‘He is just beautiful’ – Danny Murphy couldn’t get enough of 73-touch Liverpool wizard v Arsenal
Danny Murphy was left in awe of one ‘beautiful’ Liverpool player’s performance in their 2-0 win over Arsenal in the FA Cup on Sunday evening.
A Jakub Kiwior own goal and a stoppage time Luis Diaz strike took the Reds into the fourth round of the competition and made it two wins out of two at the start of 2024.
The opener stemmed from a fizzing Trent Alexander-Arnold free kick from the left flank, and speaking on BBC One (7 January, 17:23), the former Anfield midfielder was waxing lyrical over the 25-year-old’s performance.
Murphy gushed: “He has been Liverpool’s best player. His passing, he is just beautiful with his passing, and this is the impact, this is the impact that he has now in games more.
“Nearly every game you watch Liverpool play, nearly every game he plays now, Trent, he is impacting the game positively and productively.”
This was indeed another game which shows Trent’s maturity as a footballer since being named Liverpool’s vice-captain last summer. As skipper today in Virgil van Dijk’s absence, the 25-year-old led by example.
As per Sofascore, he took 73 touches, completed 43 of his 55 passes (78% success) – including two key passes and five accurate long balls – won six of his nine duels and made three clearances, three tackles and two blocks.
In addition to his telling free kick delivery for Kiwior’s own goal, the Reds’ number 66 almost gave his team the lead just before half-time with a thunderous shot which cannoned off the crossbar.
On an evening when Liverpool’s resilience and match-winning quality came to the fore, Trent produced yet another big performance to help his team maintain the possibility of a four-trophy season.
Jamie Carragher names the Liverpool player who is back to his best after beating Arsenal
Liverpool saw off Arsenal in FA Cup action tonight and Jamie Carragher believes the Reds have got the best version of Luis Diaz back.
Diaz was involved in both goals as Liverpool won at The Emirates.
First, the Colombian jumped to try and head in Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross before it was turned into his own goal by Jakub Kiwior. Then, late in the day, Diaz finished emphatically to finish the tie off and send Liverpool cruising into round four.
Diaz is now back among things at Liverpool after a few injury issues and a problem involving his Father.
And taking to social media just now, former Red Jamie Carragher has said that he thinks Diaz is now back to his very best in a Liverpool shirt.
Jurgen Klopp knows that this is a big season for his team. Having sold a number of players in the summer and reinvested, it was vital he got them going early.
The German has done that and the Reds are right in the mix to win this season on a number of fronts.
And in Luis Diaz, they have a player who, on his day, is as good as any wide forward in the Premier League.
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Kylian Mbappe is reportedly weighing up a free transfer to the Premier League in the summer.
The 2018 World Cup winner has just six months left on his deal at Paris Saint-Germain having so far refused to extend his stay.
It has been widely reported that should he depart France, he would link up with LaLiga leaders Real Madrid.
But according to The Times, a switch to Spain appears uncertain with the 25-year-old unimpressed by Real’s attempt to pressure him into signing a pre-contract.
Real are claimed to have imposed a January 15 deadline on Mbappe to agree terms regarding a summer transfer.
And this allegedly has rubbed the ex-Monaco star up the wrong way – telling friends that Real will not decide his future for him.
As it stands, Mbappe is said to have so far rejected their proposal.
He is now exploring a possible move to the Premier League as he weighs up his future.
Liverpool are known to be admirers of the player, with the Merseyside outfit coming close to signing him in the past.
Mbappe revealed he held talks with the Reds before he linked up with PSG in 2017.
Meanwhile he has also revealed he almost joined Arsenal. Mikel Arteta known to be in the market of bolstering his attack.
Mbappe was recently asked by French media whether he has made his mind up over where he will be playing next term.
But he remained coy on his future, as he said: “No. I’m very, very motivated for this year.
“It is very important. As I said, we have got titles to go after and we have already taken one.
“After that, I haven’t made up my mind yet. I have not made a choice.”
Mbappe has been in lethal form yet again this campaign – chipping in with 22 goals in 23 games in all competitions.
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