14 March 2023 , 05:00
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Liverpool’s season looked to have turned a corner…until it hadn’t.
The 7-0 thrashing of Manchester United had the Anfield masses dreaming of a much-improved run of form. However, they crashed back to earth after suffering a humbling 1-0 loss at relegation-threatened Bournemouth.
Results elsewhere didn’t go their way either, with Newcastle and Tottenham both winning in the race for a top-four finish. But as the battle to qualify for next season’s Champions League continues, attention now turns to remaining in this year’s competition.
The Reds face a daunting trip to Real Madrid in the second leg of their last-16 tie, trailing 5-2 from the first meeting. Here are the latest Liverpool headlines from Mirror Football.
Van Dijk slammed
Virgil van Dijk was heavily criticised for his performance during the defeat on the south coast as Philip Billing scored the only goal. And talkSPORT pundit Jason Cundy has ripped into the Dutchman labelling him “overrated” and suggesting he’s not fit to lace the boots of Premier League legends.
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"I think he is overrated, personally. I think there is a lot of media love-in with what Van Dijk has done. I have no doubt that Van Dijk is a brilliant centre-half, but he makes too many mistakes that go unnoticed,” Cundy explained.
"I can't quite put my finger on it but once he gets away from him on the right-hand side, he seems to stop and misjudge the situation. People compare him to John Terry and Rio Ferdinand but he cannot lace their boots."
Joao much?!
Joao Palhinha is a potential alternative to Jude Bellingham for Liverpool (Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)Liverpool are reportedly monitoring Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha as a potential alternative to Jude Bellingham. Jurgen Klopp has already admitted he will upgrade his squad at the end of the season, with the need for a new central midfield player clear.
Bellingham is the top target, but is set to command a record-breaking fee, which will likely make him the most expensive British player of all time. Palhinha represents a significantly cheaper option, despite a brilliant first season in the Premier League.
He could still cost in the region of £60m, with Fulham looking to double their investment on the Portugal international.
Firmino could cost Chelsea
Roberto Firmino will leave Liverpool in the summer (Getty Images)Klopp’s squad looks set to be markedly different come the start of next season, with arrivals and departures a certainty. Roberto Firmino is one of the players set to leave when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Firmino has already confirmed he will not be extending his current arrangement, but remains fully focused on his final months on Merseyside. That isn’t helping Atletico Madrid who are one of the teams reportedly interested in landing him.
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The Brazilian is seen as a potential replacement for Joao Felix, but his loyalty to Liverpool means he won’t entertain talks yet. That could complicate Chelsea ’s Felix plan, who they would like to sign at the end of his loan.