Neville claims Liverpool would be title favourites with Arsenal or Man City star
Gary Neville claims Liverpool would be favourites for the Premier League title with Declan Rice or Rodri in their team.
The Reds have enjoyed a positive start to the 2023/24 campaign with just one defeat from their opening eight league games. That solitary reverse came in their controversial loss to Tottenham.
Heading into the second international break of the season, Jurgen Klopp ’s side are sat fourth, three points behind joint-leaders Arsenal and Tottenham. Reigning champions Manchester City sit third following back-to-back Premier League defeats. While Neville believes that Liverpool should be in the conversation when it comes to the title challengers, he does not think they could sustain a push without a more natural defensive midfielder - Arsenal and Man City stars Rice and Rodri seen as ideal candidates.
Speaking on the Gary Neville Podcast, he said: “I think Liverpool are obviously involved in it as well. They could [have the legs to go all the way], they’re more likely to than Spurs, no doubt about that.
“Liverpool have got something about them. Today [Sunday] they’ve played against a really good Brighton side. They’ve got an outstanding goalkeeper that I always think will keep them in a lot of football matches.
Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rush
“And they’ve got strikers who can score goals – and lots of them. They’ve got a good forward line. The midfield… it’s attacking, but has it got the defensive stability of what we’ve seen here today [at the Emirates], when Rodri comes back in, and when you see Rice and Partey and Jorginho.
Gary Neville has suggested that Declan Rice would push Liverpool towards the Premier League title (Getty Images)Where do you think Liverpool will finish this season? Share your predictions in the comments below
“Have they got that defensive stability, Liverpool? If you put Declan Rice in Liverpool’s holding midfield position – or you put Rodri in there – I would be saying Liverpool will definitely be on for the title.
“My question mark is whether they’ve got enough solidity in midfield, enough defensive strength and power. So I don’t think Liverpool will quite get there, but they’re in the race, there’s no doubt, because of the manager. Their manager is absolutely outstanding, he’s one of the best. But I think it will be Arsenal and City again come towards the end.”
Liverpool’s midfield went through a huge overhaul during the summer transfer window. Fabinho and Jordan Henderson completed moves to Saudi Arabia, with the likes of Dominik Szoboslai, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo all being signed.
Liverpool take a break from their attempts to lift a second Premier League title over the next fortnight during the international break. They resume domestic action with the Merseyside derby against Everton at Anfield in Saturday's early kickoff. Victory will put them top of the table, albeit briefly.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
