Liverpool: Ings scores for u23s; Balotelli speaks out; Juve challenge Klopp for German
Yet to feature in the first team this season, 24-year-old Danny Ings is yet to enjoy the game time he was hoping under Jurgen Klopp. He finds himself as the club’s third choice striker behind Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi, with those two both struggling to get into the team considering Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho’s fine form. However, Ings lined up alongside the under 23s side as they faced Leicester City in the Premier League Two.
It took the former Burnley forward just three minutes to score, set up by exciting young talent Ben Woodburn, who scored himself alongside captain Harry Wilson and Ovie Ejaria as Jurgen Klopp watched on. Ings certainly impressed and will be hoping to have done enough to work his way into the reckoning under the German boss in the coming weeks.
A forward who failed to impress Klopp was the most disastrous signing at Anfield in recent years, Mario Balotelli, who made his debut for Nice this weekend with a goal scoring start by notching a brace. That means that he is already close to matching his goal tally in his time in the red of Liverpool, and he has spoken out regarding his move according to the Liverpool Echo.
The Italian said that his £16 million move was “the worst mistake of my life” and explained that he “didn’t get along” with either Brendan Rodgers or Jurgen Klopp during his time at the club. That came across in his performances, which left a lot to be desired, and paved the way for his eventual departure to Ligue 1, where he has gotten off to a fantastic start with his new club. That said, Liverpool fans are likely to have few regrets about his exit even if he can rediscover the goal scoring form which saw him labelled as one of Europe’s top young talents.
Calciomercato are reporting that Jurgen Klopp target Mahmoud Dahoud of Borussia Monchengladbach is now also being chased by Juventus as the Reds face competition in their attempts to bring the central midfielder to England. Dahoud’s contract will activate a €10 million release clause next summer which delayed a move for the German, who was born in Syria.
Having established himself in the first team in Bundesliga last year despite being just 20 years of age, Dahoud is one of the most exciting young prospects in the league and has been monitored by Klopp since his time at Dortmund. Liverpool will be concerned that Juventus are interested, with Dahoud seen as a long term replacement for Paul Pogba, but will remain hopeful that their charismatic German boss will be enough to persuade the creative midfielder to join his new project in England and play a vital role in the midfield trio currently composed of the likes of Adam Lallana and Georgino Wijnaldum with little strength in depth, making it a top priority for additions next summer.
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