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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is a keen admirer of Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella and will undoubtedly hope to sign the Italy international this summer if an apt opportunity arises.

What's the latest on Nicolo Barella?

According to The Times' Paul Joyce, Barella is indeed a player Klopp 'admires' and Liverpool will continue to monitor his situation attentively following claims of interest from Calciomercato earlier this month.

However, the 26-year-old is not believed to be desperate for a departure from Milano at present, and valued at a reported £69m and with three years remaining on his current deal, it won't be an easy deal to ease over the line.

But with James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all departing Anfield this month, there are few maestros on the major stage more suited to a career under Klopp's wing than Barella.

What would Nicolo Barella bring to Liverpool?

The Athletic's ever-reliable David Ornstein recently confirmed that the Reds are "exploring a transfer deal" for Red Bull Leipzig playmaker Dominik Szoboszlai, though a move is complicated by the Hungarian's €70m (£61m) release clause, which ostensibly expires this week.

As Liverpool failed to qualify for the Champions League last season for the first time in seven seasons with a fifth-placed Premier League finish, with much criticism on the efficacy and robustness of the midfield, it seems that technical director Jorg Schmadtke is making the right moves to take the club back towards prominence.

And if an incredible, albeit unlikely midfield partnership in Szoboszlai and Barella could be crafted this summer, the Anfield side's verve and vigour would be back with an almighty bang.

Barella has been hailed as a "genius" by sport editor Mike Pielluci for his remarkable feats in the centre of the park, having scored nine goals and provided ten assists from 52 matches as I Nerazzurri clinched the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana this season, also falling to treble winner Manchester City in a close Champions League final.

As per FBref, the midfield general ranks among the top 8% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 12% for shot-creating actions, the top 19% for progressive passes and the top 11% for progressive carries per 90.

That would meld well with Leipzig's creative force's skill set, with the £153k-per-week Barella complementing a dynamic No. 10 with his driving approach.

Comparatively, Szoboszlai ranks among the top 15% of attacking midfielders for assists, the top 8% for shot-creating actions, the top 5% for passes attempted, the top 3% for progressive passes, the top 11% for blocks and the top 13% for clearances per 90.

With Barella's prowess in weaving through the thirds both as a ball-carrying vessel and a ball-playing master, Liverpool would unearth a diamond capable of catalysing the intensity and confidence of Klopp's team.

But with an all-encompassing force in Szoboszlai proving his worth as a creative gem while not negating his defensive duties – evidenced by his FBref metrics – it could be a devastating partnership rivalling any in world football.

With India needing eight off the last two balls, stand-in captain Harmanpreet Kaur struck Marcia Letsoalo over midwicket for a six and then took two off the last ball to secure the title for her team

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Feb-2017
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsThe Indian women players pose after edging South Africa•International Cricket CouncilWith India needing eight off the last two balls, stand-in captain Harmanpreet Kaur struck Marcia Letsoalo over midwicket for a six and then took two off the last ball to secure the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier title for her team at the P Sara Oval, in Colombo.India’s chase of 245 boiled down to nine needed off the last over. Harmanpreet dragged the first ball, a slower one, to deep midwicket and aimed for a double, but Poonam Yadav was run out at the non-striker’s end for 7 off 15 balls. Letsoalo then sent down three successive dots to tip the game in South Africa’s favour. Harmanpreet, though, snatched victory to ensure India finished the tournament unbeaten.Rajeshwari Gayakwad, the No.11, who hung on with Harmanpreet, was earlier impressive with the ball. Her left-arm spin complemented Shikha Pandey’s pace; their combined returns of 5 for 92 helped India dismiss South Africa for 244.Having elected to bat, all of South Africa’s top eight moved into double-figures, with the top score being Mignon du Preez’s 40 off 72 balls. Opener Lizelle Lee and captain Dane van Niekerk made 37 each before Suné Luus’ 29-ball 35 took the total close to 250.Deepti Sharma, who bowled an economical spell of 1 for 46 in the first innings, laid the platform for India’s chase with a second-wicket partnership of 124 in 25 overs with opener Mona Meshram (59). Sharma was dropped twice – on 46 and 70 – by van Niekerk, before she pressed onto score 71 off 89 balls, including eight fours.South Africa’s underwhelming fielding further strengthened India’s chances, as Luus handed a life to Veda Krishnamurthy in the 36th over. Pandey chipped in with a crucial 12, after Marizanne Kapp ended the fourth-wicket stand of 38 between Kaur and Krishnamurthy, who hit a 27-ball 31. India’s lower-middle order then caved in, losing four wickets for 14 runs. An unbeaten run-a-ball 41 from Kaur, however, ensured India sealed their highest successful chase in ODIs.”To be honest, I was waiting for that ball because that is my strong area,” Harmanpreet said after the win. “I know like we needed nine runs in the final over and I was going to hit the ball. If we run then we will go for two runs. My partner also did a great job and ran two runs. It was a totally team effort from our side.”

Sam Smith stole the show as Wrexham leapfrogged Wycombe into second place in a tight League One clash.

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Wrexham beat Wycombe 1-0Smith scored the winner late in the final quarterRed Dragons move to second spot in the standingsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportTELL ME MORE

Phil Parkinson wanted a reaction from his men following a 2-0 defeat to Reading midweek but after a lacklustre first-half display on Saturday, the manager fumingly raced down the tunnel to the dressing room. Wrexham looked clueless in attack, managed just one shot on target and had a passing accuracy of just 62 percent in the first 45 minutes.

Parkinson packed his midfield to win the battle at the centre of the park, but little did that trouble Wycombe. They looked threatening going forward and the Red Dragons had to keep it tight at the back to keep the match goalless at half-time. It was not until the 60th minute that Parkinson's men got a clear sight at goal but Smith was denied by the woodwork. The match was clamouring for fresh legs and Parkinson introduced Steven Fletcher and Elliot Lee to turn up the heat.

The changes did the trick as it was Fletcher who set up Smith in the 78th minute for the opener. The header fell kindly for the striker and Smith volleyed a shot into the roof of the net to send the 1800-strong Wrexham support into a frenzy. The goal could have massive significance on the final standings as by virtue of the victory, Wrexham moved to the second spot ahead of Wycombe – albeit having played a match more.

AdvertisementMATCH SUSPENDED DUE TO MEDICAL EMERGENCY

The match had to be suspended for almost 45 minutes due to a medical emergency in the Wrexham stand. The medics were prompt to attend the person and after providing immediate treatment, the person was taken away to a hospital for further tests.

GettyTHE MVP

Smith emerged as the difference maker between the two sides with a clinical finish and he was undoubtedly the MVP of the match. The striker could have even bagged a brace but for the woodwork.

Getty Images SportTHE BIG LOSER

While Smith put in an impressive shift at Adams Park, his strike partner, Jay Rodriguez had another afternoon to forget. After joining from Burnley in the winter transfer window, the striker is yet to find the net and the pressure continues to build. He was struggling to get involved in the match and Parkinson had to take him off in the 70th minute, putting an end to another frustrating afternoon in front of goal.

Key player in county’s run of trophies set to call time on 15-season career

ESPNcricinfo staff04-May-2022Adam Wheater, Essex’s wicketkeeper, is set to retire from professional cricket at the end of the 2022 season.Wheater, 32, made his first-class debut for Essex in 2008, and spent four seasons with Hampshire from 2013 to 2016, before returning to Chelmsford to play a pivotal role in the club’s run of red-ball success in recent seasons.After rejoining the club on a loan spell in 2016, Wheater played key roles in Essex’s two Championship wins in 2017 and 2019 – the former being their first title in 25 years, and the latter forming part of an unprecedented Championship and T20 Blast double.His form carried through into the Covid-interrupted 2020 season, as he averaged 58.20 to help Essex win the inaugural Bob Willis Trophy final at Lord’s. Across all formats, he has made 380 appearances in his career, scoring 10,876 runs while taking 386 catches and 64 stumpings.”It’s been a tough call to make, but the timing feels right and I’m pleased to be going out on my own terms,” Wheater said. “I’ve had a great time at both Essex and Hampshire. Not many players get the opportunity to play for their boyhood club, so to be able to do that has been a dream, and to be able to win the things we’ve won, I couldn’t have asked for more.”I’m looking forward to whatever comes next, but until then I’m fully committed to helping Anthony McGrath and this side secure more silverware.”I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank the Members, fans, players, staff and everyone associated with the club for their support over the years. It’s been a great journey and I hope you’ve enjoyed it as much as I have.”Essex appear to have a ready-made replacement for Wheater in Adam Rossington, the wicketkeeper-batter who signed on loan from Northamptonshire at the start of the season.Rossington is in the final year of his contract at Northants and it is understood that Essex are planning to offer him a permanent contract once they are able to do so on June 1.Essex’s chief executive and interim chair, John Stephenson, said: “I would like to thank Adam for his contribution to Essex County Cricket Club over his two spells with the club.”He’s been an excellent performer for this side and has been a big factor in the success we’ve enjoyed over the last six years.”

Misfiring Chelsea forward Cole Palmer missed training before the Leicester game due to illness, Enzo Maresca has revealed.

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Palmer missed penaltyAlmost left out of squadInsisted on playing despite feverFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The England attacker missed a penalty and once again failed to impress up top for Chelsea in their 1-0 win on Sunday, extending his goalless run to eight Premier League games. But it's a miracle he was on the pitch at all, with Chelsea boss Maresca revealing post-match that Palmer was not able to train the day before after suffering from a fever and diarrhoea. Palmer insisted on being involved even after struggling with this illness.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT MARESCA SAID

Asked why his forward wasn't at his best against relegation-threatened Leicester, Maresca responded: "It's very easy: Cole didn't train yesterday and during the night he didn't feel well. The reason why he didn't train yesterday is fever and diarrhea in the last 48 hours. This morning, he woke up and he asked me, 'I want to be on the pitch because I want to help this team, this club to play Champions League'. This shows how these players want to bring the club where it belongs to."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Palmer's lack of potency up top — with his last Premier League goal coming against Bournemouth on 14 January — proves "he is human", according to Chelsea's head coach. And the Blues have managed to secure some crucial results even without their star player in his usual scintillating form; their narrow win against Leicester took them to fourth place in the Premier League table, two points ahead of Manchester City, and in line for Champions League qualification.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

Chelsea's next Premier League fixture is a tough game against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge next Sunday. The Gunners' title hopes are looking slim after a disappointing result against Manchester United, but Arteta's side will still provide a stern test for Palmer and Co nonetheless, and their stellar defensive record means the England forward could be looking at another barren outing.

Amid the bombings, the Ukraine Cricket Federation CEO who’s been introducing schoolkids to the game hunkers down in Kyiv and holds on to hope for Associate status

Tristan Lavalette25-Feb-2022In the early hours of Friday, with Ukraine’s army desperately trying to repel a full-scale Russian invasion on the outskirts of the country’s capital Kyiv, Kobus Olivier sprung into self-preservation mode in his seventh-floor apartment close to the city’s centre.”I’ve put a mattress with some cushions on top to barricade the windows in case there is a blast outside, so glass won’t shatter into the room,” Olivier, the Ukraine Cricket Federation chief executive, told ESPNcricinfo. “No one had taken it seriously in the weeks leading up. Everyone thought it was Russian propaganda. When I walked my dogs on Thursday morning, I heard huge blasts and ran straight back to my apartment. It became very real. It’s a terrifying feeling and you feel helpless.”The self-confessed “cricketing nomad”, who has been credited with fuelling a surprising rise of the sport in Ukraine, has so far remained remarkably stoic given the grim situation. The improved deeds of his compatriots in New Zealand have provided a much-needed momentary distraction for Olivier, who played domestic cricket in South Africa and for 14 years was director of cricket at the University of Cape Town, where Graeme Smith came through the ranks.”The guys coming back well after the first Test defeat has lifted me…[Sarel] Erwee getting a century has cheered me up,” he said. “I’m keeping an eye on the cricket to help get me through this horrific situation.”Kobus Olivier is also a principal and English teacher at a private school in Kyiv, and has introduced the kids to cricket•Kobus OlivierWith panicked residents trying to flee Kyiv on Thursday, leading to chilling images beamed worldwide of a traffic backlog, Olivier decided to hunker down at home. He could not leave his four dogs behind and also abandon cricket, which he had helped build from the ground up in his adopted country. So he emptied his bank account, exchanged his money into US dollars and stocked up on food for a month.”Developing cricket in Ukraine has almost been an obsession,” said Olivier, who in his day job is a principal at a private school in Kyiv. “I’ve worked so hard, every day, for the last few years.”When I go to school, kids are always saying ‘when are we playing cricket’. Just two days before the bombings, it was a nice sunny day but still only 5 degrees C. The kids asked me if we could play cricket outside, so we did and they just loved it.”If I left, I don’t know if I could return. It would be so sad to give up on cricket here.”Olivier moved to Kyiv four years ago in a career change to take a breather from cricket, following among other things stints as Cricket Kenya chief executive, national youth coach in the Netherlands and setting up academies in Dubai.The only cricket played up to that point in Ukraine had been by medical students from India, who played among themselves. A few months into his new job, in an attempt to rouse interest among students bored of learning English, Olivier sought a left-field approach and unveiled a game they had never heard of.

“I’m not sure if our cricket oval will survive the bombings. It’s a new ground with pavilions being installed and there is a beautiful indoor facility with nets to be set up. That was going to be our cricket headquarters… I’m not sure now”Olivier on the cricket facilities in Kharkiv

“I decided to show them cricket and try to help them learn English in a fun environment,” Olivier said. “Luckily I had with me a plastic cricket set. They thought cricket was croquet and had never seen it before. I told them that it was like baseball but more exciting. The kids loved it.”This mysterious bat-and-ball sport soon took off school-wide and beyond to the extent where Ukraine is poised to become an Associate member at the ICC’s annual general meeting in July. Olivier believed Ukraine had satisfied the ICC’s strict membership criteria, which includes the requirement of junior and women’s development, leading to invaluable funding and T20I status.Without sources of funding – cricket is not deemed an official sport by the Ukrainian government – Olivier has had to tap into his reservoir of influential connections to provide equipment and attire.”We’ve submitted a final application to the ICC and it’s ticked all the boxes,” he said. “We’ve done everything we can. We are looking at USD 18,000 a year (ICC funding) if it’s successful. But we want to use the membership to make our own money because we can then approach sponsors that we are an Associate member of the ICC and will be playing international cricket through T20Is.”Without membership we have little credibility and we are essentially playing unofficial cricket in the park.”Kobus Olivier has tried to barricade windows in his apartment in Kyiv, as a measure against shattering glass•Kobus OlivierThe developments in the past few days has halted momentum and there is an unknown over Ukraine’s cricket future although an indefatigable Olivier has remained positive. “If this was closer to July then the ICC might be uncertain to give us Associate membership,” he said. “No one knows what will happen after this but we still have time. The cricket programme will continue.”While he remained hopeful of attaining Associate membership, Olivier’s main concern centred over Ukraine’s cricket hub in Kharkiv, the second largest city in the country and a major target of Russia’s invading forces.”I’m not sure if our cricket oval will survive the bombings,” Olivier said. “It’s a new ground with pavilions being installed and there is a beautiful indoor facility with nets to be set up. That was going to be our cricket headquarters… I’m not sure now.”Amid such a dire predicament, Olivier finds strength in the resolve of hard-bitten locals, particularly the youth he has made such an unlikely connection with through cricket.”People here are tough and hard, they are survivors,” he said. “Cricket has really caught on with the youth because they want to try something new. We have an ambition for Ukraine’s senior men’s and women’s teams to mainly comprise local players by next decade. The girls particularly have taken to cricket remarkably quickly.”I’m just hoping for the best. There’s not much else to do.”

Well, that wasn’t exactly a classic, but Arsenal made it four wins on the bounce last night and four wins in a row against Manchester United to boot.

Mikel Arteta’s side were far from their scintillating best in attack and actually looked quite blunt in the first half, but two set-piece goals in the second 45 secured all three points and kept them in the Premier League title race.

Moreover, while some of the forward players left much to be desired on the night, there were still several brilliant displays elsewhere, notably from William Saliba.

Saliba's performance vs Man Utd

Despite being without centre-back partner Gabriel Magalhaes due to injury, Saliba put in yet another monster performance, proving that he’s one of the very best defenders in the world, let alone England.

The French international was everywhere in defence, putting his body in the way and making it impossible for Rasmus Hojlund to hold up play, and then, to top it all off, he also scored the team’s second goal to all but guarantee that the three points would be staying in North London.

Unsurprisingly, the watching press were just as impressed by the former Saint-Étienne ace as we were, with the Standard’s Simon Collings awarding him an 8/10 match rating at full-time and writing that he was ‘so composed on the ball’ and utterly ‘dominant’ throughout.

While undoubtedly high praise, Collings’ appraisal is more than backed up by the stats.

In his 94 minutes on the pitch, the Bondy-born titan scored a goal, made two clearances, two interceptions and one tackle, won two of three ground duels, took 78 touches, completed 67 of 71 passes, was accurate in 100% of his long balls and took one shot on target.

Minutes

94

Goals

1

Clearances

2

Interceptions

2

Tackles

1

Ground Duels (Won)

3 (2)

Touches

78

Passing Accuracy

67/71 (94%)

Long Balls (Accurate)

2 (2)

Shots on Target

1

Overall, it was a practically perfect display from Saliba, yet one of his teammates was arguably just as good.

Performance in Numbers

Want data and stats? Football FanCast's Performance in Numbers series provides you with the latest match analysis from across Europe.

The Arsenal star who was as good as Saliba vs Man Utd

So, there are a number of players who could potentially fit the bill, from centre-back partner Jakub Kiwior to right-back Jurrien Timber, but in reality, it’s the club’s £105m man, Declan Rice.

Yes, the former West Ham United captain has finally started to look back to his incredible best in recent games, and while he was a tad slow in the first half, he was sublime in the second, or as journalist Sam Dean said, a “different beast.”

It was the Englishman’s corner that was so perfectly placed for Timber to open the scoring, and then after that, it felt like he was here, there and everywhere.

One moment, he was snuffing out any counter-attacks threatening to develop, and the next, he was playing brilliant, accurate passes to help the Gunners maintain their stranglehold on the game.

The 25-year-old left Collings suitably impressed, as the journalist also awarded him an 8/10 match rating on the night, writing that he ‘gave Arsenal the injection of energy they needed.’

Like his French teammate, the 6 foot 2 wall’s statistics from the night back up all the praise.

In 94 minutes, he produced an expected assists figure of 0.41, provided an assist, took 56 touches, played three key passes, completed 100% of his long balls, created one big chance, blocked two shots, won five of six duels, and made one clearance, one interception and one tackle.

Minutes

94

Expected Assists

0.41

Assists

1

Touches

56

Key Passes

3

Long Balls (Completed)

2 (2)

Big Chances Created

1

Blocked Shots

2

Duels (Won)

6 (5)

Clearances

1

Interceptions

1

Tackles

1

Ultimately, while Timber and Saliba will understandably grab the headlines for their goalscoring exploits, Rice should receive just as much praise as he was simply sensational for Arsenal.

Saka & Martinelli hybrid: Arsenal chasing "one of the best LWs in Europe"

The sensational talent would be an excellent signing for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Dec 4, 2024

Scotland will progress to the 13th/14th playoff against the winner of Uganda vs PNG

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Jan-2022Nine Covid-19 cases in the Canada Under-19 camp has ended their World Cup campaign in the Caribbean, with their remaining two Plate games now cancelled. Canada were scheduled to play the matches on Saturday and Sunday, but their infected players will now go into isolation.Canada were scheduled to play two games in the Plate stage playoffs to determine ranks 13 to 16 in the competition. With their game against Scotland on Saturday now cancelled, Scotland will progress to the 13th/14th playoff against the winner of Uganda vs PNG.Canada’s other game – the 15th/16th playoff against the loser of Uganda vs PNG on Sunday – also stands cancelled.Related

Yash Dhull and four others recover from Covid-19 and available for knockouts

Two West Indies players sidelined with Covid-19 at Under-19 World Cup

India's Yash Dhull and five others forced to miss match against Ireland

Four Zimbabwe U-19 players test positive for Covid-19

“”We are incredibly disappointed to have to cancel two ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup games due to COVID-19 at this stage of the event. We were expecting to see some positive cases throughout the event and to date, these have been managed in accordance with our biosafety plan without impacting on fixtures,” Chris Tetley, ICC head of events, said in a media release. “However, with so many players from the Canadian team testing positive, it will not be possible to stage these games.”The players are now self-isolating and will receive full support from the event medical team under the guidance of the Bio-Safety Advisory Group.”As per the tournament’s playing conditions, players who test positive at the competition are expected to serve at least seven days of quarantine. Canada’s positive cases are the fifth instance of players testing positive at the World Cup. Four Zimbabwe players had first tested positive before the tournament had started, followed by five cases in the India squad – who have all recovered for the knockouts – and then two players tested positive for West Indies, before another India player tested positive on Friday.

The Bianconeri crashed out of the tournament with a poor showing from the penalty spot

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Juventus draw Empoli 1-1, fall in penalties 4-2McKennie and Weah started match now eliminated from all Cup competitions in 24-25Follow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

U.S. internationals Tim Weah, Weston McKennie and Juventus crashed out of the 2024-25 Coppa Italia Wednesday evening, falling to Empoli in a penalty shootout after a regulation 1-1 draw.

Two missed spot kick attempts from Dusan Vlahovic and Kenan Yildiz ultimately cost the a spot in the next round of the competition after a contentious regulation period.

Empoli opened up the scoring early in the first half, through attacker Youssef Maleh just 24 minutes into the match. However, midway through the second half, midfielder Khephren Thuram equalized for the After sharing the spoils across 90 minutes, the match ended in a stalemate, with the result being decided from the penalty spot in the ensuing shootout.

Neither McKennie or Weah took a penalty.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Juventus are now no longer competing in any cup competitions in 2024-25, and are eight points back from first place in Serie A, sitting fourth in the domestic league.

The goal for the as they near the end of the campaign now will be to maintain a top-four spot to clinch European competition next season, while pushing league leaders Inter Milan as the race for the Serie A title comes to a close.

McKennie and Weah both played 90 minutes on Wednesday, with the former captaining the team and leading the squad in the coin toss for the penalty shootout.

DID YOU KNOW?

Juventus are 15-time winners of the Coppa Italia, most recently lifting it in the 2023-2024 season, with their first time claiming the trophy being in the 1937-38 season. They will now have to wait next season to contend for trophies.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR JUVENTUS?

The are back in action this weekend in Serie A, when they take on Hellas Verona.

In the next round of the competition, Empoli will face Bologna in the semifinals.

Liverpool were expected to take time to adjust following the departure of long-standing manager Jurgen Klopp and the arrival of Arne Slot back in May.

That, however, has not been the case at all. The Reds are currently top of both the Premier League and Champions League, having won 15 of their 17 games in all competitions this term.

While their attackers, most notably the rejuvenated Mohamed Salah, have stolen the headlines, it’s their sturdy defence which has been the true key to their success.

Under Slot, Liverpool have conceded just six times in 11 Premier League games, keeping six clean sheets, while in Europe, they’ve let in just one goal in four games, that being in a 3-1 win over AC Milan at the San Siro.

Slot ready to shake things up at Liverpool

A large part of Liverpool’s impressive defensive record this term can be attributed to the performances of goalkeepers Alisson Becker and Caoimhin Kelleher, who have shared responsibilities between the sticks.

In the Premier League, the pair boast two of the highest clean sheet percentages this term – Alisson with 66.7% and Kelleher with 40%.

Premier League: Highest clean sheet percentages (2024/25)

Player

Club

Games

Save %

Vitezslav Jaros

Liverpool

1

100

Alisson Becker

Liverpool

6

66.7

Jason Steele

Brighton

2

50

Andre Onana

Manchester United

11

45.5

Caoimhin Kelleher

Liverpool

5

40

Mats Sels

Nottingham Forest

11

36.4

Nick Pope

Newcastle United

11

27.3

Stats correct as of November 19, 2024

Despite their impressive displays, however, Slot is, according to TBR Football, willing to let Alisson and Kelleher leave Liverpool in 2025 and hand the number one jersey to the inbound Giorgi Mamardashvili in what they describe as a shock decision.

Liverpool signed the Georgia international from Valencia in the summer for a fee of £30 million, and will join up with his new club until the end of this season. TBR Football claim that Liverpool are confident that a number of clubs would be interested in Alisson, who earns £150,000 per week at Anfield.

Meanwhile, the publication also claims that Kelleher, who earns just a fraction of Allison’s wages with £10,000 per week, has now been told he can leave the club next summer. The Republic of Ireland international had previously stated his desire to leave Anfield in search of first-team football, and it appears his wish has now been granted.

Mamardashvili could be wrong choice for Liverpool, claims Schwarzer

While Slot appears to have full confidence that Mamardashvili can be Liverpool’s main man in goal next term, Premier League legend Mark Schwarzer thinks otherwise.

During a recent appearance on the Optus Sport Football Podcast, relayed by Liverpool.com, the Australian, who is the second-most capped keeper in top-flight history, expressed his confusion at the Reds’ decision to sign the Georgian.

“The thing about that is, and we talked about it at the Euros as well, his strong point isn’t playing with the ball at his feet, Mamardashvili,” said Schwarzer.

“That’s why I was a little bit surprised by Liverpool signing him. I don’t understand it because I don’t think he is the blueprint of goalkeeper that they would have, like Alisson or even Kelleher with the ball at his feet, because they are very, very good.”