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    Ex-Liverpool star Sadio Mane reveals the best finisher he has ever played with.. and you’ll be SHOCKED with his answer

    EX-LIVERPOOL favourite Sadio mane has snubbed Mohamed Salah for a bizarre choice when naming the best finisher he has played with.The Senegalese forward, 30, moved to Bayern Munich last summer after a glorious six-year spell at Anfield.
    Sadio Mane had a surprise answer when asked about he best finish that he’d player withCredit: Getty
    He formed part of a lethal forward line that also included Roberto Firmino and Salah as the trio fired the Reds to Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup glory during that period.
    Salah, in particular, has grabbed a host of headlines after firing 174 goals for the club.
    And not many would have argued if the Egyptian was the man picked by his former partner.
    However, after being quizzed by 1teamsports on TikTok, he took a while to come up with an answer that surprised everyone.
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    The player Mane picked was Divock Origi, a striker who also left Merseyside before this season got underway after eight years there.
    However, despite being a Kop hero due to a number of vital strikes, the 27-year-old Belgian international struggled for regular action for Liverpool.
    And even though he had an excellent scoring record against neighbours Everton and producing a memorable strike versus Barcelona in the Champions League, the powerhouse managed just 41 goals in 175 appearances.
    However, even boss Jurgen Klopp backed up Mane’s claim last year when discussing the ace.
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    The German said: “He [Origi] is a legend on and off the pitch. Fantastic footballer, a world class striker and is our best finisher.
    “Everyone would say the same. You see this in training.
    “It is a really hard decision to make to leave him out. Everyone loves Divock here.”
    Origi has endured a difficult start to life in Italy following his free transfer to AC Milan.
    He has scored just twice in 21 outings and was recently named as Serie A’s worst signing of the season. 
    The Senegal star picked former Liverpool team-mate Divock OrigiCredit: Getty More

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    Liverpool boost with TWO huge Real Madrid stars doubts for Champions League game after they’re ruled out of LaLiga clash

    REAL MADRID have reportedly had two key players ruled out of their Champions League tie against Liverpool.Karim Benzema was forced off with a muscular injury in Madrid’s 4-0 win over Elche in midweek and Toni Kroos has picked up an illness.
    Both Karim Benzema and Toni Kroos could miss the game against LiverpoolCredit: Getty
    The pair have been ruled out of today’s match against Osasuna in LaLiga.
    And Benzema and Kroos could now miss the game, according to the Daily Mail, in what would be a major boost for the Reds’ hopes of progressing to the next round.
    Liverpool will play Madrid at Anfield on Tuesday in the round of 16 in the Champions League.
    Benzema’s setback is the latest in what has proved to be a challenging season for the Frenchman.
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    The striker missed the entire World Cup for France with an injury.
    The Ballon d’Or holder has only been able to play in 13 league matches this season for Los Blancos.
    While Kroos was ever-present in the team until Wednesday, when his illness kept him out of the team.
    Should he miss the game against Liverpool, Madrid will miss his experience in the middle of the pitch.
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    A win for Liverpool would help ease tension at the club as they have not been at their best this season.
    The club are currently 9th in the table, nine points behind Newcastle in 4th. More

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    How Liverpool could line up in crunch Newcastle clash as Jurgen Klopp confirms THREE huge stars could return from injury

    LIVERPOOL are set to be handed a triple injury boost ahead of Saturday’s away day at St James’ Park.Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota returned in last week’s 2-0 Merseyside derby win over Everton.
    Jurgen Klopp has been handed a triple injury boostCredit: Getty
    Klopp has confirmed that Virgil van Dijk will return against NewcastleCredit: AFP
    Diogo Jota is another injury boost after returning against EvertonCredit: PA
    Roberto Firmino also returned to actionCredit: AP
    And Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has now revealed that main man Virgil van Dijk is back in contention ahead of Newcastle.
    The Dutchman has been sidelined since being replaced at half time in Liverpool’s 3-1 defeat at Brentford on January 2.
    Van Dijk was on the bench against Everton, but was an unused substitute.
    Klopp said in his pre-match press conference when asked about whether Van Dijk will return to the team: “I think so.
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    “Yesterday (in training), he looked absolutely ready.”
    Van Dijk’s return is a MASSIVE boost for Liverpool, with the Reds currently nine points off fourth-place Newcastle.
    Liverpool won just one of their four leagues games and were knocked out of the FA Cup by Brighton during Van Dijk’s absence.
    Saturday’s crunch clash is too soon for Ibrahima Konate and Luis Diaz.
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    Klopp said: “Same squad as Monday night. Ibou (Konate) not yet, Luis (Diaz) not yet. But that’s it pretty much.
    “Nothing happened on the injury side. Thiago out. Calvin (Ramsay) had surgery, not available.”
    Klopp could stick with the majority of the team that started in the win over Everton, as he eyes back-to-back league wins.
    Van Dijk appears to be certain to start, meaning Joe Gomez could return to the substitutes bench.
    The Champions League and Premier League winner could be a part of a defensive four alongside Andy Robertson, Joel Matip and Trent Alexander-Arnold, tasked with protecting goalkeeper Alisson.
    Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and teenager Stefan Bajcetic may be called upon to man the midfield.
    Despite Jota and Firmino returning, Klopp could look to stick with a front three of Darwin Nunez, Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo.
    All three were involved in the two goals against Everton.
    Nunez assisted Salah for Liverpool’s opener, and Gakpo opened his Reds account with a back post finish.
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    Alternatively, Gakpo could be given a rest, and the front three shuffled to accommodate Jota.
    Naby Keita could also be brought into the midfield for Bajcetic.
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    How Liverpool beat Man Utd and BREXIT to £224,000 signing of teenage star now dubbed ‘best’ player

    LIVERPOOL’S midfield is an issue at the moment. But an 18-year-old star could save the club millions in the summer.
    Midfield is a problem position for Jurgen KloppCredit: EPA
    Stejan Bajcetic joined Liverpool aged 16 in December 2020Credit: Getty
    Stefan Bajcetic has broken into the Liverpool first-team this season and immediately caught the eye.
    Team-mate Mohamed Salah even dubbed Bajcetic as the “best player” at the club since the Spaniard has been part of the first-team.
    While the Reds’ pursuit of Jude Bellingham is well known, Bajcetic’s emergence could save them from splashing the cash on multiple midfielders in the summer.
    Bajetic signed for Liverpool in December 2020 aged 16 – with the club beating both Manchester United and Brexit to land his signature.
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    The Reds signed Bajcetic before new post Brexit rules came in and amid interest from United and Chelsea, as exclusively revealed by SunSport.
    While the Red Devils and Chelsea decided against a move due to fears he wouldn’t be allowed into the country, Liverpool swooped.
    Prem rules then came into place prohibiting visas for overseas players under the age of 18.
    He was Liverpool’s last signing under the old rules, costing a bargain £224,000.
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    The teenager now has 13 first-team appearances – but does not look out of place in a squad full of stars.
    He even scooped Jamie Carragher’s Player of the Match award in Monday’s 2-0 win over rivals Everton.
    And Bajcetic has made quite the impression among his Anfield team-mates.
    Egyptian ace Salah told Sky Sports: “He’s a great player and person, he always tries to work hard.
    “Since he started playing for us, he has been our best player maybe so hopefully he keeps that confidence and keeps going.”
    Bajcetic has caught the eye for Liverpool since breaking into the first-teamCredit: Rex More

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    Liverpool’s ‘worst ever signing’ finds new club as he joins ex-Barcelona and Napoli stars in Turkey

    LAZAR MARKOVIC, who’s dubbed Liverpool’s WORST ever signing, has found a new club in Turkey – joining ex-Barcelona and Napoli stars at Trabzonspor.The 28-year-old made a £22million switch to the Reds from Benfica in 2014.
    Liverpool flop Lazar Markovic has made a transfer to Turkish team TrabzonsporCredit: PA:Empics Sport
    The 28-year-old had a horrible stint at Liverpool following a £22m transferCredit: Getty
    However, the Serbia international only went on to make 34 appearances for the Anfield club, scoring three and assisting on.
    His failure to stamp down a place in the first-team saw the winger go out on loan four times, playing for Fenerbahce, Sporting Lisbon, Hull City and Anderlecht.
    Markovic then joined Fulham on a free transfer in January 2019, but only lasted six months at the club before being let go to head back to boyhood club Partizan.
    The 22-cap player then spent just under three years at Partizan before making a switch to Turkish side Gaziantep last summer.
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    Markovic has been dubbed Liverpool’s WORST ever signing by some, but after an uptake in form in the Turkish league, he has earned a move to Trabzonspor, where he will play alongside former Barca and Napoli stars, according to journalist Yagız Sabuncuoglu.
    He will play alongside Napoli legend Marek Hamsik.
    The 35-year-old joined the Turkish team in 2021.
    Hamsik has played 22 times for Trabzonspor this season, scoring two and assisting one.
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    Former Barca defender Marc Bartra is also playing his trade at Trabzonspor.
    The 32-year-old made the move from Real Betis last summer for a minimal fee. More

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    ‘Wishful thinking’ – Man Utd and Liverpool get HUGE transfer boost as Dortmund chief casts doubt on Bellingham future

    BORUSSIA DORTMUND have confirmed that they want to keep Jude Bellingham – although they admit it could be “wishful thinking”.The 19-year-old England star is arguably the most sought-after player in Europe with a host of top clubs chasing him.
    Dortmund have confirmed they want to keep Jude BellinghamCredit: Rex
    Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain have both supposedly seen early moves knocked back by the midfielder himself.
    Bellingham appears to be against joining either of those two amid interest from the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Madrid.
    However, we revealed last week how Los Blancos are feeling that the financial wealth of the Premier League has led them to believe that a return to England for the ex-Birmingham City ace is on the cards.
    Bellingham is under contract at Dortmund until 2025 – meaning they are under no immediate pressure to cash in on him this summer.
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    However, they do know that his price tag is likely to be at its peak come the end of the season.
    The Bundesliga club’s sporting director Sebastian Kehl has now confirmed that there is no guarantee they will look to sell him and says they are desperate to hang on to him.
    But he also admitted that there have been no advanced talks over an extension and that a new deal seems unlikely.
    Kehl said: “There has been no new development. We’ll have to be patient for a little longer.
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    “But of course we try to keep Jude Bellingham at Borussia Dortmund as long as possible because he is an incredibly important player who has shown once again this season how he identifies with this club and makes the team better.
    “Things develop due to market mechanisms. So of course I have my thoughts and also have my wishful thinking. I can’t say whether that will happen in the end.
    “From Borussia Dortmund’s point of view, the wishful thinking would be to keep a player of this quality at this club for as long as possible.
    “I would also like to have kept Erling Haaland or Jadon Sancho at Borussia Dortmund, because you can only imagine if we had managed to keep all three players in one team, what opportunities would then arise.”
    Kehl added: “We will always try everything to keep players of this quality at BVB – because we are ambitious, because we want to win titles. For this we need not only good, but also outstanding players.”
    Dortmund and Bellingham have enjoyed a six-match winning streak since returning from the World Cup.
    They welcome Chelsea to Germany for the first-leg of their last-16 Champions League clash on Wednesday. More

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    Man Utd ‘joined by Liverpool in £107m Victor Osimhen transfer race with Jurgen Klopp to be given monster summer kitty’

    LIVERPOOL have reportedly joined Manchester United in the transfer chase for the £107 million-rated Victor Osimhen.And Reds boss Jurgen Klopp will allegedly have a huge summer kitty to rebuild his squad at Anfield.
    Liverpool will battle Man Utd for Victor Osimhen this summerCredit: Rex
    The 24-year-old Nigerian star Osimhen has fired Napoli 15 points clear at the top of the Serie A table in their pursuit of a first title since 1990.
    Recent reports have emerged suggesting Man Utd are preparing to launch a staggering £107million transfer bid.
    Such a deal would equal the current British transfer record set by Chelsea’s acquisition of Enzo Fernandez in January.
    Despite the potentially huge offer, Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis remains defiant over the possibility of a sale and wants to keep the hitman.
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    However, it could now be about to get even harder to hold on to the ace.
    Fichajes have claimed that Liverpool are now battling United for Osimhen.
    And The Times states that the Reds will have “significant funds” available this summer to bring in new additions.
    Liverpool challenged for the quadruple last season but missed out on both the Champions League and Premier League title.
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    But Klopp’s ageing squad have failed to replicate that stunning form this term with the club currently languishing ninth in the top-flight despite last night’s Merseyside derby win over Everton.
    This latest update states that the German still has the backing of club chiefs and they will give him a chance to improve his side alongside the Anfield team’s new head of research.

    Osimhen left Lille for Napoli for £62.4m in 2020 and has scored 41 goals in 69 Serie A appearances since.
    He remains under contract until 2025 but no talks over an extension are believed to have yet taken place.
    The Red Devils lost Cristiano Ronaldo in December but brought in Wout Weghorst on-loan to bolster their forward line.
    Erik ten Hag is looking to bring in a new striker this summer for the long-term and has identified Napoli’s Osimhen as his No1 target. More

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    Jamie Carragher left baffled as Rafa Benitez reveals feelings on his old clubs Liverpool and Everton ahead of derby

    JAMIE CARRAGHER is stunned by Rafa Benitez’s split loyalties ahead of Monday night’s Merseyside derby.The Spanish manager’s old clubs Liverpool and Everton meet  at Anfield in a clash that’s crucial for unwanted reasons.
    Rafa Benitez lasted just seven months in charge of Everton, having bossed big rivals Liverpool for six yearsCredit: AP
    Benitez’s Liverpool reign peaked with an amazing Champions League final comeback win against AC Milan, inspired by skipper Steven GerrardCredit: Getty
    The Reds’ expected title challenge has turned into a mid-table struggle, while the Toffees need victory to move out of the Prem drop zone.
    And former Liverpool defender Carragher is amazed at Benitez’s inability to choose between the two sides.
    The ex-Real Madrid and Newcastle chief won the Champions League in 2005 and FA Cup the following year as Anfield boss from 2004-2010.
    But in his last job he lasted just seven months at Goodison Park.
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    Everton sacked him in January 2022 after nine defeats in 13 games left them 15th, six points above the relegation spots.
    Now the Toffees have posted a quote from Benitez revealing: “I can’t say” – when asked about his derby preference.
    And ex-England star Carragher replied to the tweet with two ‘mind-blown’ emojis.
    Benitez gives his full verdict in a new book by Peter Kenny called “Crossing the Park: The Men Who Dared to Play for Both Liverpool and Everton”.
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    The only other person to manage both clubs was William Barclay… in the 19th century!
    In fact, the Dubliner was both teams’ first boss – for Everton from 1888-89 and Liverpool from 1892-1896.
    Benitez wrote: “When I first arrived at Anfield I was surprised by the people, they were very friendly.
    “They tried to help with adapting to the new place from day one.
    “Then at Everton, there were a lot of friendly people, but the difference was that some looked at you differently, they couldn’t forget the past with Liverpool.
    “I feel at home in Merseyside, my family is completely at home here and that is important. 
    “The Liverpool fans are still kind and close today, many of the Everton fans know what actually happened and are, let’s say, friendly.
    “I can’t say I’m more Liverpool or Everton today. Logically, in six years there were a lot of highs at Liverpool, but I still have good friends amongst the Everton fans.”
    Eormer long-serving Liverpool ace Jamie Carragher was surprised Benitez seemingly couldn’t pick between his two old Merseyside clubsCredit: Rex More