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Steven Gerrard believes there’s one defender in Premier League history better than Virgil van Dijk. It’s a debate that has raged on since the Dutchman returned to England’s top flight to sign for Liverpool in January 2018, with the former Southampton and Celtic player a colossal figure at the heart of the glorious Jurgen Klopp era.However, rival fans have often dismissed Liverpool supporters’ claims that Van Dijk is the greatest defender to ever grace the Premier League. Chelsea and Manchester United fans argue the merits of John Terry and Rio Ferdinand, respectively, while other legends like Vincent Kompany and Tony Adams are frequently brought into the discussion.There’s little debate that all five defenders rightfully belong among the Premier League’s elite. However, while Gerrard – who played 504 league games for Liverpool but famously never claimed the title – answered the age-old question with a hint of loyalty to his boyhood club, the former England captain surprisingly overlooked Van Dijk, instead opting for an old England teammate.EPL_Greatest defendersRelated30 Greatest Defenders In Premier League History (Ranked)5By Calum RitchieGerrard Named Terry As The Greatest Centre-Back in The Premier LeagueJohn Terry with the Premier League trophyAs a former PFA Player of the Year winner, Gerrard was invited to do an interview with the PFA back in 2023, where he was tasked with piecing together his best possible Premier League five-a-side team. “It would have to be either John Terry or [Virgil] van Dijk,” the Al-Ettifaq manager said when deciding the one defender who deserves a place in his team.”I played a lot of my career with John [Terry] and he was a colossal player, so I think I have to pick him. Obviously, I’d love to pick big Virg because he’s transformed Liverpool over the last 5-6 years, and he’s my favourite defender in the world right now. From my own personal experience, I played with John for England for over 10 years, and he’d get in anyone’s team.”

Pep Guardiola is considered one of the greatest managers of all-time. He’s trailing only Sir Alex Ferguson when it comes to the legacy that he’s forged in the Premier League, but he has also tasted huge success in both Spain and Germany with Barcelona and Bayern Munich respectively. The Manchester City manager has won just about everything there is to win with every club he’s been in charge of. He’s worked with incredible players and he’s gone toe to toe with some of the greatest coaches that football has ever seen.Guardiola has competed against the likes of Ferguson, Jurgen Klopp, Carlo Ancelotti and Arsene Wenger over the years, but one manager in particular stood out to him as the toughest opponent of his career. Considering their battles against one another on the grandest of stages, it shouldn’t be too surprising who he chose either.Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola applaudingRelatedPep Guardiola Named Two Players He Managed Who ‘Deserved’ to Win the Ballon d’OrBy James O’ReillyGuardiola Named Jurgen Klopp the Toughest Manager He FacedThe two competed against each other in Germany and EnglandManchester City manager Pep Guardiola with Liverpool manager Juergen KloppManchester City manager Pep Guardiola with Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp before the match Action Images via Reuters/Jason CairnduffWhile they competed against one another in Germany with Guardiola at Bayern Munich and Klopp at Borussia Dortmund, it was their rivalry in England with City and Liverpool respectively that likely earned the German his status as the toughest manager that Guardiola ever faced off against. The two Premier League sides battled at the top of the table for several years and during City’s reign of dominance, no one made them work harder for their success than Liverpool. As a result, it’s not entirely surprising to see that the coach believes Klopp is his toughest opposing manager.During a lecture that he was delivering for the UEFA Pro course in Spain, Guardiola spoke about Klopp and that Liverpool side and named them his toughest opponent. He said:”Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool have been the toughest I’ve ever faced in my life. There were days when I thought ‘I’ve got him’ and the next day he’d [Klopp] destroy me again. He was the toughest by far. Because of his way of playing, his transitions, because he was very direct, because he attacked with a lot of players. The inside midfielders are usually support players, but Klopp’s midfielders were about attacking space.”So, he’d force the full-backs to close down a lot, then he’d open you up on the outside with his full-backs. They continually sprinted inside. Firmino would drop back. Salah and Mane’s runs behind him were unstoppable. It was very, very difficult to counteract. I give a lot of credit to what we’ve done these years to the incredible quality of the opponent we’ve had to face. Those three or four league titles we won against Klopp are the greatest success we’ve achieved. There hasn’t been a tougher opponent I’ve ever faced.”

Paul Merson has strongly backed Liverpool to claim a comfortable victory against Nottingham Forest this Sunday, going against the more cautious outlook suggested by data models and supercomputer simulations for the tricky City Ground clash.

While Opta’s supercomputer gives Arne Slot’s side only a 51% chance of winning away to the relegation-threatened hosts—assigning Forest a 25.7% shot at victory and a 23.3% draw probability—Merson is far more emphatic in his support for the Reds.

In his latest predictions column for Sportskeeda, the Sky Sports pundit described the fixture as a “humungous game at both ends of the table” and dismissed any notion of an upset.

He pointed to Liverpool’s recent dominance, including their thrashing of Sunderland at the Stadium of Light (a feat no other team has matched this season), the returning form of Ibrahima Konate and Mohamed Salah, and a now-settled starting lineup with at least nine “nailed-on” players.

Merson declared: “I expect a comfortable win.”

He is tipping a clear-cut 2-0 success for the visitors, a prediction that contrasts sharply with the supercomputer’s narrower edge for Liverpool and the historical “banana skin” factor—Forest have troubled Slot before, including a 3-0 Anfield win in November and two victories plus a draw in his prior visits to Trentside.

Despite Vitor Pereira’s arrival potentially sparking a new-manager bounce (as he did at Wolves last season) and Forest’s dire position in 17th, Merson remains unconvinced by the data-driven caution and is firmly in the Liverpool camp, expecting them to avenge past defeats and grab all three points to boost their push for Champions League qualification.

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Liverpool’s injury situation is starting to improve, and the latest update on Alexander Isak offers a clearer timeline for when Arne Slot could finally welcome back his British-record signing.

According to Paul Joyce of The Times, the 26-year-old forward is aiming to return toward the end of next month, having intensified his rehabilitation following a broken leg and ankle injury.
This update is timely, with Liverpool preparing for a crucial Premier League trip to Nottingham Forest and a demanding run of fixtures as they push to climb back up the table.

Slot has avoided setting a firm return date, but the progress is encouraging.
“Alex has been back on the pitch this week — not in boots yet, but wearing running shoes for the first time,” he said.

When could Alexander Isak return?
Based on Slot’s comments and Joyce’s report, Isak is targeting a comeback around the March international break, with late March or early April viewed as realistic — assuming there are no setbacks.
However, Slot stressed that returning to full match fitness is a gradual process.
“The next step is working with the ball, then rejoining the group, and after that, it still takes time before you’re ready to play.”

The key message is that Isak is expected to feature again this season, keeping hope alive for Liverpool’s run-in.
“Let’s not put a timeframe on it, but if everything goes to plan, he will be available this season.”

Why Isak hasn’t hit top form yet

Isak’s early months at Liverpool have been disrupted, making it difficult for him to build momentum. A limited pre-season, adapting to a new team, and then suffering a serious injury in December have all played a role.
Despite this, he has still contributed in limited minutes, including scoring in his last appearance before getting injured — a reminder of his quality and potential impact.

Alexander Isak – 2025/26 Liverpool stats:

Games: 16
Goals: 3
Assists: 1
Minutes: 781
Slot also acknowledged that fans are yet to see the best version of Isak but believes that will change.
“Unfortunately, we haven’t seen the best Alex yet, but hopefully our fans will see it this season — and certainly in the years to come.”

If his recovery continues smoothly, Liverpool are now shifting from waiting for his return to planning his reintegration, which is a significant step forward

Arne Slot has provided injury updates on Liverpool quartet Jeremie Frimpong, Alexander Isak, Joe Gomez and Wataru Endo ahead of the Reds’ return to Premier League action against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

While our long-serving number 2 has appeared off the bench in the wins over Sunderland and Brighton, the others have all been sidelined in recent weeks, with the Japanese midfielder suffering a serious setback in the victory at the Stadium of Light.

The glut of defensive injuries has led the LFC head coach to deploy several midfielders at right-back over the past few games, but thankfully it looks as though he may have a more natural option for that role at the City Ground this coming weekend.

Wataru Endo suffered a serious injury in Liverpool’s win over Sunderland last week

Slot provides injury updates on Liverpool quartet
Slot held his pre-match press conference on Thursday morning, and he provided a mixture of good and bad news with his injury updates on the aforementioned Liverpool quartet, as outlined below (via Liverpool Echo):

Frimpong: “Jeremie will not be involved this weekend. We hope he will be involved next week if things go as planned.”

Endo: “Wata will be out for a long time. We don’t know exactly how long.”

Gomez: “I think Joe is ready to start [against Forest]. Yes, he is.”

Isak: “Alex has been on the [training] pitch with his running shoes for the first time this week, so it will still be a while…It will be somewhere around the international break. That depends on whether he has a setback. It’ll be the end of March, start of April when he’s back with the group, but it doesn’t mean he’s ready to start playing straight away.”

Gomez return will be especially welcome for Liverpool
Dealing firstly with the short-term updates, it’s unfortunate that the Forest game will come a bit too soon for Frimpong, but Slot’s reassurance that Gomez is ‘ready to start’ will be music to Liverpool fans’ ears.

In four matches since the Dutchman suffered his injury against Qarabag in late January, three different midfielders have been selected to start at right-back, so it’ll be a relief to finally see a more natural option in that role on Sunday.

That’s not being disrespectful to those who filled in to plug the gap – those who did have our immense gratitude for taking on that responsibility for the team’s benefit.

Over the longer-term, there finally seems to be some light at the end of the tunnel for Isak, even though Slot is understandably preaching caution given the striker’s fitness issues since his big-money move from Newcastle last year.

If Liverpool’s record signing is cleared to return after the international break, having him available for the post-Easter run-in could be huge. As brilliantly as Hugo Ekitike has performed in his absence, the Frenchman is being constantly asked to go to the well for his team, and he could do with an occasional breather in the coming weeks.

The Reds boss had recently said he’s hopeful of Endo returning before the season is out, and right now that’d appear to be the best-case scenario for the Japanese midfielder, whose injury blow at Sunderland left his teammates ‘gutted’, in Virgil van Dijk’s words.

Hopefully he and Isak will make smooth progress with their longer-term issues, and fingers crossed that we might have Frimpong back for the home clash against West Ham at the end of this month.

Paul Merson has shared his forecast for what he’s labelled a ‘massive clash’ between Nottingham Forest and Liverpool on Sunday.

The Reds head to the City Ground on the back of impressive victories over Sunderland and Brighton, but they face a side that has caused Arne Slot plenty of problems. Forest have beaten him twice at Anfield and held him to a draw in his previous visit to Trentside 13 months ago.

Liverpool will also be mindful of the potential ‘new manager bounce’ following Forest’s appointment of Vitor Pereira, their fourth head coach in a turbulent season for the relegation-battling club.

Merson tips Liverpool to get revenge

Despite Liverpool’s recent struggles against Forest, including a heavy 3-0 defeat at Anfield in November, Merson believes the Merseysiders will gain revenge by taking all three points on Sunday.

Writing in his weekly Premier League predictions for Sportskeeda, the Sky Sports pundit said: “This is a huge game at both ends of the table.

“Liverpool tore Sunderland apart in their last match – I haven’t seen any other team dominate them like that at the Stadium of Light this season. Konate and Salah are starting to look back to their best, and that has made a big difference.

“The team also looks far more settled now. A few weeks ago, it was hard to predict the starting XI, but now at least nine players are guaranteed starters. I’m expecting a comfortable win.”

Merson has tipped Liverpool to claim a 2-0 victory at the City Ground.

Forest away poses a tricky test

On paper, Liverpool’s improved form and league position (sixth compared to Forest’s 17th) suggest they should be clear favourites to secure the points and strengthen their push for a Champions League place.

However, football rarely follows the script. Arsenal’s recent collapse from a 2-0 lead against bottom-placed Wolves is proof of that, and Sunday’s fixture carries plenty of potential pitfalls for the Reds.

Forest’s strong record against Slot could play on the Liverpool boss’s mind, while the impact of Pereira’s arrival – after sparking an immediate turnaround at Wolves last season – only heightens the sense of danger.

That said, Merson is right to highlight the resurgence of Konate and Salah, as well as the growing influence of last summer’s signings. Alongside standout performers Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez has also impressed in recent weeks.

Liverpool’s attacking output has picked up significantly after a run of draws earlier in 2026, a point Slot himself addressed in his pre-match press conference. As a result, the Reds travel to Nottingham with confidence, though they know another strong display will be required to secure victory.

With Manchester United not in action until Monday night, Liverpool have a golden opportunity to temporarily move level on points with their fierce rivals in fourth place — an opportunity they cannot afford to waste.

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Liverpool are interested in signing the Brazilian midfielder Allan from Palmeiras. The 21-year-old is a promising young player with a bright future, and Liverpool is working to secure his signature. According to reports from Brazil, the deal could be completed in the coming weeks, with the player joining his new team after the World Liverpool close in on AllanThe report further claims that Liverpool could seal his signature for €35 million. The 21-year-old is a phenomenal player with a bright future, and he could develop into a key player for the club with the right guidance. He could justify the investment in future and establish himself as an important asset.Allan is capable of operating on the flanks as well as in the attacking midfield role. He will add goals and creativity to the Liverpool attack. The opportunity to play in the Premier League will be exciting for him. He will look to showcase qualities at the highest level. Regular football in England could help him improve further and fulfil his potential.More Stories / Latest NewsChelsea breaking news“There is definitely a chance…”: Journalist shares latest on Chelsea links with £200k-a-week star14 hours agoNewcastle line up move for 24-year-old wide player after Ligue 1 scouting mission14 hours agoMan United eye move for £50m Liverpool target with ‘potential to grow into a star’15 hours agoLiverpool could nurture him into a starAlexandro Bernabei of Internacional and Allan Elias of Palmeiras compete for the ball during the match between Internacional and Palmeiras as part of Brasileirao 2026 at Beira-Rio Stadium on February 12, 2026 in Porto Alegre, Brazil. (Photo by Pedro H. Tesch/Getty Images)Liverpool has done well to groom young players in the past, and they could help him develop further. It remains to be seen whether they can wrap up the move quickly. Multiple clubs have been linked with the talented young midfielder, but Liverpool are now in the driving seat to complete the move.They have done well to improve the team in recent windows, and they are looking to build for the future. It is no surprise that they are keen on the South American prodigy.It will be interesting to see if the 21-year-old can adapt to English football quickly and establishment itself as an important first team player for Liverpool next

Transfer rumors, news: Olise to replace Salah at Liverpool? Was Brighton match a turning point for Mo Salah?

Manchester United are considering a shock move for Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, while Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise is the closest thing to a perfect replacement for Mohamed Salah. Join us for the latest transfer news and rumors from around the globe.

Could Michael Olise switch the red of Bayern Munich for Liverpool?

Manchester United are considering a shock move for Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, as reported by The Mirror. The Red Devils are drawing up a list of potential midfield options for the summer transfer window, and they are keeping close tabs on the 27-year-old’s future with speculation increasing that he could leave the Reds in the summer, although signing him would be a big task.

Sources have told ESPN that Man United have also expressed an interest in Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba and Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson.

– Liverpool view Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise as the closest thing to a perfect replacement for Mohamed Salah, reports TEAMtalk. Even so, Bayern will shut down any idea of a departure for the former Crystal Palace star, who is also in no rush to return to the Premier League, and they are even preparing to open talks about a new contract despite his current deal running until 2029.

Liverpool’s alternatives are RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande, Athletic Club’s Nico Williams, and Paris Saint-Germain pair Désiré Doué and Bradley Barcola. Meanwhile, Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Real Madrid and Barcelona are also interested in Olise but his transfer could cost over €100 million.

Liverpool are interested in signing the Brazilian midfielder Allan from Palmeiras. The 21-year-old is a promising young player with a bright future, and Liverpool is working to secure his signature. According to reports from Brazil, the deal could be completed in the coming weeks, with the player joining his new team after the World Cup.

The report further claims that Liverpool could seal his signature for €35 million. The 21-year-old is a phenomenal player with a bright future, and he could develop into a key player for the club with the right guidance. He could justify the investment in future and establish himself as an important asset.

Allan is capable of operating on the flanks as well as in the attacking midfield role. He will add goals and creativity to the Liverpool attack. The opportunity to play in the Premier League will be exciting for him. He will look to showcase qualities at the highest level. Regular football in England could help him improve further and fulfil his potential.

Liverpool has done well to groom young players in the past, and they could help him develop further. It remains to be seen whether they can wrap up the move quickly. Multiple clubs have been linked with the talented young midfielder, but Liverpool are now in the driving seat to complete the move.

They have done well to improve the team in recent windows, and they are looking to build for the future. It is no surprise that they are keen on the South American prodigy.It will be interesting to see if the 21-year-old can adapt to English football quickly and establishment itself as an important first team player for Liverpool next season.

In a stunning twist that’s set to send shockwaves through European football, Liverpool are on the verge of securing one of their brightest stars amid intense interest from Real Madrid. The Reds are reportedly ready to meet Dominik Szoboszlai’s mammoth £250,000-per-week wage demands, effectively stealing a march on the Spanish giants and paving the way for a blockbuster contract extension at Anfield.

The Hungarian sensation, who has lit up the Premier League this season with an impressive haul of 10 goals and seven assists, has caught the eye of the Bernabeu hierarchy. Credible reports from sources like The Daily Mail’s Lewis Steele and insider Graeme Bailey have confirmed that Real Madrid’s admiration for Szoboszlai is far from mere speculation—it’s genuine. Described by teammate Mohamed Salah as “one of the best players in the world right now” following Liverpool’s dominant FA Cup win over Brighton, the 25-year-old’s versatility and form have made him a prime target for Los Blancos, who are always on the hunt for elite talent.

But Liverpool fans, breathe easy: this isn’t a tale of another star slipping away to Madrid’s clutches. Instead, it’s a story of Anfield’s resolve and Szoboszlai’s loyalty shining through. Steele’s recent piece emphasized that while Real’s interest is real—bolstered by friendships like the one between Szoboszlai and Vinicius Junior—there’s no cause for alarm. “Worry not, though, Liverpool fans,” Steele wrote, highlighting the midfielder’s deep affection for the club.

The key to this mega deal? Liverpool’s willingness to splash the cash. Sources close to the negotiations reveal that the Reds are prepared to match Szoboszlai’s ambitious salary expectations of around £250,000 per week—a figure that would place him among the club’s top earners and reflect his pivotal role under the manager. This bold move not only underscores Liverpool’s ambition to build a squad capable of challenging on all fronts but also serves as a direct rebuttal to Real Madrid’s advances.

While Spanish outlets have been buzzing with sensational stories about Madrid poaching Liverpool’s midfield maestros—like Ryan Gravenberch or Alexis Mac Allister—these often amount to little more than clickbait. In Szoboszlai’s case, though, the interest was tangible, making Liverpool’s proactive stance all the more impressive. By meeting his demands head-on, the club is ensuring that their world-class asset remains committed to the red side of Merseyside, thwarting any potential raid from the European champions.

As Anfield gears up for what promises to be a “monster announcement,” the message is clear: Liverpool are not just defending their turf—they’re fortifying it. Szoboszlai’s extension would be a massive boost, locking down a player who’s been deployed in every conceivable position and still delivered match-winning performances. With the pieces falling into place, a move to the Bernabeu is firmly off the agenda.

This development couldn’t come at a better time for Liverpool, who are enjoying a strong campaign and looking to cement their status as title contenders. Szoboszlai’s blend of creativity, work rate, and leadership—evident in his role as Hungary’s captain—makes him indispensable. Real Madrid may have eyed him as the perfect addition to their star-studded lineup, but Liverpool’s swift action has turned the tables.

Stay tuned, Reds faithful: the official word could drop any day now, signaling another masterstroke in Liverpool’s transfer strategy. In the cutthroat world of modern football, securing your gems before rivals pounce is the name of the game—and Liverpool are playing it to perfection.