Liverpool

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Manchester United at Anfield (kick-off 16:30 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Ibrahima Konate and Conor Bradley will train with the squad today, with Slot saying he is "curious and interested" to see if they can be available for Sunday.

• However, Joe Gomez "is not in a good place with his injury" and remains sidelined "for a few weeks," but otherwise there are no new injury concerns.

• Slot said resting players is not an option against Manchester United because Ruben Amorim's side "have much better players than the league table shows at the moment."

• Slot also said Trent Alexander-Arnold has "made a step up this season" in his performances but "consistency" is what the right-back can still improve.

• On the constant noise around a potential Real Madrid move for Alexander-Arnold and how such rumours affect players: "I can tell you that he is playing on Sunday and hopefully he brings the same performance that he has done for the first half of the season. I see the way he is in training and he is fully committed to us."

• Slot had high praise for Virgil van Dijk, who will mark his seven-year debut this weekend: "He is a complete player. He is the one that leads the team from start to finish. From the moment I blow my whistle on the training ground, he is the one player that you can always hear. He brings a lot of positive energy."

• On media comments about Mohamed Salah being the best player in the world: "I think it's difficult to compare players. If I only look at my own team, Virgil also has an outstanding season but he doesn't have the numbers because he is a defender. The numbers Mo has speak for themselves. If you simply look at the numbers and the way he's playing, he's definitely a great, great player."

• On his side boasting over 30 league title medals between them: "It is always important that you have players or staff players that know how to work things. But we are here at one of the best clubs in the world so it is normal that we have players that have won things in their career."

Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news

Full commentary of Liverpool v Manchester United from 16:30 GMT on Sunday on BBC Radio 5 Live

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Liverpool have lost just one of their past 13 Premier League games against Manchester United (won seven and drawn five).

United have not won any of their previous eight league away games at Anfield (drawn four and lost four), which is their longest run since a sequence of nine between 1970 and 1979.

Liverpool and Manchester City are considering January bids for 26-year-old Dani Olmo after Barcelona failed to register the Spain midfielder. (Sky Sports Germany - in German), external

Meanwhile, Liverpool have had no contact with AC Milan over a move for Uruguay striker Darwin Nunez, 25, despite reports in Italy claiming a six-month loan with a £41.5m obligation-to-buy deal could take place. (Mail), external

Finally, Fiorentina are trying to reach an agreement with Liverpool to sign Italy winger Federico Chiesa, 27, for £5.8m. (TuttoMercato - in Italian), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column

After Josh Windass' stunning hit from his own half for Sheffield Wednesday against Derby, BBC Sport has taken a look at some other goals scored from way, way out in English football.

Xabi Alonso (Liverpool v Newcastle United, 2006)

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Before he was a Bundesliga-winning coach, Xabi Alonso was one of the most gifted midfield players of his generation.

The Spaniard had a fantastic passing range and an eye for the spectacular as he showed against Newcastle at Anfield in September 2006.

He caught Magpies goalkeeper Steve Harper cold with a fantastic hit from all of 60.6 yards (to be exact).

Harper maybe ought to have been more prepared.

Alonso had already netted from his own half earlier that year, scoring from more than 70 yards out in the final moments of an FA Cup win at Luton after the Hatters goalkeeper had gone up for a set-piece.

See which other goals made the list and choose your favourite

Image source, Getty Images

Trent Alexander-Arnold is a world-class player, a creator and defender in equal measure, so it would be folly to suggest he would not be missed by Liverpool.

If he wants a fresh challenge, it is clear Real Madrid would welcome him. It is now up to Alexander-Arnold to decide if he wants to take that challenge.

The good news for Liverpool is they might just have the perfect replacement for Alexander-Arnold in their own ranks - the outstanding Northern Ireland 21-year-old Conor Bradley has all the makings of a long-term Anfield star.

Ironically, it was against Real Madrid – with Alexander-Arnold watching from the bench – that Bradley delivered a magnificent display hinting at his quality in Liverpool's 2-0 Champions League win over Carlo Ancelotti's side at Anfield in November.

Bradley brought Anfield to its feet, literally, with a shuddering first-half challenge on Kylian Mbappe as he approached The Kop. It left Mbappe in an undignified heap. It was fearless, perfectly legal, perfectly timed and demonstrated huge belief and confidence.

If Alexander-Arnold does go, he will leave a huge hole, but Bradley has shown he has all the ability to soften such a heavy blow.

Read the full piece on Trent Alexander-Arnold's Liverpool future here

Gary Rose
BBC Sport journalist

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been at Liverpool since he was six years old so any decision to leave Anfield would be a significant one for both him and the Reds.

He made his breakthrough in the 2016-17 campaign and has been a mainstay of the first team ever since, regularly playing more than 40 games a season.

Only Mohamed Salah (1,586) and Ryan Gravenberch (1,560) have played more minutes than Alexander-Arnold (1,317) this season, underlining how important he is to Slot.

The Reds would not only miss his reliability in defence but also his contribution to their attack.

No Liverpool player has created more chances than Alexander-Arnold's 36 - level with Salah. That includes four assists - second only to Salah, who has a stunning 13.

Read more on Alexander-Arnold's Liverpool career

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Eintracht Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush is "going to be a superstar", says German football expert Raphael Honigstein.

The 25-year-old has been linked with a move to the Premier League after an impressive first half of the campaign that has seen him score 18 goals and provide 12 assists in just 24 games.

It is form not too dissimilar to that of his international team-mate Mohamed Salah, drawing understandable parallels between the two.

"A really dynamic, wide forward who can play through the middle - he is not really a winger and he is not really a centre-forward; he is in between," Honigstein told the BBC Euro Leagues podcast.

"Some people have compared him to his compatriot Mohamed Salah. He is perhaps not quite as tricky and explosive but his finishing is incredible. He is one of those players that came to Germany when he was 18 and for six years and you think 'OK, interesting player but probably not really going to set the world alight,' then suddenly this season he has absolutely exploded to a different level.

"It is to the point we are talking 60-70m euros, maybe 80m euros, in the transfer market. There will be a big move ahead for him and that is why he is one to watch because it is very unlikely Eintracht Frankfurt will stick with him. Some big clubs will come in for him and, if he continues on the same path, he is going to be a superstar.

"He will be a great buy for whoever gets him."

French football journalist Julien Laurens agreed, saying: "He can probably get even better because he is still young. He has had to wait for his career to click and now he has got that confidence and momentum.

"If he plays with better players in big clubs with better coaching, then there is even more to come from him."

Listen to the full discussion on BBC Sounds

Will the Premier League trophy return to Anfield in four months time?

Well, according to Opta's supercomputer, it is very much Liverpool's to lose.

That will not come as any great shock when Arne Slot's men have held their reign at the top of the table and are five points clear of second-place Arsenal with a game in hand.

Opta predict Liverpool are 89.9% likely to win the title in May, with the Gunners the only side capable of challenging at 9.5%.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has said from the start of the season that his side are not in the race as they continue to develop, but they have a slightly higher chance of winning the title than reigning champions Manchester City.

Barcelona sporting director Deco's eagerness to sign Liverpool's Colombia winger Luis Diaz has been given a boost, with the 27-year-old unhappy that talks have not started over an improved contract at Anfield. (Sport - in Spanish), external

Real Madrid remain on track to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold in the summer on a free transfer, with the 26-year-old looking to leave Liverpool. The La Liga club want the England defender to sign a pre-contract agreement quickly to avoid the possibility of him changing his mind. (Relevo - in Spanish), external

But Liverpool's resolve to keep Alexander-Arnold for the rest of this season will be tested by a second approach from Real Madrid in January. (Times - subscription required), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

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We asked what Liverpool's New Year resolutions should be.

Here are some of your replies:

Christopher: No need to change anything. It's pretty much more of the same please lads!

Andrew: Liverpool's New Year resolution: "We will not let players leave on free transfers."

Yusuf: I am sure all of our New Year resolutions as Liverpool fans would be to have all three of Salah, Van Dijk and Trent's contracts signed. When that is over and done with, we should look to bolster defensive options.

Darren: Surely it's obvious? Get contracts sorted for those three and get a system in place to ensure things like this don't happen?

Mark: Get the contracts sorted as well as signing Kerkez and cover for Gravenberch.

Geoff: Strengthen, strengthen, strengthen! As injuries inevitably kick in, we need to bring a left-back and centre-back in, and get Salah and Van Dijk's contracts sorted while we are riding the wave of success.

Max: Just make sure we don't have another one of our collapses again. This year I think it's different under Slot, we look more stable and I can trust we can keep going until the end of the season.

Tom: Fix the contract disputes for Van Dijk, Salah and Trent (however they pan out) and solve the Darwin Nunez conundrum. Everything else will slot into place comfortably if those are dealt with.

Jake: New left-back. Davies from Bayern would be incredible!

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We asked for your views on Real Madrid's reported approach for Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Liverpool's knock back, which Jamie Carragher, external and Michael Owen, external have been vocal about on X.

Here are some of your comments:

Sean: Trent is a big lad. He will make his own choice. I'd love him to stay. The sadness hovering over it all is that we fans fear he'll end up like Michael Owen; traded legendary status for a trip to Spain. I hope when Alexander-Arnold returns to Anfield that he gets a better reception than Owen does (he's largely ignored). The Reds wish to praise and love these lads who could be legends. Madrid is a top club and wonderful city. But it ain't Liverpool!

Tommy: Out of the three players he is the one we can afford to lose. He's a luxury player who too often doesn't live up to the massive hype on him. We have a ready-made replacement, so he can go. It is getting boring now. He, like Owen, will be warming the bench at Madrid.

Enton: First and foremost as a lifelong Liverpool fan, losing Trent would be a massive blow ….that's a no brainer. However, I think he's made his mind up and who can blame him? When Real Madrid comes knocking, you answer the door! Having built his friendship with Jude Bellingham via England duty, the process of settling in will be a lot easier as well.

It's up to Liverpool now to try to get the best deal possible (if it's not too late).

For maybe the first time I agree with Jamie Carragher's view on this and in Conor Bradley we have a super talented replacement. In essence it would be a massive blow losing Trent, but Bradley has shown he can play at the levels Arne Slot is demanding from his team.

Russ: Trent has been at the club for 20 years and has won absolutely everything so you can understand if he wants a change of scene. What he needs to understand is that he will never be adored by the Madrid fans like he is at Anfield. He will never get to captain the club he supposedly loves and he will never win the Ballon D'or regardless of which club he plays for. He will be always be welcomed back to Anfield but not with open arms - he has tarnished his legacy like Owen and McManaman.

Ryan: Devastated. The best right-back of his generation, a local lad and one of the most exciting players to watch. To see him sell out to join Madrid feels like a dagger in the heart. If he wins the league before he goes, you'd say 'c'est la vie' and we move on. If he does go, the club absolutely MUST tie down Salah and Virgil van Dijk to soften the blow.

Fraser: Whereas Salah and Virgil have made it clear that they want to stay (and I'm fairly confident that both will extend) Trent has been quiet the whole time which makes me fear the worst. The thing that infuriates me most is that he is trying to leave on a free and Liverpool get nothing in return. This is very disappointing from Trent and pretty selfish from him as well, I just hope this doesn't sabotage or derail our campaign. Good thing Conor Bradley is near to returning.

Image source, Getty Images

Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen believes "it's only a matter of time" before Trent Alexander-Arnold signs for Real Madrid.

Owen's comments on X, came after reports the La Liga giants had approached Liverpool about the right-back on Tuesday.

Alexander-Arnold, who is out of contract in the summer, is now free to speak to any club but the link to Real has been widely communicated in recent weeks.

The Athletic have since reported that Liverpool turned down Real Madrid's approach.

Owen said:, external "The very fact that Real Madrid have now made their intentions clear towards signing Trent Alexander-Arnold leads me to believe that it's only a matter of time before he signs for them. If he was going to sign a contract extension, Madrid wouldn't have officially made their move. Secretive talks will have taken place. Huge news."

Ex-defender Jamie Carragher also said on X, external: "The most important thing for Liverpool in 2025 is winning the Premier League. No one's contract or future should come in the way of that! I love Trent as a lad and a player, but his team would've told Real Madrid to bid and also would've known Liverpool would turn it down. It's to try and cover themselves when he leaves for free. Again it's something the club and fans don't need with a huge game coming up."

How are you feeling about the Alexander-Arnold situation? Tell us

Liverpool have turned down an approach from Real Madrid to sign right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold in January. (Athletic - subscription required), external

Meanwhile, Egypt winger Mohamed Salah and Netherlands defender Virgil van Dijk, are both expected to extend their Liverpool stays by two years. (David Ornstein, via Mirror), external

The Reds are open to selling Uruguay striker Darwin Nunez and have identified Inter Milan and France forward Marcus Thuram, along with Newcastle's Sweden striker Alexander Isak, 25, as potential replacements. (Teamtalk), external

Liverpool could rival Manchester United for the signing of 21-year-old Hungary left-back Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth. (Caught Offside), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist

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It has been another entertaining year in the Premier League, so with 2025 just a matter of hours away let's take a look at the clubs that have topped the charts.

Manchester City became history makers in 2024 as they sealed their fourth successive Premier League title in May and their sixth in seven seasons.

Pep Guardiola's possession based football continued to dominate as they maintained the ball for an average of 64.5% per game and had a 90.6% passing accuracy over the year.

Brighton were the closest to matching their accuracy at 87.5% and Ange Postecoglou's similar high-risk football saw Tottenham retain 61.3% possession.

Under Jurgen Klopp and new head coach Arne Slot, Liverpool scored 92 goals in 2024 which is three more than Arsenal and nine greater than City.

The Reds registered 741 shots in total, which is a stark contrast to Leicester City who recorded the least with 170. Albeit that is only since their promotion back to the top-flight in the summer.

Of those shots, 286 of Liverpool's were on target. But it is Thomas Frank's Brentford that have proven to be the most clinical.

The Bees had a conversion rare of 15.3% after scoring 62 goals in the Premier League. Yoane Wissa found the back of the net 17 times, while Bryan Mbuemo registered 12 goals.

From goal scoring to conceding - West Ham turned over the most goals with 79.

They should look to North London for tips on how to tighten up their defence as Arsenal proved to be the most solid across all aspects of their back line.

The Gunners conceded just 25 goals across the course of the year and kept an impressive 18 clean sheets.

Sean Dyche's Everton, renowned for being stubborn to break down, kept 14 clean sheets despite only winning eight of their 36 games.

All stats are supplied by Opta

Pat Nevin
Former footballer and presenter

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The biggest question in English football right now surrounds Mo Salah.

It is not the one about whether he did or did not mean that piece of skill for Liverpool's second goal against West Ham. He probably did not mean the little flick, but it was still genius to react to the fluke so quickly and make the best of it.

The real question is about the contract. "Surely with his phenomenal form they must give him what he wants," is the mournful cry I hear from Liverpool fans. We do not know the details but what if he was wanting a four-year deal for his security and Liverpool were only offering one year? Because at his age when the downhill slide happens it could be very quick.

How would Liverpool feel paying someone £20m (allegedly) per annum for the last three years of a contract for what by then might be an aging bit-part player?

But Mo is world class, he is in great shape for a 33-year old (as he will be at the start of his next contracted year), he is not a drinker and what about his contemporaries Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo? Messi won the World Cup at 35 and though less mobile was still crucial to that victory. Cristiano, now nudging 40, is still looking good and banging in the goals, at an admittedly lower level.

Salah might do the same. However, the 'might' in this sentence is doing a lot of heavy lifting.

Liverpool FC is a business and though the reward of giving Mo and his people what they want could be high, the risk is also substantial in the medium to long term.

I think the club is playing this well, eventually they will have to live without the Egyptian genius, so they might as well start preparing for that day. In the meantime, a shorter contract, a year maybe, with a option on a second season, looks the most likely and indeed sensible outcome for all parties.

If Mo agrees!

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Real Madrid would prefer to sign England right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold in January but are willing to wait until the summer, when his contract expires, if Liverpool do not want to sell the 26-year-old next month. (Marca - in Spanish), external

Want more transfer news? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Image source, PA Media

After Liverpool's 5-0 win at West Ham on Sunday, Reds captain Virgil van Dijk fielded several questions about a potential Premier League title victory - but he was quick to maintain that the team are not looking beyond their next fixture.

Arne Slot's side opened up an eight-point gap at the top of the table with their win at London Stadium, although that could be closed by both Chelsea and Arsenal by the time Liverpool host Manchester United on 5 January.

"We're on 29 December - let's speak about this in April or May," Van Dijk said. "For us it's now about time with our families - it's precious and important time that we need - and then we focus on United.

"I'm not going to speak about any title, because there's no point. I've been in these title races in the past, we've lost twice by small margins and won it once [in 2019-20] quite comfortably and it was an amazing feeling.

"But we all know that you have to work your socks off each day in order to win games.

"Now we have some time off and then we focus on United. That's the only thing we should think about and not anything else."

Listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds

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Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has praised Arne Slot's attacking tactics, after the Reds stretched the gap at the top of the Premier League table to eight points.

Speaking on Match of the Day, Murphy said: "They have got more players than anybody else who are prepared to run in behind without the ball. They do it with such dynamism. It is incredible.

"It is obviously a tactic. It takes willingness from the players, energy and commitment. It pushes the [opposition] defence back and gets Liverpool up the pitch.

"Luis Diaz has been playing in that number-nine role and he has been doing it brilliantly because he is always willing to run in behind.

"The runs create space for Mohamed Salah, who is always getting into the right positions in the box.

"We see so many players in the Premier League coming to feet all the time, but Salah is probably the best at doing it. He knows when to run in behind and use his pace, especially when he has got Trent [Alexander-Arnold] feeding him."

Former Premier League defender Ashley Williams added: "As a centre-back or any defender, there is confusion. They don't know if there is an offside, they don't know whether to stay with the runner or go to the player who is going to feet.

"Liverpool are so dynamic in this - Salah is on his bike as soon as he knows that someone has got their head up and it is so difficult to defend against."

Catch up on Match of the Day here