Here are your Liverpool morning headlines for Tuesday, 13 October.
Minamino could be perfect Firmino alternative
Takumi Minamino is showing signs that he could be an ideal alternative to Roberto Firmino in the centre of Liverpool’s front three.
A lack of cover for the Brazilian striker has often been viewed as a potential issue, particularly given his struggles in front of goal last season.
But Minamino, who moved to Anfield from RB Salzburg in January of this year, could fill in for Firmino when needed.
The Japan international has a similar skillset, and both players’ stats make for an interesting comparison .
Aldridge defends Henderson after Keane criticism
Liverpool legend John Aldridge has insisted Jordan Henderson did nothing wrong after he won a penalty in England’s 2-1 Nations League win over Belgium on Sunday.
The Reds midfielder, back in action for his country, was criticised by Roy Keane for what he perceived to be theatrics in the box.
But Aldridge has come to Henderson’s defence.
“It was great to see Jordan Henderson back in action during the international break and a great boost for Liverpool with the big games we've got coming up,” he wrote in the ECHO .
“I see he's got a bit of stick from my old Republic of Ireland team mate Roy Keane for 'screaming' and drawing attention to the fact he was fouled for the penalty which brought about England's equaliser.
“At the end of the day, he was only doing what many players, foreign and homegrown, have been doing pretty much since football began although it does seem to have crept into the game more and more over the years.
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“There's a big difference though between what Jordan did and what we see from other players who go down like a sack of spuds when they've not been touched.
“He was fouled by the defender, who clearly pulled him back when Jordan was going to get to the ball ahead of him so it was a penalty, all day long.”
Klopp comments proved accurate amid international break
Jurgen Klopp’s concerns have proved valid after several Liverpool players joined up with their respective national teams.
The Reds boss expressed some doubt over the safety of footballers leaving their club bubbles, with more positive tests for Covid-19 a distinct possibility.
Xherdan Shaqiri is the latest player to have tested positive while with the Switzerland squad, though he was given the all-clear a couple of days later.
“I’m not saying this is the safest place in the world, but it’s the place we know at least," Klopp said last week.
“We know how to deal with the different scenarios. Yes, I am slightly concerned. It’s difficult to get in contact with all FAs all over the world.
“I understand 100 per cent the demands on FAs, UEFA and FIFA. I know how difficult the situation is for everybody but it’s not exactly perfect.”
