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Liverpool ceded territory in the Premier League for the second successive weekend, but it's not all doom and gloom. The Reds might have squandered the opportunity to set the pace before the October international break but results elsewhere have stirred up a compelling early title race.

Last weekend, having lost late to Tottenham Hotspur, Jurgen Klopp's side knew they had been hard done by but against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday, the only culprits for receiving one point stood on the AMEX Stadium pitch.

Brighton are a tricky customer and to head back to Merseyside with a draw is not the worst conclusion in the world, especially given that Arsenal and Ange Postecoglou's Spurs are only three points ahead in the driving seat.

Klopp also knows that his ambitious outfit will enjoy a favourable run of opponents in the English top flight before the daunting trip to the Etihad Stadium to take on Manchester City at the end of November.

Fixture

Date

vs Everton (home)

Saturday, 21 October

vs Nottingham Forest (home)

Sunday, 29 October

vs Luton Town (away)

Sunday, 5 November

vs Brentford (home)

Sunday, 12 November

With Europa League football the order of the day for Liverpool after a dreadful 2022/23 campaign bred rotten fruits, there is an apt opportunity for squad rotation, and while the tantalising rhythm of the Champions League's beat teases the Anfield side, early seasonal progress suggests a top-four finish is more than attainable.

Frankly, last season's demise was a result of the mouldering midfield that had been untouched for too long; once prosperous, intense, unrelenting, the likes of Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and James Milner were not performing at the requisite standard, and all have now moved on over the summer.

Arriving in their stead, a fresher, exciting mix have started to strut their stuff, with the all-consuming Dominik Szoboszlai possibly the most transformative signing since Virgil van Dijk was welcomed to the central defence; Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo are intriguing acquisitions in contrasting ways, with the former, aged 21, really growing into his skin.

Alexis Mac Allister was captured from Brighton for a bargain £35m in July, the first swoop of the summer as Liverpool started to rebuild having finished fifth last year.

The Argentine was integral for both club and country last term, winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and playing a starring role as the Seagulls secured European football for the first time in their history, and so far, he has been solid if unspectacular at his new club.

How many goals did Alexis Mac Allister score last season?

One year ago, Mac Allister was a rising star but not quite a high-profile phenom, but that, of course, would change when his impressive club performances warranted a place in Lionel Scaloni's World Cup squad.

The 24-year-old was quite simply magnificent after starting six of the seven matches, interestingly absent only for Argentina's shocking group-stage defeat to Saudi Arabia.

Posting a goal, against Poland and a “sumptuous” assist, which came in the final and was hailed as such by Gary Lineker, Mac Allister completed 89% of his passes, averaged 1.3 key passes and 1.5 tackles per game and won 67% of his dribbles and 67% of his ground duels.

Stellar stuff, with the dynamism and energy turning Klopp's head, but if international exploits can sometimes be misleading to the longevity of a player's prowess, Mac Allister's performances were but an illustration of the grander, hundred-hued picture of his quality.

Across the 2022/23 club campaign, the 19-cap international plundered 12 goals and three assists across 40 appearances and insinuated himself within the Premier League's best, dubbed "very intelligent" by his compatriot Sergio Aguero.

His exploits led Albion content creator Ryan Adsett to dud him the club's "golden boy", such gilt-edged showings leading to a hive of interest from some of the Premier League's best, but despite advances from Arsenal and Chelsea, it was indeed Liverpool who won the race for his signature.

How is Alexis Mac Allister playing at Liverpool?

Now, Mac Allister has not quite hit his stride at Liverpool, but that is certainly not to say that he has been poor since his summer arrival, having been utilised in a deep-lying midfield role across all eight of his Premier League matches for the Reds.

This is because Liverpool failed to sign a starring holding midfielder after Fabinho's exit to the riches of the Saudi Pro League; Endo is an astute addition, but he is probably not effective enough to serve in the role all the time.

Mac Allister's ball-playing prowess and intensity are attributes Klopp covets for his system, and it's important to remember that the £150k-per-week ace's displays have contributed toward a reformed Anfield centre that is not fit for purpose, whereas last season, it really was not.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 16% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for successful take-ons, the top 18% for progressive carries, the top 17% for shot-creating actions and the top 30% for progressive passes per 90.

The latter metric highlights a needed upswing in forward passes to effectively contribute to Liverpool's advances; comparatively, pass master Thiago Alcantara ranks among the top 6% for progressive passes per 90.

Mac Allister has served well insofar as he channels creativity and crispness through the forward lanes; where last year Liverpool's offensive efforts from the centre was an unreliable trickle, now it is a cascading flood.

However, against his former outfit, his deficiencies in the position were stripped bare, and his “struggle” against Roberto De Zerbi's fluid team, as stated by reporter Neil Jones, hindered Liverpool's push for three points.

Should Liverpool drop Alexis Mac Allister?

The 5 foot 8 machine has completed 89% of his passes in the Premier League this season, though is creating just 0.4 key passes per game and forging 2.5 tackles and 6.1 ball recoveries each outing, underscoring a shift in responsibility.

On the south coast once again, he showcased his laudable core qualities but was languid in receiving Van Dijk's danger-welcoming pass and was dribbled past, also committing three fouls.

In his post-match ratings, the Liverpool Echo's Ian Doyle branded him a 5/10 and wrote: 'Just doesn’t look comfortable in the number six role and way too casual when giving away ball for Brighton opener. Nipped in to initiate equaliser, though, and better second half.'

Not the only Anfield star culpable of a lapse, left-back Andrew Robertson also endured an afternoon to forget, constantly troubled by the mercurial Simon Adingra and failing to muster up much real attacking threat down the left side, with the Scot rewarded a slightly better 6/10 by Doyle. He was also at fault for Lewis Dunk's equaliser, failing to get anything on Solly March's teasing free-kick, leaving the Brighton defender to prod home unopposed.

The Scotland captain has been in fine fettle this season but will leave little applause after that match, though will surely retain his starting spot on the left despite Kostas Tsimikas' recent contract extension.

Right now, the same cannot be said for Mac Allister despite Curtis Jones still serving a suspension for two matches following his dismissal against Tottenham.

The multi-functional Gravenberch is waiting in the wings for his maiden Premier League start and has been praised for his "Rolls Royce" performances by reporter Declan Carr.

The industrious Endo would also offer a more defensive angle to the midfield, and while he may not be the most technically impressive player in Liverpool's squad, he is a veritable workhorse and could offer a steely dimension for the upcoming run of fixtures.

Ultimately, Liverpool are still in a fine position and could now kick on with a series of victories against opposition who should be felled by Klopp's squad (on paper, of course).

Perhaps Mac Allister should be deployed higher up, with someone such as Endo serving in the nub, but it's not quite working in the current role and there's a growing sense that this burgeoning phenom is unable to exude the swagger at his disposal right now.

Jade Dernbach and Morne Morkel shared eight wickets as Somerset, who had followed on 279 runs behind, were bowled out for 210

ECB Reporters Network22-Jun-2018
ScorecardSurrey routed Somerset by an innings with more than four sessions to spare to replace them at the Specsavers County Championship table.Jade Dernbach and Morne Morkel shared eight wickets as Somerset, who had followed on 279 runs behind, were bowled out for 210 in 61.2 overs to hand Surrey victory by an innings and 68 runs.Only James Hildreth, who finished unbeaten on 89, offered prolonged resistance to a rampant Surrey seam attack. It is the first time since 1958 that Surrey have won three games in succession by an innings and they went on to win the Championship that season as well.The odds on a first title since 2002, which was when Surrey last won at Guildford, will have shortened after this impressive performance.They set victory by taking five wickets in the first hour as Somerset, who resumed on 18 for 0, lurched to 69 for 5.Morkel made the breakthrough with his first ball of the day, trapping Matt Renshaw lbw half forward for two. Dernbach then picked up the first of two wickets in his opening spell when George Bartlett drove loosely and was caught behind.Ed Byrom could only fend off the next delivery – a well-directed bouncer from Morkel – to short leg then Dernbach pinned Tom Abell deep in his crease.Rikki Clarke had Steve Davies held in the gully at which point Somerset had lost five wickets for 51 runs before Hildreth and Lewis Gregory dug in, either side of lunch.They added 62 runs to raise Somerset hopes of a fightback before another well-directed short ball from Morkel broke the stand as Gregory edged low to Clarke at slip.Dom Bess played down the wrong line and lost his off stump to Clarke but Josh Davey gave Hildreth good support in an eighth wicket stand of 62 although Davey rode his luck. Surrey were convinced he had been caught behind before he had got into single figures and he was dropped on 19 by Scott Borthwick at second slip.Hildreth pulled offspinner Amar Virdi, who was being watched by England’s chief selector Ed Smith, into the adjoining road for six and coped well with Morkel’s pace but he ran out of partners. Davey eventually gloved another good lifter, this time from Dernbach, to wicketkeeper Ollie Pope and Tim Groenewald played on for a second-ball duck.Morkel applied the final touch when Max Waller, batting as concussion replacement for Jack Leach, who had been struck on the helmet by the South African on the second day, edged another bumper to Pope.Hildreth hit 13 fours and faced 127 balls but lacked support against a Surrey side who look well equipped to end their long wait for the title on this evidence.

Former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho met PIF chairman Yasser Al-Rumayyan while visiting Saudi Arabia for the Grand Prix last weekend.

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Mourinho attended Saudi Grand Prix last weekCould move to Saudi Arabia soonMourinho wants to return to management soonWHAT HAPPENED?

Last week, the Portuguese visited the Middle Eastern country as he attended a series of events, including the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. During his visit, Mourinho met Newcastle United and PIF chairman Yasser Al-Rumayyan. He also caught up with the chairman of the Saudi Entertainment Authority, Turki Al-Sheikh, where they reportedly discussed life in the Kingdom and his possible move, according to .

Advertisement(C)GettyImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Earlier, the veteran manager expressed his desire to move to Saudi Arabia. However, he rejected a lucrative offer from the PIF last summer as he wanted to continue at AS Roma. But since his unceremonious sacking by the Italian club, Mourinho can't wait to return to football management.

It is understood that the Saudi deal makers would either offer a managerial role in one of the four PIF-owned clubs – Al-Nassr, Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli – or he would be appointed as the next Saudi men's national team head coach.

DID YOU KNOW?

Saudi Arabia sports minister Prince Abdulaziz reportedly wants to involve the legendary former Manchester United and Real Madrid coach in sports projects that are part of the country's 'Vision 2030'.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR JOSE MOURINHO?

It remains to be seen if the 61-year-old will eventually move to the Middle East in the summer. Al-Hilal, who have won their last 28 matches across all competitions, are unlikely to change their manager Jorge Jesus. There is a possibility of a Real Madrid reunion between Cristiano Ronaldo and Mourinho as it has been suggested that Al-Nassr manager Luis Castro could get sacked after he failed to take the team beyond the AFC Champions League quarter-finals, and are currently trailing leaders Al-Hilal by 12 points in the Saudi Pro League.

Tottenham Hotspur have a distinct advantage over London rivals Chelsea in the race to sign a £52 million forward, according to reports this week.

Who could Spurs sign in January?

The north Londoners made seven major signings over the summer transfer window, with the likes of Micky van de Ven and James Maddison in particular going on to dazzle under new manager Ange Postecoglou. The duo are now mainstays of Tottenham's table-topping eleven. Van de Ven has formed an excellent partnership with Cristian Romero in central defence, while Maddison has scored two goals and assisted five others in the league alone.

Spurs legend Glenn Hoddle has raved over Maddison's form this season, telling Premier League productions that the Englishman could be about to hit his peak in these next few years.

“I always rated him,” said Hoddle. “I felt Tottenham three years should have gone and got him with Harry (Kane) in the team. I always felt that he was ahead of players who were getting ahead of him in the England squad when he was at Leicester. With better players around him, and certainly in that England team, I think you would see the best and that’s coming out of him now. He has matured."

However, reports in the last few weeks have claimed that Spurs have a few positions they wish to strengthen in the January window. Galatasaray defender Victor Nelsson, Juventus star Gleison Bremer, Bournemouth's Lloyd Kelly and Bayer Leverkusen star Edmond Tapsoba are all reported defensive targets as Postecoglou eyes solid back up for van de Ven and Romero. Tottenham only have Eric Dier to fall back on, something which could cause trouble if either of the pair were to be sidelined.

Meanwhile, a possible exit for midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, as has been reported, could mean that Spurs move to sign a replacement with one of the candidates being Chelsea star Conor Gallagher.

Tottenham transfer news – Marcus Edwards

Another player who's been linked with a move to north London is an ex-Spurs prodigy, with a report from Portugal providing the latest update on Marcus Edwards. Record, as translated and shared by Sport Witness, state both Tottenham and Chelsea are targeting the player who has a £52 million release clause, though his club, Sporting Lisbon, plan to raise it around £69m with a new contract.

The winger seems fairly keen on it, but he also has a "dream" of returning to England and playing his football in the Premier League. Both Spurs and Chelsea are possible landing spots, though Postecoglou's side have a distinct advantage in that they are due 25% of any future transfer for Edwards – who Owen Hargreaves called "fantastic". This is due to a sell-on clause in the Englishman's contract, meaning they'd pay far less than Chelsea would for his signing.

Crossing

Aerial duels

Key passes

Defensive contribution

Passing

Dribbling

Headed attempts

Speaking to the media back in 2016, former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino, now in charge of Chelsea, revealed his admiration for Edwards, saying:

"He is a very good prospect and, potentially, he can be a top player but we need to be patient and tell him that he has a lot of talent, enough talent to be a top player, a great player, but now it’s how he builds his future – that’s very important."

ECB Reporters Network22-Jul-20182:03

Clark’s stunning Roses hat-trick stuns Yorkshire

ScorecardA maiden first-class century from Ryan Higgins put Gloucestershire in a decent position on the opening day of the Specasavers County Championship match with Durham at Cheltenham.The 23-year-old former Middlesex all-rounder was out in the last over of the day for 105 as his side ran up 315 for seven after winning the toss. Miles Hammond (51) and Gareth Roderick (67) were the other main contributors.Chris Rushworth and Ben Stokes each claimed three of the wickets, Stokes beginning with a seven-over spell that brought him 2 for 10. But Durham’s other England bowler Mark Wood was off the field having physiotherapy during the afternoon and, although he returned to the field, he bowled only six overs in the day.Stokes was the star of the early exchanges, generating pace and bounce from the Chapel End after coming on first change.He pinned Chris Dent lbw for 19 and had Benny Howell taken at gully off a sharply lifting delivery for four after Gloucestershire had elected to bat in bright sunshine.In between the two wickets Stokes struck James Bracey a painful blow on an elbow. After treatment the 21-year-old batsman headed off to hospital for a more extensive examination.Ben Stokes was back in action•Getty ImagesHammond, already a centurion at the Festival, again looked in fine form, putting on 40 with Dent for the first wicket. The left-hander was unbeaten on 36 at lunch, which was taken with Gloucestershire 80 for two off 28 overs.Hammond went on to a half-century off 97 balls, with 9 fours. But he fell early in the afternoon session, bowled by Rushworth, who beat his defensive shot.Roderick survived a couple of blows to the helmet on the lively pitch to post fifty off 93 deliveries, with 8 fours, and shared a fourth-wicket stand of 107 with Higgins to put their side on top.Tea was taken at 218 for three, with Higgins having brought up his half-century off 67 balls, hitting six fours. It was an untimely interval for Roderick, who in the first over after the resumption fell lbw to Salisbury on the back foot.Higgins went past his previous best score of 63 and set his sights on three figures. The injured Bracey returned to help add 64 before departing to the second new ball, an lbw victim for Rushworth.Kieran Noema-Barnett fell cheaply to the same bowler, but Higgins punched the air at reaching his ton off 141 balls, having increased his boundary count to 12.He was caught at backward point off what proved the final delivery of the day to his intense frustration, Stokes claiming a third wicket. He ended the day with three for 40 from an impressive 18.4 overs, while Rushworth had three for 82 off 20.

Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney has revealed he has his sights set on making the Red Dragons' women's team "the best in the world".

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Wrexham Women to go on U.S. tourPromoted fom Adran South last seasonMcElhenney reveals "best team in world" dreamWHAT HAPPENED?

McElhenney and his fellow Hollywood co-owner Ryan Reynolds have brought unbridled change – and success – to the Welsh club since their takeover in February 2021. Much of this focus has been on the men's back-to-back promotion charge, but the Red Dragons' women side tasted promotion themselves from Adran South last year. McElhenney has claimed that his goal is to make Wrexham become the best football club in Wales, and when that is achieved the 'It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia' star is setting his sights even higher.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT McELHENNEY SAID

The Red Dragons co-owner told : "Our goal this year was to become the best football club in Wales. Heading into the second phase of our season, we have a true shot at making that happen. Our ultimate goal is to make Wrexham the best women’s football team in the world. I say that with great respect for the incredible talent around the globe in women’s football. We know the journey will be long and arduous, but if you’re gonna dream, why not dream big?”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

That promotion via the play-offs last term has seen Wrexham Women continue their rise to prominence. They now play their football at the 3,000-seater The Rock Stadium and announced they will be taking part on the 'Wrex Coast Tour' of the United States this summer. They also featured in an episode entitled 'Ballers' in season two of the Welcome to Wrexham documentary, and McElhenney hinted that there would be more screentime to come: "We’ve continued to tell the story of our women’s team, both from a human and sporting point of view. I’m most excited for our fans to continue to get to know our players on and off the pitch and for our journey to be the best in Wales.”

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Instagram @wrexhamafcwomenWHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

Wrexham currently sit second behind typical Welsh powerhouses Cardiff and Swansea in the Adran Premier. The Red Dragons will look to bridge the six-point gap with the Swans in second when they face league leaders Cardiff on Sunday.

West Ham United are very impressed with one unseen teenager behind-closed-doors, according to reliable club insider ExWHUemployee.

West Ham academy news

While David Moyes and his first team are thriving in the Premier League, winning four out of a possible eight top flight games so far, there are a few academy gems who have been seriously making an impression. Most recently, highly-rated teenage midfielder Dan Rigge was rewarded for his sky-high promise with a first ever professional West Ham contract.

The 17-year-old has scored three goals while notching a further assist in five Under-18 Premier League appearances for the Hammers already this season, and his development may well be one to watch in east London.

“Dan agreeing to professional terms with the Club is a really great moment for him and West Ham United, too," said academy manager Kenny Brown to the West Ham website.

“Since his arrival last season, he has quickly shown his qualities on and off the pitch and we have all seen an immense dedication from him to learn and grow as a footballer while in East London. His performances for our senior Academy teams this season and last have been consistently impressive and we are pleased to see him take the next step in his career.

“Dan is a very talented and skilful footballer, and everyone is excited and eager to help him continue his development at the Academy of Football!”

While Rigge has already been excellent behind-the-scenes, it is now believed another teenager is turning heads at the London Stadium.

Lewis Orford praise

Unlike Rigge, fellow teenage midfield sensation Lewis Orford put pen to paper on his first professional contract long ago. The 17-year-old hasn't looked back since, even being included in West Ham senior matchday squads. He was part of Moyes' selection for 3-0 Europa Conference League win over FCSB last season but is yet to be seen on the pitch for the first-team.

“It was unbelievable,” Orford said.

"The experience of travelling for a European away fixture, going on the plane, with all the facilities we get. Of course, I just want to get that as much as I can. Seeing the boys make their debut, I want to be there as soon as possible."

Orford, over his West Ham academy years, has notched a pretty impressive 21 assists for the Under-18s alone. The talent is now continuing to impress, with ExWHUemployee sharing news of a behind-closed-doors friendly against Oxford United recently.

“There was a behind-closed-doors friendly with Oxford United, which West Ham won 2-1,” stated the club insider, via West Ham Way.

“I understand that Lewis Orford, who grabbed the equaliser, played very well and certainly caught the eye – as he continues his excellent development. The other player who played very well was Conor Coventry, who the club will be making a decision over his long term future, towards the end of the season."

Orford is now plying his West Ham trade with the Under-21s, and if he continues on this upward trajectory, he may well be destined for the first team soon.

Josh Cobb followed up his century against Birmingham as Northants finally found something to smile about

ECB Reporters Network08-Aug-2018
ScorecardAnother brilliant display of power hitting by Josh Cobb gave the Northants Steelbacks a first Vitality Blast win and dented Derbyshire Falcons quarter-final hopes at Derby.Cobb followed his century against the Birmingham Bears with an explosive unbeaten 73, including seven sixes, off 37 balls as the Steelbacks chased down a target of 178 with 10 balls to spare.Billy Godleman had made a T20 best 77 from 55 balls as the Falcons posted 177 for 6 but Cobb destroyed their attack to finally give the Steelbacks victory after nine defeats and a tie.There was no sign of what was to come when the Falcons started slowly after winning the toss as the seamers found plenty of movement on a grassy pitch with only 41 coming from the powerplay.Calum MacLeod was caught in the third over at the second attempt at slip off Roy Kleinveldt who then struck Anuj Dal a painful blow on the right hand with a ball that spat.Dal was beaten by a ball from Nathan Buck that came back sharply and although Wahab Riaz pulled a low full toss from Brett Hutton for a big six, he was run out off the next ball by a direct hit from cover.At the halfway stage, the Falcons were 70 for 3 but Godleman drove Seekkoge Prassana for six over long off while Madsen cut and pulled Buck for four consecutive fours in the 13th over.Goldeman completed his 50 from 43 balls and then launched the next one from Prasanna over long on but Madsen drove a slower ball from Sanderson to cover to break a stand of 83 from 49 balls in the 16th over.Godleman was run out going for a second but Gary Wilson provided late acceleration by pulling Kleinveldt for six in an unbeaten 24 before Buck restricted the Falcons to three off a clever last over.The Steelbacks started well with Ricardo Vasconcelos ramping Lockie Ferguson for six while Duckett drove and pulled powerfully as the Steelbacks took 62 from the powerplay.Duckett was threatening to take control when he missed a reverse sweep at Alex Hughes and Ferguson delivered a searing yorker to knock over Vasconcelos in the ninth over.Cobb showed he was in the groove with a top edged six and a straight-driven four off Hardus Viljoen before taking another six off Hughes.Ben Curran, brother of Surrey’s Tom and Sam, made only two on his senior debut but Cobb pulled Hughes for six before twice driving Viljoen over the ropes as he surged to a 27 ball 50.The Steelbacks needed only 20 off the last three overs but with skipper Alex Wakely lending sound support, Cobb finished it in style with consecutive sixes off Ravi Rampaul.

Former Barcelona player Dani Alves been released from prison on bail as he awaits final sentencing in his sexual assault case.

Alves sentenced to four and a half years in jailReleased from prison after hearingBail set at €1 millionWHAT HAPPENED?

Alves was sentenced to four years and six months in jail in February after being found guilty of sexual assault. The Brazilian has appealed the sentence and asked to be released on bail at a hearing, insisting he will not flee the country, as reported by El Pais. Alves will now be released from prison, pending the final sentencing, and with bail set at €1m (£853,000/$108m) – as per .

AdvertisementGettyWHAT DANI ALVES SAID

He told a bail hearing: "I believe in justice. I’m not going to run away and I will be at the disposal of the court until the end."

ALVES DENIED BAIL PREVIOUSLY

Alves's lawyer Ines Guardiola had also argued for the former Barcelona star to be released on bail, pointing out he has a home and deep roots in the city after playing for the club between 2008 and 2016 and then returning for a second stint in 2021. The disgraced star was denied bail before he was sentenced in February after being deemed a "flight risk" but is now set to be released after spending the last 14 months behind bars.

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WHAT NEXT FOR DANI ALVES

As well as paying the €1m bail, Alves has also had his passports taken away, must make a weekly appearance in court and has been banned from going within 1km of his accuser or communicating with her, according to Mundo Deportivo.

Liverpool dispatched an injury-hit Nottingham Forest side in the Premier League with relative ease, winning 3-0 at Anfield to continue the seasonal revival and keep on the tail of table-toppers Tottenham Hotspur.

Last year, the Reds scarcely produced performances of the level that has become the standard under Jurgen Klopp's tutelage, but after some impressive transfer business in the summer,

There will be tougher tests to come, but the sustained performances from several of the Reds' star players will have left the German manager delighted, with none more noteworthy than Dominik Szoboszlai's creative masterclass.

Dominik Szoboszlai's performance vs Nottingham Forest

Starting on the front foot, Liverpool were made to wait until the half-hour mark to bypass Matt Turner's goal, with Diogo Jota latching onto a rebound from Darwin Nunez's shot to open the scoring, before the Uruguayan doubled the lead minutes later.

Mohamed Salah continued his imperious start to the season with a gifted goal after the break, but in truth, Liverpool coasted for large parts of the second half and enjoyed a comfortable win to maintain their fine start.

At the centre of all that was positive was Szoboszlai, who has been sensational since joining in a £60m deal from German side RB Leipzig in July, producing assists for Jota and Salah's goals.

Statistic

Rating

Minutes played

90

Assists

2

Touches

106

Pass completion

75/81 (93%)

Key passes

4

Ground duels won

4/7 (57%)

Dribble attempts

3/4 (75%)

*Statistics sourced via Sofascore

It was a mesmeric performance of control and confidence, and it's a small wonder that talent scout Jacek Kulig declared him as the "Hungarian artist" for his creative flair and ingenuity.

His brace of assists now takes his seasonal tally to two goals and assists apiece across all competitions, but the 23-year-old's quality stretches far beyond the mere merit of direct contributions, with his crisp passing, progressive surges, and tenacious defensive work all on display against Forest.

Unfortunately for Steve Cooper, the trees were not so tricky on Merseyside, and Szoboszlai played a central role in stifling any tincture of attacking threat the visitors could muster.

"Magnificent" Van Dijk back to his best

While Szoboszlai will draw the headlines thanks to his creativity, Virgil van Dijk was once again almighty in the Anfield rearguard, with the Dutchman reclaiming his throne as the division's best centre-half after struggling somewhat last season.

Journalist Samuel Luckhurst remarked that "his drop-off has been staggering" as Liverpool fell by the wayside last year, but was appointed captain following the summer exits of Jordan Henderson and James Milner.

Against Forest, the 32-year-old colossus made four clearances, blocked two shots and completed a tackle and interception apiece, also winning eight of his nine (89%) duels, as per Sofascore, and contributed enormously toward the third clean sheet of the league campaign.

Furthermore, the £220k-per-week machine took 117 touches and completed 94% of his passes, while also making a key pass and succeeding with 12 of his 15 attempted long balls.

Journalist Lewis Bower even hailed his “magnificent” display, with the dominance he exudes in key moments simply breathtaking; quite simply, the away side's advances fell flat on nearly every occasion.

As per FBref, the distinguished titan ranks among the top 5% of centre-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for aerial wins and the top 14% for clearances per 90, further underscoring his value as one of the finest and most composed of his position.

Forest were nullified, with Van Dijk's current confidence hinting at rekindled authority and a presence that proved so integral to Liverpool's previous illustrious exploits as he dominated the away side with his imperious display in and out of possession.