Liverpool fans will be feeling a lot less confident about a silverware-laden end to the season at the moment than we did a few weeks ago and David James has now shared his thoughts on our loss to Crystal Palace.

Speaking on Sky Sports, the ex-Red said: “[Liverpool] actually did everything they needed to do and they were one or two inches out from winning the game comfortably.”

READ MORE: (Video) “I made a great decision”: Mascherano reflects on Liverpool transfer and Benitez’s pebble talk

Goals change matches is the easiest terminology to use and had any of our many chances found the back of the net, it would have provided confidence that a second would soon follow.

That wasn’t the case though and as much as we deserved a goal, you can’t win any games if you don’t find the back of the net.

You can watch James’ comments via @SkyFootball on X:

"They have the capabilities and the squad to turn it around"

David James shares his verdict on if Liverpool will win the Premier League and Europa League this season pic.twitter.com/R4voanIwO5

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) April 17, 2024

EOTK Insider with Jan Age Fjortoft: Why Alonso said no to LFC, who will replace Klopp now? The PL winners will be…

The post (Video) What David James said this morning about Liverpool after Palace hurt is telling appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

To Liverpool fans who can recall the 1990s, David James will always be remembered as a long-serving goalkeeper who was literally the first name on the teamsheet for several years running, despite an unfortunate reputation for costly errors.

Now 53, the ex-England international recently came out of retirement to play for AFC Hutwood in Division One of the City of Southampton Sunday Football League in their fixture against Madeinheath United, following a plea on social media (Daily Echo).

It proved to be an inspired decision by whoever reached out to him, as the former Reds ‘keeper emulated one of his Anfield successors in Alisson Becker by scoring the winning goal in a 2-1 victory.

This was no last-gasp header from a corner kick, though – James was entrusted with a free kick from distance which struck the post and then ricocheted off the unfortunate opposition goalkeeper before rolling into the net.

Nearly two centuries on from when Stuart Pearce stunned us all by deploying him as a makeshift striker for Manchester City on the final day of the 2004/05 Premier League season, the 53-year-old showed that he might just lay claim to being football’s ultimate utility man!

You can view James’ match-winning free kick below, via @AFCHutwood on X:

David James scoring a winning free-kick for AFC Hutwood  

Stuart Pearce was right after all @ManCity #upthewood #sundayleague #FootballRebooted
pic.twitter.com/8f3s1qQdRH

— AFC Hutwood (@AFCHutwood) March 19, 2024

The post (Video) Liverpool fans will be astonished at what David James has done in Sunday League match appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

David James has suggested that Liverpool should be looking to the Bundesliga for a managerial candidate to replace Jurgen Klopp – but the man he has in mind isn’t Xabi Alonso.

The former Reds goalkeeper was speaking to GGRecon about a range of topics regarding the Merseyside club when he was asked for his ideal choice to take over the reins from the hugely successful incumbent.

The 53-year-old replied: “I’ve already said that Edin Terzic, who I know personally, should be in the mix because of his Borussia Dortmund links, which is obviously similar to Jürgen Klopp.”

James added: “I believe Edin Terzic is a good option and I really like him as a person, but I’m really sure that Liverpool would have a list of three or four candidates.”

READ MORE: ‘That’s how good he is…’ – Ex-EPL striker insists one Liverpool ace ‘doesn’t get enough credit’

READ MORE: Reliable journalist claims Liverpool are considering one director who could start immediately

Terzic has done a steady job across two managerial spells at Borussia Dortmund, averaging two points per game in his first stint in charge and 1.95 during his current reign (Transfermarkt), along with winning the DFB-Pokal in 2021.

As per Total Football Analysis, the 41-year-old is renowned for his tactical versatility, while his side are known for a relentless pressing style similar to Klopp’s Liverpool. They also utilise the flanks regularly to create attacks, which could play into the wheelhouse of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson.

However, one potential concern is the lethargy of their build-up play, with BVB standing accused of passing the ball abundantly without any great incision. It’s not a style which’d get the best out of all-action attackers at Anfield like Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz.

Terzic could possibly be worth having on the Reds’ shortlist in case Alonso goes elsewhere or can’t be tempted back to his former club, but the Dortmund boss wouldn’t be as appealing an option as his Bayer Leverkusen counterpart.

If the former West Ham assistant coach is to be Liverpool’s next manager, it’d seem a case of settling for the best available option rather than hiring the man that they truly want as Klopp’s successor.

#Ep102 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: EOTK Insider with Neil Jones

The post ‘I really like him…’ – David James says 41y/o ‘should be in the mix’ to replace Klopp at Liverpool appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

David James has urged Liverpool to ‘dominate’ one man in particular when they face Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday evening.

The two title contenders go head-to-head at Anfield later, with a win for either team sending out a massive statement of intent and ensuring they’ll be top on Christmas Day.

Speaking on The Football News Show on BBC Sport, the former Reds goalkeeper named the one Gunners player who must be kept ‘quiet’.

James advised Liverpool: “What do they need to do? Just dominate [Martin] Odegaard, I think, is the key. I think he is [Arsenal’s] out-and-out best player. I know the other players have got individual quality, the likes of [Bukayo] Saka [are] very impressive to watch, but Odegaard pulls the strings. 

“He gets the opposition out of position in order for him to sort of control the game, and I have seen Manchester City do it on a number of occasions, keep him quiet, and all of a sudden Arsenal don’t know how to function.”

READ MORE: Liverpool given welcome boost over £150k-p/w dynamo ahead of Arsenal showdown

READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp reveals when he’s hoping for Liverpool ‘leader’ to return to action

The £240,000-per-week Norwegian (Capology) was the on-field brains behind Arsenal’s unexpected Premier League title challenge last season, and he’s again been one of their best players this term.

Odegaard ranks third among Mikel Arteta’s squad according to WhoScored performance ratings, with only Saka and Eddie Nketiah scoring more than his four league goals in 2023/24, while he boasts the Gunners’ highest average of shots per game (2.4) and second-best match average for key passes (2.3).

It seemed no coincidence that the north Londoners lost at Newcastle in early November when their captain was ruled out with a hip problem (Transfermarkt), and his shoot-on-sight mindset should see Liverpool suffocating him at every opportunity once he so much as gets into our half of the pitch this evening.

More than anyone else for Arsenal, the 25-year-old has the ability to conduct the orchestra and dominate in midfield, which in turn helps the likes of Saka and Nketiah to flourish ahead of him.

It doesn’t take a genius to see why James has pinpointed him as the man whose influence the Reds must curb at Anfield. The Gunners have plenty of dangerous players elsewhere who need to be watched, for sure, but nullifying Odegaard could help to go a long way towards Jurgen Klopp overseeing a huge scalp in the title race.

EOTK Stats Pack: Liverpool v Arsenal – Form guide, the fortunes of league leaders at Christmas and MORE

The post ‘Keep him quiet’ – David James says Liverpool must nullify £240k-p/w Arsenal magician tonight appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

David James has explained what Liverpool must do if they’re to beat Arsenal at Anfield tomorrow.

The Gunners, who are currently a point clear of Jurgen Klopp’s side at the top of the Premier League, travel to Merseyside searching for their first win this side of Stanley Park since 2012.

The Gunners were not in action during the week and are therefore likely to benefit from the extra recovery time while Liverpool defeated West Ham 5-1 at L4 on Wednesday night.

David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale are continuing to battle it out to become Mikel Arteta’s number one between the sticks and ex-Red James claims the former doesn’t fill him with confidence.

He told instantcasino.com (via Express): “Arsenal have got a goalkeeper in David Raya who, from what I’ve seen, isn’t fully confident. If he’s not confident, then the Arsenal defence won’t be confident.

“His positioning is definitely questionable from my perspective, and if I’m Liverpool I’d be shooting from silly positions. With Raya’s positioning, there’s the opportunity to score from places that you normally would not, and with the ability of Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold, they can definitely nick a 1-0 win.

‌”Unfortunately for Aaron Ramsdale, he’s had three or four games in the past couple of months. This is the tough thing about being the number two goalkeeper – you’re looking at your manager thinking, ‘I know you don’t fancy me’, and you have to take on a different role in the squad.”

READ MORE: Ornstein provides update on chances of ‘absolutely outstanding’ player leaving Liverpool this summer

The north London-based outfit have won 12 of their opening 17 league games this term and will travel to Anfield full of confidence.

The Gunners have a number of exceptional players who will look to harm Klopp’s men on the counter attack but James has singled out one player who Liverpool must keep quiet if they’re to earn all three points.

“The key for Liverpool winning is keeping Martin Odegaard quiet. He’s such a wonderful player to watch – he takes up brilliant positions and makes defenders and midfielders question where they’re supposed to be.

“When top sides like City last season kept him quiet, it prevented Arsenal from playing properly and going through the gears. It doesn’t necessarily make for the most attractive of matches, but I don’t think Liverpool need to be pleasing people with aesthetics at the moment.

“A scrappy, horrible 1-0 win is all they would need.”

Arsenal will also be worrying about a number of our players, however.

Mo Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo found the back of the net against the Hammers while Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott thrived when handed a chance from the start by our German tactician.

We appear all set for a thrilling encounter tomorrow evening but let’s hope we can get the win which will see us sit top of the table for Christmas.

Anfield Annals: John Smith – Liverpool’s Red Knight and Most Successful Chairman

The post ‘The key for Liverpool’ – David James explains what Liverpool must do if they’re to beat Arsenal appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

David James has claimed that he’s ‘not surprised’ Liverpool appear to be challenging for the Premier League title this term.

The Reds’ 1-1 draw against Manchester City on Saturday means Jurgen Klopp’s side are third in the table, just two points behind league leaders Arsenal after 13 games.

One of the main reasons behind Liverpool’s strong start to the season is down to the midfield overhaul which our German tactician completed in the summer.

One of our summer signings, Dominik Szoboszlai, has been labelled a ‘revelation’ by ex-Red James who believes the Anfield outfit are firmly in the title race.

“I’m not surprised,” James told Sky Sports (via HITC). “Right at the beginning of the season, I thought the signings were right.

“A lot of midfield players were lost during the summer. Sometimes losing players makes you stronger because you don’t have to deal with so many in and out players, if you like.

“The likes of Szoboszlai, this guy is a revelation. He is a firm fan favourite already. I just think the way the team are playing, they are playing with confidence.

“Are they in a title rice? Absolutely.”

READ MORE: (Video) Szoboszlai catches up with RB Leipzig head coach ahead of their UCL clash with Man City

All of our four summer signings have showed what they’re made of during the early stages of their Liverpool careers.

Szoboszlai, however, is the one player that has stood out this term with a number of lively performances in the middle of the park.

The Hungarian brings a lot of energy and quality to our engine room which is refreshing to see following last season’s dismal campaign.

We’ve started well this term but there’s still a long way to go before – we’ve achieved nothing yet.

EOTK FPL Gameweek 13 Review : Trippier OUT & Zinchenko IN? Gordon the ultimate differential? Haaland & Salah must-haves

The post Ex-Red claims Liverpool summer signing ‘is a revelation’ as title race claim is made appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

David James has admitted he’s surprised that Manchester City have made a move for Mateo Kovacic this summer and instead thinks the Croatian would’ve been ‘more suited to Liverpool’.

Having enjoyed a successful few years at Stamford Bridge the former Real Madrid man is closing in on a £30m move to the Etihad, that’s according to Fabrizio Romano on Twitter.

Ex-Red James believes Jurgen Klopp’s high intensity style of play would’ve suited Kovacic and has labelled the 29-year-old as a ‘magical’ player.

“Someone who plays like Mateo Kovacic does, I would have thought would be more suited to Liverpool than Manchester City,” James told King Casino Bonus (via Metro).

“I’ve been buzzing off this guy for a few years now; the way he picks the ball up and goes through lines with ease, it looks like he is always at 100mph. There is something magical about the way he plays.

“There is a lot of speed, energy and pace in the way Liverpool have played ever since Jurgen Klopp took over and someone like Kovacic would be ideal for that.

“The way that Man City play is typically a lot slower and less reliant on running with the ball, just look at Kevin de Bruyne’s passing stats.

READ MORE: James Pearce explains the ‘vital’ transfer business Liverpool must complete this summer

“Pep Guardiola might be thinking of having a tactical re-think again, Kovacic isn’t the type of player I thought Man City would be going after.

“Then again, neither was Erling Haaland and that worked out alright! I think if a player like Kovacic went for Liverpool however, I think that would be a great fit.”

Chelsea struggled majorly last term and Kovacic only registered two goals and two assists (across all competitions). He’s a very talented player, though, and Pep Guardiola will help him develop even further.

After becoming a free agent this summer Ilkay Gundogan has left City to join Barcelona and the Sky Blues will view the Croatia international as a perfect replacement for the former Borussia Dortmund man.

Klopp, meanwhile, is desperate to strengthen his own options in the middle of the park further following the signing of Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton earlier this month.

There were no links between Kovacic and Liverpool but it’s understandable as to why James thought he’d be a good fit for the Reds.

He’s a player that would bring a lot of energy and dynamism to the engine room and despite the fact he’s approaching 30 years of age £30m is somewhat of a bargain for a player of his experience.

EOTK Insider with Neil Jones: TWO midfielders at the front of the queue, truth about Tchouameni interest, Trent’s impact on transfers, and much more!

The post David James claims ‘magical’ player who’s about to sign for Man City ‘would be more suited to Liverpool’ appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

David James has told Liverpool they they can have ‘something special’ in midfield if they complete the signings of Jude Bellingham and Mason Mount.

The former is believed to be the club’s main summer transfer target after impressing for Borussia Dortmund and England this season while Mount has also been linked with a move to Anfield from Chelsea in recent weeks.

The 24-year-old may be uncertain about his Stamford Bridge future following the huge number of attacking signings made by new owner Todd Boehly this season.

“I’m a big fan of Mason Mount. If you’re Mason Mount or Ruben Loftus-Cheek, prior to the transfer window at Chelsea, then you’d be questioning your longevity at the club, due to the number of signings that the club has made,” James told GGRecon (via the Express).

“It’s nothing to do with Graham Potter. I did my pro licence with him and he’s a fantastic manager and a fantastic person. 

READ MORE: ‘Monster’ Liverpool star may be one of four midfielders to leave the club in the summer – report

“But I just believe that there’s a lot of players that have come in for a lot of money and then there will be players at the club who were there before the transfer window, who would have believed they’d be at Chelsea for the rest of their career, like Mason Mount, but will now be starting to question whether that’s the case.

“If Liverpool are interested in him, then the prospect of Mason Mount and Jude Bellingham in Liverpool’s midfield would be something special I think.”

Mount has registered just three goals and six assists in 31 appearances for the London outfit this season (across all competitions) but has showed what he’s made of in recent seasons as well as impressing under Gareth Southgate for the Three Lions.

The Englishman’s versatility is something that may attract attention from Jurgen Klopp with him having the ability to operate in midfield as well as part of a front three.

Strengthening our options in the middle of the park is a priority for our German tactician come the summer and with the Chelsea star out of contract in the capital next year and talks over a new deal so far failing to progress, the Blues are reportedly willing to let their No. 19 leave for a fee in the region of £40m.

Adding Bellingham and Mount to our midfield options would be a quality bit of business and it’s looking likely that our squad for the 2023/24 campaign is going to look a lot different.

Qualifying for the Champions League is imperative if we’re to attract big names to Anfield, however, so let’s hope we can pick up our third league win in a row tomorrow against Crystal Palace.

40% of Liverpool’s summer loans failed – what’s happened to the club’s loan system?

The post Liverpool told they can have ‘something special’ in midfield if they complete two specific signings in the summer appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

David James believes that although FSG are seeking investment into Liverpool at the moment, the owners will only accept offers from parties that will bring a ‘positive change’ to the club.

John W. Henry and Co released a statement last month that suggested they’re willing to listen to offers for the Merseyside outfit and with reports claiming that they’re leaning towards a partial sale of the club rather than a full one, the ex-Red believes FSG will only complete a deal that is ‘beneficial to the football club’.

“If the club was to be sold, and it’s a big if, their current owners have experience in sport and will want to sell the club to someone that’s in the best interest of Liverpool,” the former goalkeeper told the Games Cabin (via Liverpool World).

READ MORE: ‘Deserves a lot more credit’ – Alexander-Arnold believes Liverpool teammate is ‘criminally underrated’

“What they’ve done quite often is listen to the needs of the fans and they value the Liverpool supporters. I believe any change will be a positive change and they’ll only do a deal that’s beneficial to the football club.”

A number of names and different parties have been linked with a move for the FA Cup champions ever since FSG’s announcement – the most recent being a joint Saudi-Qatari venture.

Although investors from the Middle East would be able to provide a huge influx of cash at a time when Reds fans are crying out for new signings, the idea of having owners with questionable human rights records isn’t ideal.

FSG have divided opinion since taking charge of the club back in 2010, but we certainly believe they’ve done a lot more good than bad during their time.

The ongoing redevelopment of Anfield Stadium and the move from Melwood to the state-of-the-art AXA Training Centre are two huge positives, but we understand that the ‘sell before we buy’ policy that they’ve adopted during their time on Merseyside may have run its cause.

Why Scousers don’t support England – Paddy ‘the Baddy’ Pimblett hits the nail on the head

The post ‘If the club was to be sold’ – Ex-Red speaks out about FSG’s plans for Liverpool sale appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Liverpool have drawn their first two games of the season and could enter the game against Manchester United by being seven points behind Manchester City already.

It’s not the dream start we would have wanted but David James has had his say on there being no reason for our supporters to get too worried yet.

Speaking on Sky Sports News, our former goalkeeper claimed that Jurgen Klopp’s side have “plenty of time” to get themselves back into the title race.

READ MORE: Liverpool confirm ‘historic moment’ as the club announces a Supporters Board and holds inaugural meeting

Let’s hope we can record our first victory of the season at Old Trafford and kickstart the new campaign.

You can watch James’ thoughts on Liverpool via Sky Sports News on YouTube:

EOTK Insider Opinion: 90% of Liverpool fans want Jurgen Klopp to sign a new midfielder this summer but they’re wrong

The post (Video) David James refuses to worry about Liverpool’s start to the season and claims there is “plenty of time” for a title charge appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

David James was initially reluctant to rule Liverpool out of the title race though did concede that it would become distinctly less achievable for his old club to catch Manchester City if they were to lose at Old Trafford on Monday.

The Merseysiders and Manchester United will enter the meeting at the Theatre of Dreams both searching for their first league win of the season.

With a gap of four points already leading some commentators to suggest that the Reds’ hopes of securing a 20th league title are slim, one can only begin to imagine the doom and gloom that will run amok if we fail to secure all three points in Manchester.

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

The post (Video) Ex-Red issues frightening title warning to Liverpool ahead of Manchester United visit appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Ex-Liverpool man David James was quick to claim that Luis Diaz’s long-range effort against Crystal Palace was a goal of the season contender.

The Colombian’s stunning hit following a stunning weaving run that saw him fend off multiple challenges before equalising in a spectacular fashion to secure a second point of the campaign for Jurgen Klopp’s men.

It came at the perfect time for the 25-year-old who has earned some criticism for his comparative lack of goals to the likes of Mo Salah and Co.

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

The post (Video) David James makes huge claim about Luis Diaz only two games into the season appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

David James has claimed that Liverpool’s achievements last season ‘were literally incredible’ but has warned Jurgen Klopp’s side that they are ‘going to have to improve to stay the same’.

The former Reds ‘keeper believes that with ‘everyone else around them strengthening’ that the Anfield outfit will need to add to their squad themselves this summer in order to remain as competitive as possible.

Klopp’s side picked up the Carabao and FA Cup last term whilst also finishing the seasons as runners-up in both the Premier League and Champions League.

The Merseysiders played every game possible last term which is a serious achievement, even if Reds supporters were disappointed that the two so-called ‘bigger’ trophies eluded them.

READ MORE: Two Liverpool figures ‘played important roles in persuading’ Darwin Nunez to join the Reds – Paul Joyce

Their quadruple hopes went right down to the wire and it appears that those at Liverpool have a similar opinion to James due to the fact that they’re believed to be on the verge of sealing a huge £85m deal for Benfica forward Darwin Nunez.

The Reds are also reportedly close on signing teenage defender Calvin Ramsay from Aberdeen.

Sadio Mane is rumoured to be heading to Bayern Munich, whilst Takumi Minamino and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain may also leave the club this summer.

Liverpool were pipped to the Premier League title by a single point by Manchester City and are expected to once again tussle it out alongside Pep Guardiola’s side for league glory in the new campaign.

The Citizens have confirmed the signing of Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund meaning that their attacking quality has improved further ahead of the new season.

Klopp and his staff have worked wonders in the transfer market ever since he arrived on Merseyside in 2015 so all Reds supporters will have trust in the German to once again get the business done ahead of another huge campaign.

You can see James speaking to Sky Sports below via Twitter:

"Liverpool are going to have to improve to stay the same."

David James believes Liverpool will need to strengthen in the transfer window to keep pace with their rivals pic.twitter.com/jVoN80KCXD

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) June 12, 2022

EOTK Insider Opinion: Farewell to Loris Karius – one of the unluckiest players in Liverpool’s history

The post (Video) Ex-Red claims Liverpool ‘are going to have to improve’ to ensure they’re as competitive as possible next season appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Liverpool and Manchester City are competing once again, as the two sides meet at Wembley for the FA Cup semi-final.

Speaking with BBC Sport, a former player for both teams has given his thoughts on the match and David James said: ‘It’s almost unprecedented what we’re looking at this season with regards to City’s treble or Liverpool’s quadruple.

‘It’s easy to say they can’t do it because the chances are you’d be right but it depends how they are framing it with their teams.

READ MORE: Former Red insits that Mo Salah has ‘earned the right to play’ at Wembley and must start against Manchester City

‘Jurgen won’t even be thinking about it as a realistic proposition because one result could upset that.

‘I think Pep is looking at every game as it comes as well – I don’t think he’s looking at the treble.”

‘It might be the FA Cup where Pep makes changes and that would be down to injuries, given what happened this week, Liverpool have got everything in their favour for Saturday’.

It’s going to be an enthralling end to the season with both teams in pursuit of history and it largely being the other that is stood in their way.

We want four trophies, the Citizens want three and first chance to stop the hopes of both teams will come during the match at the national stadium.

Fingers crossed we come out on top and the injury issues that are facing Pep Guardiola’s side will benefit us in the end of season run-in.

#Ep43 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: Should Salah be dropped v Man City? Keita contract… and more!

The post Ex-Liverpool and Manchester City ‘keeper believes Jurgen Klopp’s side have ‘everything in their favour’ ahead of Wembley appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.

Former Liverpool goalkeeper David James has advised his old side to make a move for Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli, rather than Leeds United star Raphinha.

The Reds may be looking to strengthen their attacking options in the summer as a result of Bobby Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mo Salah all yet to agree on contract extensions as they enter the final 12 months of their current deals.

“Gabriel Martinelli is one player who I get excited by. If it was a choice between Martinelli and Raphinha, I would go for Martinelli,” the ex-Red told ggrecon.com (via The Sport Review).

“He’s young and he’s got everything you need. It’s almost like a slightly rawer [Luis] Diaz, and the beauty of Diaz is that he can play basically anywhere.

“Martinelli obviously occupies the left a lot more. I always think that with a good environment and age, you can manipulate a player into something else, and I think Martinelli fits that criteria.

“He’s young and more than capable. And I can imagine him in a Liverpool kit, doing what he does with Arsenal, if not better, and just fitting in seamlessly.

“If you look at Liverpool’s recruitment, the age of the players they’re buying – they’re young: they’re kind of like “we’ve already got the team now, but what’s it going to look like in the future?” and they’re bringing in those players to fill in those spaces where if [Roberto] Firmino, [Sadio] Mane, Salah drop out, they’ll be ready to go and replace them.”

READ MORE: Liverpool one of three European outfits to target West Ham flop as potential Firmino replacement – Fichajes

Rumours have emerged recently claiming that the Reds have made a bid for Brazil international Raphinha, but it’s understandable for James to argue that Martinelli would be the better option for us.

The Gunners youngster is five years younger than Raphinha and has five goals and three assists in 19 Premier League appearances this term.

He does appear to have all the attributes to succeed on Merseyside with his direct and pacey style of play and Jurgen Klopp has also expressed his admiration for the 20-year-old in the past – labelling him as the ‘talent of the century’.

The Brazilian does usually operate from the left-wing, similar to Mane and Luis Diaz, but has been deployed centrally at times for the Gunners and there’s no reason why Klopp can’t adapt his game to become a quality central forward.

It’ll be interesting to see whether we decide to further strengthen our attacking options in the summer – but for now, we have three more trophies to focus on this season before we should even consider any transfers.

#Ep42 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: Is Jota underappreciated? FA failing fans… and more!

The post ‘Can imagine him in a Liverpool kit’ – Ex-Red on the Premier League star he’s ‘excited by’ and claims he’d fit in ‘seamlessly’ to Jurgen Klopp’s side appeared first on The Empire of The Kop.