Dembele, Kylian Mbappé, and Diego Gonçalves all honoured him with the now-iconic 'PlayStation' celebration. In the AFL, Sydney Swan's Errol Gulden and Carlton's Jesse Motlop 'both dedicated goals to Jota with the celebration.' Even in Norway, Tromsø played Liverpool's tribute video to fans in their stadium. Career of Dedication and Determination Jota's career was one forged by relentless hard work. Hendrick was emphatic: 'He wasn't a child star… he maximised every single bit of his talent through hard work and determination.' He moved through clubs like Pacos de Ferreira, Porto, Wolves, and finally to Liverpool, always leaving a mark. 'Wherever he went, he gave it absolutely everything… and he did well.' Advertisement For Liverpool fans, his five years at Anfield will be remembered fondly. 'Scoring goals, working his ass off, dog walking Arsenal defenders, embarrassing Everton. It's been a great five years,' Hendrick said. Fans will recall moments like his FA Cup final penalty, his dramatic winner against Tottenham, and the goal against Everton that proved to be his last for the club. 'The celebration against Leicester… tremendous stuff.' Photo IMAGO Loss Felt Beyond Football The tragedy wasn't confined to the pitch. Hendrick movingly addressed the impact on Jota's family: 'There's a young woman who's lost the only man she's ever loved… three children who will grow up without a father… parents who have lost not one but both of their sons.' Advertisement His brother André, who also died, had just completed a degree in business management and was in the process of setting up a company with Diogo. 'They were doing everything right,' Hendrick stated, clearly shaken. 'Wanting to make a difference, not just for them, but for everybody in their orbit.' Amid the grief, Hendrick took a moment to challenge the cynicism surrounding tragedy in digital spaces. 'Let's not become gatekeepers on grief,' he urged. 'Let's allow people to grieve in the manner that works for them.' Final Words on a Champion Jota's legacy as a Premier League winner and beloved teammate will endure. 'No matter what, he'll always be a Premier League champion,' Hendrick concluded. 'The defining image of him is as a Premier League champion… leading the Kop in a chorus of his own song, big smile on his face.' Photo: IMAGO Advertisement Hendrick's heartfelt tribute on The Daily Red Podcast offers a rare, unfiltered insight into the emotional toll Jota's death has taken on the football world. It also serves as a testament to the kind of man Jota was, humble, hardworking, and universally admired.
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Liverpool Target Strengthens Case for Role in Slot's Backline Plans
Guehi to Liverpool: Smart Business or Statement Signing? On the latest episode of The Daily Red Podcast from Anfield Index, Dave Hendrick dissected Liverpool's summer transfer strategy with his trademark blunt honesty. Speaking with clarity and precision, Hendrick devoted time to assessing every inch of the squad and made his feelings clear about one name likely on the verge of joining the Reds Marc Guehi. 'It does look like the likelihood is that Marky will be the central defender who arrives,' Hendrick stated. But this wasn't met with unquestioned applause. The veteran podcaster drew a line in the sand: 'That's a good signing if he's the third centre-back… whether it's a good signing if he's a starter or not is a different debate.' Advertisement For Liverpool, fresh off a title-winning campaign under Arne Slot, everything now points to building depth, not just star power. Hendrick pulled no punches: 'You're not finding a club in the Premier League with a better third centre-back than Marc Guehi.' Strength in Depth and Eyes on the Prize Liverpool's focus, according to Hendrick, is unmistakable, depth, quality and ruthless efficiency in the transfer market. 'There's going to be a lot of players sold, but there will be more players arriving,' he said. Guehi's role in that refresh? Crucial, but not central. Hendrick repeatedly emphasised his belief that Guehi should not walk into the first team. Photo: IMAGO Advertisement With van Dijk still 'the best centre-back in the world' and Ibrahima Konaté rated by Hendrick as 'the second-best centre-back in the Premier League', Guehi would be 'no arguments about it' the perfect third man. Joe Gomez, still in the mix, makes for a 'really good player to have in the squad' but has always battled 'injuries'. Guehi would therefore offer a reliable buffer. Photo: IMAGO What This Means for Liverpool's Ambition If there was any suggestion Liverpool might be winding down after lifting the title, Hendrick made it clear otherwise. 'The Reds are Premier League champions and acting like it this summer,' he said in his opening line. Advertisement Guehi isn't a glamorous name. He isn't a marquee arrival like Florian Wirtz, whom Hendrick described as 'a top 10 footballer in the world'. But the podcast paints a picture of a club executing a methodical, intelligent strategy. Guehi would be a solid cog in a machine that aims to keep rolling. Photo: IMAGO Slot's Liverpool aren't just buying for the bench. They're buying for control. With Guehi, 'you get great athleticism, a good age profile and a player ready to slot in when needed, but not necessarily be the man right away.' Guehi's Arrival: What Fans Should Expect Listeners to The Daily Red will be left with one clear conclusion: Guehi's move is likely. The podcast stops short of offering certainty, but the tone is decisive. It's a question of when, not if. Advertisement And if he does arrive, don't expect fanfare. Expect function. Expect cover. Expect quality. Dave Hendrick didn't shy away from praising the potential value: 'As the third centre-back, there can be no arguments about it.' This is Liverpool in 2025, lean, smart and ruthless in their planning. And Guehi, whether he likes it or not, looks destined to become part of it.
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Report: Bundesliga giants want Liverpool attacker
Liverpool Transfer Rumours: Bayern Munich Eyes Cody Gakpo Amid Winger Crisis Bayern's Search Shifts Towards Anfield With Leroy Sané leaving Bayern Munich for Galatasaray on a free, the Bundesliga champions are scrambling for quality reinforcements on the left wing. Initial hopes were pinned on Nico Williams and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, but Chelsea and Barcelona have made aggressive moves for both players, leaving Bayern empty-handed and short on elite options. Advertisement This shortage has led Bayern to shift their attention to the Premier League, and more specifically to Liverpool, where two standout performers—Cody Gakpo and Luis Díaz—are reportedly under serious consideration. As revealed by Christian Falk in his exclusive for CaughtOffside, Bayern sporting director Max Eberl is a long-time admirer of Gakpo, describing the Dutch international as a 'personal favourite'. 'Liverpool's Cody Gakpo, for example, could be back on the radar,' Falk reports. 'The player is said to be a personal favourite of Eberl.' Photo IMAGO Though initial contact with Gakpo's camp has reportedly quietened, the expectation is that discussions could quickly resume if Bayern fail to secure alternatives. Contract Status Offers Liverpool Leverage However, Liverpool are in a strong position. Gakpo is contracted until 2028, and with no immediate pressure to sell, the Reds hold the cards. Moreover, Arne Slot has reportedly made Gakpo a key figure in his long-term vision, meaning it would take a hefty bid—and the player's personal desire for a new challenge—to shift that dynamic. Advertisement 'Liverpool won't want to push the left winger out the door this summer – not without the player's wishes and a sizeable transfer fee.' Whether Gakpo is willing to trade Premier League success for a starting role at Bayern remains to be seen. But if Bayern's winger crisis deepens, expect renewed pressure—and potentially a tempting offer—before the window closes. Our View – Anfield Index Analysis From a Liverpool fan's perspective, this is the kind of rumour that sparks concern—but not panic. Cody Gakpo has grown steadily since arriving from PSV and was particularly impactful latter half of 2024. With 25 direct goal involvements this past season, he's clearly hitting his stride just as Arne Slot steps in. Advertisement The mention of Gakpo being a 'personal favourite' of Max Eberl is flattering, but it doesn't scream imminent exit. Fans know Gakpo is settled, admired by the club, and under a long-term deal. Slot's familiarity with the Dutch system and Eredivisie background might even further solidify Gakpo's role going forward. That said, Bayern's interest serves as a reminder that Europe's elite still view Liverpool as a prime source of talent. Luis Díaz has had interest from Saudi and Barcelona in recent months, and now Gakpo enters that sphere. It's a compliment to Liverpool's recruitment, but also a test of their resolve. Most supporters would agree: unless Gakpo demands a move (which there's no sign of), the club should shut down any approach swiftly. With a full season under Slot on the horizon, Gakpo could easily become a central figure in Liverpool's next evolution—not one to be sacrificed for short-term profit.
