Liverpool

Tom English
BBC Scotland's chief sports writer

Image source, Getty Images

Andy Robertson says it gives him "goosebumps" any time he thinks about it.

Friday at Hampden, North Macedonia the visitors, a 102nd cap to be won and, when it is, he'll be level in the pantheon with Kenny Dalglish, the football man he loves more than any other.

On Monday in St Gallen, Switzerland - all being well - Robertson will break the great man's record, a mark that has stood for 40 years.

The depth of feeling comes tumbling out of him when he starts telling stories about what King Kenny means to his family and how he seemingly created a miracle by momentarily curing Robertson's beloved late grandfather's hearing.

"I always remember my agent talking to me about the first time he met Liverpool," Robertson says of a time when he was still with Hull but about to move to Anfield.

"He met the chief scout and sporting director and all of a sudden Kenny 'accidentally' walked into the room. It was 100% planned, I know it was planned.

"One of the things right at the top of the list for me was the fact [by joining Liverpool] I got to meet Kenny in person and I've actually got to have a relationship with him and his family, because his family are special.

"My dad, in particular, has met people in football through me, but I've never seen him being starstruck by anyone apart from Kenny.

"I always remember, we'd just beaten Barcelona 4-0 [in May, 2019] to qualify for my second Champions League final. My grandad was at the game and I managed to grab Kenny afterwards. I says, 'Kenny, would you mind coming in to see my grandad and my uncle? They would love to see you'.

"Bear in mind his grandson's just qualified for another Champions League final and he basically barged me out of the way and shook Kenny's hand.

"My grandad had hearing aids. He couldn't really hear much of us but he heard everything Kenny said, so it did open a lot of questions in the family as to how bad the ear problem was with my grandad. He's no longer with us but to see how happy he was… Kenny was his hero."

Read more of the feature on Robertson

Liverpool are preparing to offer Trey Nyoni, 19, a new contract as a reward for the England Under-20 midfielder's performances so far this season. (GiveMeSport), external

Brentford are prepared to rebuff all interest from Liverpool in left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf, 21. (Football Insider), external

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Liverpool forward Lewis Koumas says Andoni Iraola's appointment marked a "real opportunity" for him to break through into the first team, adding that he made sure "no-one else out there was working harder than me" in the head coach's early days at Anfield.

The 21-year-old, who joined Liverpool's academy as an 11-year-old, has already made 14 appearances this season - scoring one goal and registering one assist.

Koumas was also part of the Hull City squad that earned promotion to the Premier League last season, having joined the Tigers on loan in the January transfer window.

"I felt like it could be a massive opportunity for me," Koumas told the club's official website, external. "I started looking into the sort of manager Andoni Iraola is and I feel like loads of my game is what he looks for in a player.

"I saw it as a real opportunity to come in and try to grab it. I definitely felt like this was going to be the chance to see if I can do it in the summer, to see if I can break through here, so the fact it happened is a really nice touch.

"There was going be no-one out-training me and there was ultimately going to be no-one showing that they want to play for him more than I was."

On the Reds head coach, Koumas added: "Playing for him is really special - really, really special. You want to be out there on the pitch fighting for him because he fights for you. You want to play for him.

"He could pick whoever he wants but he has trusted me to go and do a job for him. It is an unbelievable feeling to be playing for him."

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk's current contract is set to expire at the end of this season.

The 35-year-old, who joined the Reds in 2018, has played every minute of the Reds' Premier League campaign so far, but has insisted he is not worried over his future at the club.

"I'm not in any panic whatsoever. I want to keep playing and continue what I'm doing. Let's see what the season brings. I've had an amazing time already so far. If that will be extended, that's the case. If not, then I will go somewhere else," he said.

However, Liverpool author and fan Adam Beattie believes the club should offer the Dutch defender a new deal, suggesting a one-year extension could make sense for all parties.

"I'd personally give him another 20 years but that's why I'm not in charge. From an emotional standpoint, you want as many of those players who won everything to stick around. I've always preferred those players to the shiny new thing," Beattie told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"I also think with Virgil, his decline has not been that substantial. He's not a million miles off his level he was in his late 20s. Of course that will come eventually, and he's going to be the highest earner, he currently is and if he gets a new deal, you have to factor those things in.

"The club may be a little bit scarred after what happened with Mo Salah and all the money they gave him and his form just completely dipped.

"I also don't know who the next captain is going to be. He's playing every single minute at the moment. If you are prepared to let him go in the summer on a free then there needs to be some sort of plan."

Beattie was also asked whether he thought Van Dijk would be happy to sign a one-year extension if it meant taking on a reduced role in the squad and not playing every game.

He suggested managing the defender's minutes could help prolong his career, particularly given the demands of European football.

"That's what I've been screaming out for for the past three years. You see him playing in these games in Europe and you think, 'God, just give him a break'," Beattie added.

"We've even seen that with forwards in the past. Managing their minutes is as good for them as us, in terms of prolonging their career."

Listen to more from Beattie by pressing play above or on BBC Sounds here

Aadam Patel
Liverpool reporter

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Liverpool Under-21s boss Rob Page has said "it doesn't make sense" for the Jersey Mike's Trophy to be held during the international break after his side were beaten 4-0 by Huddersfield Town on Tuesday.

The League One leaders were three goals up by half-time, with Joe Taylor scoring twice and Joe Low adding a third, before Cameron Ashia got a fourth after the break.

Huddersfield and Doncaster Rovers had already secured the two spots for the knockout stages in Group H.

And Page, who was adamant there were plenty of positives for his youthful side to take, said: "It's like we're fighting with one arm tied behind our back.

"I understand the principles of playing this competition. We want to expose our lads to league opposition - of course we do - but let us have our best players.

"It doesn't make sense to put it in the international window. It's so frustrating. That's why I'll never have a go at those lads. Some of those Huddersfield players have been playing league football for years. You've got one of the top scorers in League One [Taylor] and we're asking them to go out and have a level fight.

"It's not even but we can't cry about it. It is what it is. We've got a couple of players on international duty that could have helped the team, but it's still a good learning for us."

Aadam Patel
Liverpool reporter

Image source, Liverpool FC

The Liverpool squad recently visited the club museum at Anfield after Virgil van Dijk suggested the idea and spoke to Andoni Iraola.

Official tour guides talked the players through the club's story from when it began back in 1892 to now, with a focus on Liverpool's domestic and European successes, as well as the disasters at Heysel and Hillsborough.

Afterwards, the squad listened to a presentation delivered by the LFC Foundation on the work the club's official charity does in the local community and beyond, before taking a group photo on the Kop.

Image source, Getty Images

Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha believes he has what it takes to win the Ballon d'Or one day just like England team-mate Harry Kane.

The 18-year-old has enjoyed a rapid rise since becoming the youngest player in Liverpool's history to start a first-team match when he made his debut as a 16-year-old in the FA Cup against Accrington Stanley during the 2024-25 season.

He then marked his Premier League debut by scoring a late winner in the Reds' 3-2 win at Newcastle last season.

Ngumoha has made eight league appearances for Andoni Iraola's side this season, but only one of them has come as a starter.

"[Kane winning] has also helped English football because everyone's seen one of us win the Ballon d'Or," he said. "It is definitely encouraging many more people to want to be known as the best player in the world.

"I would like to achieve it and I think I can do it.

"I haven't spoken to him much, really. When I first came, I was a bit shy, so I was keeping myself to myself, but then they got me in the group, and just watching him train, watching all the players train, but especially him, like the finishing drills that you see.

"You can see why he won it and why he's known as the best striker, best player in the world.

"Definitely an inspiration to me, but just to every young player and probably every England player as well. He's a top guy."

Ngumoha narrowly missed the cut for the summer World Cup squad but has been called up for this week's Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain.

Liverpool right-back Jeremie Frimpong will remain at Anfield for the rest of the season, with speculation linking the 25-year-old to the Saudi Pro-League wide of the mark. (Teamtalk), external

Frimpong is of interest to Saudi club Al-Hilal but Liverpool will only consider a big offer for him next summer and not in January. (Football Insider), external

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Aadam Patel
Liverpool reporter

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Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is "not in any panic" about his contract situation, with his current Anfield deal set to expire in the summer.

Van Dijk, who joined Liverpool in 2018, has played every minute in the Premier League this season and started three of their four Champions League games under Andoni Iraola.

But he isn't fit to feature in the Netherlands' upcoming Nations League matches against Greece and Germany and has withdrawn from the squad.

"I feel good but it's not about me at the moment. Let's see," said the 35-year-old defender.

"I'm not in any panic whatsoever. I want to keep playing and continue what I'm doing. Let's see what the season brings. I've had an amazing time already so far. If that will be extended, that's the case. If not, then I will go somewhere else.

"There's nothing to report at the moment but that doesn't mean that there's any stress or anything.

"Mentally, I'm in a good place. Physically, I've been struggling with a little niggle the past couple of weeks but I do everything in my power to be out there."

On how he assesses the season so far, with Liverpool fourth after 10 games but trailing league leaders Arsenal by nine points, Van Dijk added: "A work in progress.

"Some games we could have done much better that we won. And some games we lost but we were good. We're trying to find consistency as that's the only way to be successful."

Is there any way Alisson is not Liverpool's goalkeeper next season?

The team on The Red Kop, from BBC Radio Merseyside, have been debating his future.

Mike Hughes thinks the Reds have "moved heaven and earth" to keep key names in recent years and will try to do so again given Alisson is an experienced player they "can rely on".

"You do want to keep your best players - Alisson is one of them", said Hughes.

Hear more from BBC Radio Merseyside on the matter above

Listen below to the full episode or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

Explore all Liverpool content on BBC Sounds

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Liverpool fan Abigail Rudkin believes it is all coming together for the Reds as they beat Crystal Palace 3-1 at Selhurst Park before the international break.

She told BBC Sport: "Alisson Becker was my man of the match for the game against Crystal Palace.

"What a brilliant performance from Liverpool. At the end of the day, we put in a really good solid defensive performance.

"Alisson with worldie saves after worldie saves. He has been under some criticism recently, but he has proved he is still world-class and still top quality.

"He still should be starting games for Liverpool. He won us the game.

"It feels as though a lot of those forward players are starting to work well with each other. Florian Wirtz with an assist and a goal. We have waited for Wirtz to show up and he has arrived.

"I also think Alexander Isak looks like he has gained confidence. It is all starting to come together for Liverpool.

"It felt top quality, and we're in the top four, so that is all I was expecting from this season. Get the top four and into the Champions League places."

Manchester United and Liverpool are interested in signing 26-year-old Italy and Juventus defender Andrea Cambiaso. (TuttoJuve), external

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Aadam Patel
Liverpool reporter

This is the first time Alisson has discussed his contract situation this season and, judging by the way he spoke after a superb performance at Selhurst Park, there is a clear desire on his part to stay at Liverpool.

Giorgi Mamardashvili, 26, is waiting in the wings, while highly rated 18-year-old Lucca Brughmans will move to Liverpool from Genk in the summer, so Andoni Iraola's side will not be short of goalkeeping options - but it would be a huge call if they do allow Alisson to leave on a free transfer.

His distribution has not been up to the standard we are used to in recent weeks, and that was ruthlessly punished against Arsenal, but the string of saves he made against Crystal Palace were a timely reminder that he is still a world-class goalkeeper.

This season, Liverpool have kept four clean sheets in 10 Premier League games but conceded 10 goals in four Champions League matches, with Alisson playing every minute in both competitions so far.

He is still a leader within the side and was named as one of Iraola's vice-captains at the start of the season.

Alisson did assess his options last season but with senior figures like Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson leaving, he opted to proceed with a one-year extension.

With Virgil van Dijk's contract also set to expire at the end of the season, sporting director Julian Ward has two very important decisions to make when it comes to the future of two men who have been a constant for Liverpool since 2018.

Of course, both command hefty wages, but this is a young Liverpool side trying to find their way under Iraola - and the head coach will be aware of the importance of two experienced players who have been with the club for such a long time.

Perhaps a one-year extension can be offered to Alisson which could allow Brughmans to learn from the Brazilian but, at 34, he may be looking for the security of something longer term.

Either way, Liverpool's hierarchy will have a keen eye on how Alisson fares as the season progresses. If he can carry on performing like he did against Palace, then a new contract will be a no-brainer.

Listen to Alisson's post match reaction to the win against Crystal Palace on BBC Sounds here

We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Crystal Palace and Liverpool.

Here are some of your comments:

Palace fans

Joe: Don't know what to say. Look good going forward, can't score. Three chances and three goals for them. I feel for Pierre Sage and the hand he has been dealt, but he must be able to get this team to be more defensive! I like him but it does feel like right manager, wrong time.

Paul: It's ironic that Sage is likely to be sacked after our best performance of the season, especially in the first half. Even a new manager is not keeping us up this season.

Steve: Defending doesn't seem to be high on Sage's priority list. While Palace played some nice football in patches, there was an inevitability about the scoreline. Sage seems completely unable to stop opposing teams driving through the defence like a knife through butter. This can't go on. Sadly, Sage's reign should surely come to an end, before it is too late.

Bob: We deserved to be bottom of the table in our previous games, but not with this performance. We played some very attractive football against Liverpool, but it's goals that win you the game. I'm always the first to criticise the Palace, but their football really impressed me and the defence also looked more solid. Axel Disasi and Tyrick Mitchell were outstanding. Please don't get rid of Sage yet as the whole team is working for him.

Liverpool fans

Jack: Great to see us playing well, especially after a disappointing past two games. Florian Wirtz looked really good and that goal and assist will do him the world of good. Alexander Isak continuing to thrive which is excellent to see. I am getting frustrated with Bradley Barcola's lack of goals but he's providing assists and his pace is exceptional on the counter. Alisson was amazing as well and was ridiculously unlucky to not keep a clean sheet. Well done Liverpool, keep it going when we face Manchester United please.

Paul: Liverpool are not going to win the league or the Champions League but there are some promising signs. I'd written off Alexis Mac Allister last season and assumed he was on his way out, but his return to top form is like getting a new signing and I love what I'm seeing from Trey Nyoni. He only came on for the last quarter but even then made a difference with forward passes, not sideways. Early days but could become a jewel in this Liverpool team.

Sam: I was starting to wonder if Alisson still has it, but if it wasn't for him, we wouldn't have won this game. I still think there's so much more to come from this team and really excited for what's to come if they find their groove.

Reece: Thought we played really well. After a disappointing result against Fenerbahce, we needed to win this. Good in possession, solid defensively, and very quick in the counter attacks. Took our goals really well. Unfortunate to concede late on, for me, was never a penalty. But all in all, a much better performance and result.

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Goalkeeper Alisson says his "agent is talking" with Liverpool and he hopes to stay beyond the end of this season, when his contract expires.

The 34-year-old was outstanding in Liverpool's latest win on Sunday, making a string of saves as they overcame Crystal Palace.

Afterwards, he confirmed his agent was in discussions and, when asked if he wanted to stay, he said: "Yes, in my mind. I'm focused on playing every game but in my mind I'm happy to stay. You know, that depends on a lot of aspects and different situations. But my will is to stay. I'm happy here, my family is happy here. I'm still hungry for titles and for delivering good performances. I still want to play at the top level for as long as I can. So that's my thinking on that."

A week before his superb display at Selhurst Park, Alisson was involved in the error that led to Arsenal's winner at Anfield.

The Reds followed that defeat with a loss at Fenerbahce in the Champions League.

In discussing their season under Andoni Iraola so far, Alisson said: "I think you have to manage all of the situations. When you are doing well, you need to control a little bit the excitement so you don't get overexcited. Our reality is that we're not doing as well as we can. It doesn't mean that we are not doing well - we are doing well in so many games - but the consistency is not there yet.

"The moment for us is to control the frustration that the defeats bring and stay with a clear mind and looking for the quality in our team. We have a top manager, top players. We are capable of great things but as a team we need to get to a point where we feel: 'We are okay now. We have the confidence. We have everything that's needed to win'.

"We are building that. I hope we get there really quick but it takes time. We have to be patient but we players, in our mind, we don't have time to waste. We want to win, we want to be Premier League champions, Champions League champions, League Cup champions, FA Cup champions. We want to win everything with this club because this is special and it's what we're here for."

Both Liverpool and on-loan Uruguay defender Ronald Araujo plan to wait until the end of the season before deciding whether to turn the 27-year-old's move from Barcelona into a permanent switch for £47m. (Sport - in Spanish), external

Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea head a list of Premier League clubs monitoring the form of AC Milan's Belgium centre-back Koni de Winter, 24. (Caught Offside), external

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Charlotte Coates
BBC Sport journalist

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Liverpool's superpower has so often been Anfield, but this season it seems they have been more comfortable playing away from home.

Andoni Iraola's side have now won four on the bounce away from Merseyside and are unbeaten - with their two league defeats coming at Anfield.

The Reds have not looked close to top gear under their Spanish boss but they enter the second international break just four points adrift of second-placed Brighton.

But the frailties still remain clear. Alisson was the Reds' best player on an afternoon where past Liverpool teams would have relished playing against a Palace side lacking in confidence.

The Brazil keeper was forced into making a number of quality saves and also had to watch Pino's effort bounce off the woodwork.

But a win is a win and Iraola will be delighted with another three points to build on as the international break arrives.