Liverpool
Van Dijk Questions Praise After Liverpool’s Goalless Draw With Arsenal
Van Dijk questioned praise for Liverpool after a 0-0 at Arsenal and voiced concern for Conor Bradley
Virgil van Dijk cut through the headlines after Liverpool’s 0-0 draw at Arsenal on Thursday, asking why the Reds were receiving credit for a match that produced little attacking substance.
Arne Slot’s side recorded 52% possession away from home but failed to register a single shot on target. The fixture was described by van Dijk as “largely devoid of attacking quality in the final third” as Liverpool struggled to turn control of the ball into clear goal attempts.
Van Dijk made his feelings plain on the reaction to the performance. “I am a bit surprised that people think this is a good performance because when we have 60 or 70% ball possession against other teams people find it boring and now it is a good performance,” he said.
He was equally candid about the team’s shortcomings in decisive areas. “But again we hardly created a chance and now we say, ‘What a performance.’ This is who were are, we can dominate possession, we know how to do build-up, but we struggle, obviously, in a few things.
“Set pieces are one of them, dominating moments when we are in the final third, to find the right pass and the right execution, that is something that is still not at the level some other teams are and that’s why we are working every single day.
“Yes we did really well in ball possession but for me it wasn’t that much different than playing Leeds at home or Fulham away, where we dominated ball possession as well.
“But then people are annoyed that these teams are not of the magnitude of Arsenal it is not good enough, which I completely agree on, by the way, because I want to see us creating more chances as well.”
The match’s major incident saw Conor Bradley stretchered off after falling while challenging for a long ball. Gabriel Martinelli was widely criticised for dropping the ball on a prone Bradley and attempting to force him off the field; Martinelli later apologised, saying he did not understand the severity of the situation.
Van Dijk addressed the incident and Bradley’s condition: “Our thoughts are with Conor, first and foremost,” Van Dijk reflected. “Hopefully it’s not the worst but it doesn’t look great.
“A long ball came over, Conor was challenging for it and then he fell down on the pitch. Martinelli obviously then pushes him off the pitch. Our players reacted to that and we all came together. Everyone was unhappy with that moment and rightly so.
“It doesn’t look great for Conor and it doesn’t look great on Martinelli either. We are focusing on Conor. He’ll have medical tests in the next 24 hours and then we’ll have to adapt.”
Liverpool
Gravenberch Commits Long-Term to Liverpool and Sets Sights on More Trophies
Gravenberch signs new long-term Liverpool deal, targets trophies after growth under Arne Slot. this.
Ryan Gravenberch has signed a new long-term contract at Liverpool and made clear his priorities for the coming years. The club did not release the exact length of the deal, but reports suggest it will run until 2032.
Gravenberch arrived from Bayern Munich in 2023 and endured a slow start, but he became a key figure last season under Arne Slot. That progression continued into 2025/26 when the defensive midfielder produced the best goalscoring form of his career, registering four league goals for the first time.
On signing his contract he reflected on the decision and his place at the club. “I feel really, really good,” Gravenberch told club media. “I was really proud to extend my contract at such a big club. So, I’m really happy that I can stay for many more years.
“I felt directly the trust from the club, also from the manager. The decision for me was easy to make. My family is also happy here. We are now here almost three years, so I know everything already. I’m happy that I’m here.”
The timing of the new deal comes as Liverpool pursue silverware in two competitions this season. The club’s chances of ending the campaign with a trophy may rest solely on the FA Cup and Champions League, and Gravenberch acknowledged the short-term focus while outlining a longer-term ambition to return Liverpool to title contention.
“For the short term, [my aim is to] end the season as good as possible,” he continued. “And for the long term: win many more trophies with Liverpool. ]”
His progress from an unsettled arrival to a regular performer under Slot has given Liverpool a midfield option who combines defensive work with an improved scoring threat. The new contract secures that option as the club plans the next phase of its domestic and European campaigns.
Liverpool
Slot soothes concerns after Mac Allister withdrawn; Liverpool show midfield depth
Arne Slot said “I think so, yes.” after Alexis Mac Allister’s late withdrawal; Liverpool show depth.
Arne Slot moved to calm nerves after Alexis Mac Allister was withdrawn late against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday. The substitution looked worrying at the time, but Slot offered reassurance when asked about the midfielder’s condition: “I think so, yes.”
The match also marked the return of Florian Wirtz from injury, a timely addition to Liverpool’s squad, although the team did not ultimately require his influence to control the game. At the base of midfield, Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch provided solidity and composure, while Mohamed Salah and Curtis Jones delivered productive displays further forward.
Teenage winger Rio Ngumoha emerged as the standout performer. He “stole the show and was unfortunate not to join his teammates on the score sheet,” drawing praise and attention for his display. That performance intensified debate around the player who has been limiting his opportunities this season, Cody Gakpo.
Gakpo started in an unfamiliar role as a central striker and struggled to look comfortable. The draft of his performance underlined a wider issue: those difficulties can also be said for many of his appearances as a left winger this season. The continued rise of attacking options complicates selection decisions for Slot.
Wirtz’s introduction from the bench adds further options to an already crowded midfield. Slot now has an abundance of confident, in-form players to call on as Liverpool prepare for a demanding trip to Türkiye to face Galatasaray in midweek. If Liverpool’s attack-minded stars continue to build form, selection pressures will increase and Slot’s choices may be tested.
For now, the immediate concern over Mac Allister appears to have been eased. The match offered evidence of the squad’s depth and posed fresh selection questions as Liverpool look ahead to their midweek fixture and the remainder of the season.
Liverpool
Liverpool Lodge $116 Million Call for OIise as Rashford Forces Barcelona’s Hand
Liverpool have made a $116 million OIise call; Rashford forces Barcelona’s hand. Transfer News Live.
Two developments dominate the transfer headlines: Liverpool have made a $116 million call for OIise, and Rashford forces Barcelona’s hand. Both items arrived as distinct but related signals about activity in the market.
Liverpool’s move is notable for its scale. A $116 million call places OIise at the centre of significant interest, and the figure alone frames the situation as one that demands attention. The report that Liverpool have taken the initiative is the sole detail provided about that approach, and it is enough to underline the seriousness of the club’s intent.
Separately, Rashford forces Barcelona’s hand. That phrase indicates action originating from Rashford that prompted a response from Barcelona. No further mechanics or timing are supplied; the fact given is that Rashford’s actions have compelled Barcelona into a decision-making posture.
Taken together, the two short reports point to a transfer environment in which high-value calls and player-driven developments coexist. Liverpool’s $116 million call for OIise reads as an aggressive valuation-led step. Rashford’s influence on Barcelona suggests a situation shaped by individual initiative rather than only by clubs negotiating in isolation.
There is no additional detail on negotiations, counteroffers, or outcomes. The information available is limited to the two core facts: Liverpool have made a $116 million call for OIise, and Rashford forces Barcelona’s hand. From those facts, the clear takeaway is that significant financial commitment and player-driven momentum are both present in current transfer reporting.
As items of transfer news and transfer rumours, these reports will be subject to follow-up. For now, the record is concise: a high-value call by Liverpool centered on OIise, and a development in which Rashford has caused Barcelona to act.
