FeatureAn award, a trick shot and somersaults - things spotted in training on Friday
We were embedded with the Liverpool squad on Friday as they went through preparations for Saturday’s Premier League fixture.
Arne Slot’s Reds host Ipswich Town in an afternoon kick-off at Anfield, aiming to bolster their status as the division’s leaders.
Here are five things we spotted during our access to their training work on the eve of the match…
And the winner is…
Before the hard work began in Kirkby, there was some housekeeping to attend to.
Presenting the latest Standard Chartered Men’s Player of the Month award, to be precise. Or should we say, re-presenting.
Mohamed Salah collected the award for a third month in a row after an astonishing December in which he produced 15 goal involvements in seven appearances for the Reds.
“I just try to focus in the games,” he said. “I feel I’m a big part of the team and helping my teammates to always play better – that’s the most important thing for me.
“People will always have that debate if it’s the best season or the season before, my first season, I don’t know. But I’m not thinking much about that as long as we keep winning and I’m doing well.”
Ibou’s energy…
Ibrahima Konate was afforded a watching brief in midweek as Liverpool saw off Lille 2-1 in the Champions League at Anfield.
Named on the substitutes’ bench by head coach Slot, he remained unused on the night. And the France international was full of energy as build-up continued for Saturday’s visit of Ipswich.
Holding court at the training facility’s coffee bar as the squad convened, Konate declared his love for Trent Alexander-Arnold and helped with a suggestion for Salah’s next goal celebration…
A superb trick shot...
It’s a rare feeling. But a brilliant one.
You go for an ambitious trick shot and, deep down, you know it’s perhaps too ambitious.
But then you actually pull it off.
Perhaps something like trying to half-volley a bouncing football into a basketball hoop from a distance.
Yes, we got it Andy Robertson…
Doing somersaults…
Fair play, lads – I felt nauseous just looking at these pictures.
Amid their exercise routines indoors as part of Friday’s training programme, several players exhibited their gymnastic abilities.
Roll of honour: Konate, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, Jayden Danns, Jarell Quansah and Conor Bradley.
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“Oh my God…”, “OK!”, “Wow…”
The reactions Dominik Szoboszlai drew with one particularly impressive finish during the training drills.
The placing of the Liverpool No.8’s effort from the edge of the area had already given goalkeeper Harvey Davies absolutely no chance.
But for extra pizzazz, Szoboszlai’s strike only took its final residence inside the net after clattering both the right and left posts.
Take a look…