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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Jake Bayliss

Garth Crooks names Premier League signing who would improve 'very ordinary' Liverpool

Garth Crooks believes Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse would 'fit like a glove' at Liverpool.

He also believes Liverpool look 'very ordinary' without Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, who are away at the Africa Cup of Nations..

Crooks included Virgil Van Dijk in his BBC Sport team of the week after the win over Brentford but admitted Jurgen Klopp could use Ward-Prowse after his goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.

Crooks said: "The free-kick scored by Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse against Wolves was outstanding.

"How long are Liverpool going to wait to buy Ward-Prowse? They allowed Georginio Wijnaldum to leave on a free transfer and are struggling in that midfield department. Ward-Prowse would fit like a glove."

He continued: “Liverpool were unlucky not to go one up when van Dijk, a menace in any opposition's penalty area, brought the ball down brilliantly and shot at goal, only to see his effort superbly saved by Alvaro Fernandez.

READ MORE: Virgil van Dijk X-rated outburst overheard as Sergi Canos apologises to former Liverpool team-mate

ANALYSIS: Reds handed big midfield boost as surprise Fabinho bonus emerges

“It was Van Dijk's presence in Brentford's box on another set-piece that created the opening for Fabinho to score.

“It's clear the Netherlands international is a problem for rival defenders, which is just as well because against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup on Thursday - and missing their players on Africa Cup of Nations duty - they look very ordinary.”

*Give us your Liverpool player ratings for the win over Brentford

Van Dijk has only scored once so far this season but has been an active threat in the penalty box, whereas Fabinho got on the scoresheet for the third time in a week on Sunday, following his brace against Shrewsbury in the FA Cup.

Liverpool have scored the joint-most headed league goals this term, tied with Manchester City and Chelsea, and hired a specialist team of mental strength coaches to help improve set pieces in the summer .

The Reds were a more blunted attacking force in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal, as the team adjusted to the absence of Salah and Mane.

However, having rediscovered their goal scoring touch at the weekend, Jurgen Klopp will hope his side can silence their critics in the return leg against the Gunners on Thursday.

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