Leeds United are now set to push to sign a Barcelona forward in the January transfer window, having already made persistent enquiries over a deal.

Leeds looking to bolster attacking options this winter

Earlier this season, Danny Murphy suggested Leeds’ lack of top-quality forwards could put them at real risk of relegation, saying: “I still think Leeds and Burnley will go.

“I think the biggest problem for Burnley and Leeds is firepower. I agree with what we talked about earlier. I think all the newly promoted sides doing well is great for the Premier League. I’d like to see them all stay up, actually. But I don’t think it’ll be the case.”

Since then, however, the Whites have displayed they have what it takes to cause some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs real problems, defeating Chelsea 3-1, before going on to draw 3-3 with Liverpool courtesy of a last-gasp Ao Tanaka equaliser.

That said, with Daniel Farke’s side still just two points above the relegation zone, they remain interested in improving their forward line during the January transfer window, and they have now made contact over a deal for Barcelona’s Roony Bardghji.

That is according to a report from Spain, which states the Whites have lodged persistent enquiries to sign the Barca forward on loan in the January transfer window, as they believe he would be perfectly suited to their style of play.

Leeds are unwilling to give up on securing the 20-year-old’s signature, despite his recent emergence as a first-team player for the La Liga club, and they are set to push for a January deal in the coming weeks.

Bardghji could play major role in helping Leeds avoid the drop

The Sweden international hasn’t featured particularly regularly so far this season, but he showed exactly what he’s capable of in Barca’s most recent La Liga match, scoring one goal and setting up another in the 5-3 triumph against Real Betis.

Romano: Leeds make contact to sign "outstanding" £21m attacker in January

The Whites have received a response after making an approach for a new attacker.

ByDominic Lund Dec 7, 2025

It was an impressive all-round performance from the Kuwait-born forward, who completed two dribbles and won two duels, and Hansi Flick will be delighted he is now coming into his own in La Liga, having also previously put in some eye-catching displays for FC Copenhagen.

With Daniel James recently suffering a hamstring injury, and receiving criticism at times this season, it would be ideal to bring in a new forward in the upcoming transfer window, and the Barca ace would be a like-for-like replacement, given that his main position is right-wing.

As such, Leeds should definitely look to sign Bardghji, off the back of some impressive showings in both La Liga and the Champions League, grabbing an assist in Barca’s 6-1 victory over Olympiacos.

Heung-min Son touches down in London next week to bid farewell to the Lilywhites fanbase at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Thomas Frank’s side are set to take on Slavia Prague in the Champions League, and what they could do with a prime version of Son and Harry Kane leading the line.

It’s fair to say that the world-class forwards have not been replaced since both departing in recent years, and that has been to the detriment of the new manager’s project.

Creatively, Spurs have not been at the races, but the need for an elite centre-forward has been just as severe. Talismanic figures like Kane are hard to come by, though.

Why Spurs are missing Harry Kane

It is not hard to work out why Tottenham miss their all-time record goalscorer, whose shooting skills are second to none and who, regardless, has so much more to his game than mere finishing.

Tottenham’s All-time Record Scorers

Player

Apps

Goals

Harry Kane

435

280

Jimmy Greaves

376

266

Bobby Smith

316

211

Heung-min Son

454

173

Martin Chivers

350

167

Data via Transfermarkt

Now a superstar with Bayern Munich, the Three Lions captain is one of the most prolific forwards in world football, actually described as “the best player in the world” by writer Mitch Fretton.

This might just be the case. Kane has posted 25 goals from 21 matches in all competitions this season. His Bayern side are runaway Bundesliga leaders already.

He is the star of the show, the cream of the crop. Just as he was at Tottenham.

How Frank must wish for such a player leading his line. Although saying that, the Danish coach does has a Kane-esque star in his ranks, even if this player is performing on the other side of the field.

Spurs have a new Kane-like talisman

There isn’t a single forward in Tottenham’s first team who would scratch the same surface as Kane in his north London pomp right now, but Cristian Romero is showing off talismanic properties, albeit in a different way.

The Argentina international has been something of a divisive figure at times down N17, boasting world-class talent but also an erraticness and rash streak that has pulled him away from the action at times.

But he’s still an immense player, evidenced when he came up trumps as Spurs salvaged a draw at St. James’ Park on Tuesday evening, scoring a brace against Newcastle United.

Romero is hardly a similar player to Kane, but they share some similarities that suggest Romero could be the club’s new version.

They are both leaders. Kane was never anointed as Tottenham’s first-choice captain due to Hugo Lloris, but he’s undoubtedly a top leader. In this, Romero and him are alike, with the Argentine both a vocal and lead-by-example skipper, so imposing and aggressive in the heart of the defence.

The 27-year-old is a “monster” of a player, as dubbed by journalist Charlie Eccleshare, with Sofascore recording that he has averaged 2.5 tackles and 5.7 duels in the Premier League this season, winning 64% of the latter.

Micky van de Ven, lauded by some as Tottenham’s best player, has not yet achieved the same kind of defensive mastery, averaging only 1.1 tackles per game and winning just 51% of his duels.

It’s clear in this regard that Romero boasts surpassing quality, more roundedness, more completeness. As per FBref, he ranks among the top 10% of Premier League defenders this year for goals, the top 7% for successful take-ons and the top 5% for tackles per 90.

Let’s hope he remains under Frank’s wing over the coming years. On the basis of the evidence, the head coach is going to need him.

Related The new Son: Spurs prepared to pay £65m to sign "world-class" talent

Tottenham Hotspur could be about to fork out a hefty sum to land a new attacker for Thomas Frank.

Posts ByEthan Lamb Dec 3, 2025

تستمر الإثارة في مباراة مانشستر سيتي وفولهام ببطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، حيث شهدت المواجهة تسجيل هدفين آخرين لتصل الأهداف إلى 9 من الفريقين.

ويحل مانشستر سيتي ضيفًا على فولهام، في إطار مباريات الجولة الرابعة عشر للدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، البريميرليج، لموسم 2025-2026.

وتمكن فولهام من تسجيل الهدف الثالث في شباك مانشستر سيتي، وقد تم احتسابه بعد العودة لتقنية الفار للتأكد من صحته.

الهدف جاء بعد عن طريق صامويل تشوكويزى، بعد كرة عرضية لصالح فولهام، واصطدمت الكرة ببرناردو سيلفا لتصل إلى تشوكويزى ويسجل في شباك مانشستر سيتي بالدقيقة 72.

اقرأ أيضًا | ترتيب هدافي الدوري الإنجليزي بعد هدف هالاند في مباراة مانشستر سيتي وفولهام

ثم أضافت تشوكويزي الهدف الثاني له والرابع لفولهام في الدقيقة 78، بعد ركنية نفذت وتصدى دوناروما لترتد وتصل إلى لاعب فولهام ويسجل في الشباك.

وشهدت المواجهة 7 أهداف من قبل، بواقع 5 لصالح مانشستر سيتي عن طريق إيرلينج هالاند، فيل فودين (هدفين)، تيجاني ريندرز، وجيريمي دوكو، و2 آخرين لفولهام عن طريق سميث رووي وأليكس إيوبي.

Tottenham Hotspur’s much-needed 2-0 win against Brentford yesterday could be the victory Thomas Frank needed to kickstart his career in charge in North London.

Xavi Simons and Richarlison’s first-half efforts were enough to secure all three points for the Lilywhites, subsequently securing the first league win since the end of October.

The win was just the club’s second home triumph of the campaign, with the only previous three points coming against Burnley way back on the opening day of the Premier League season.

However, it’s given the Dane the platform he needs to be a success in the role, especially after the pressure has ramped up on his shoulders over recent weeks.

Despite the win, numerous players once again struggled within Frank’s side, which could lead to the manager finally discovering his best starting eleven at the club.

Spurs’ poor performers against Brentford

Midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has fallen way below his usual high standards over the last couple of weeks, with his showing against Brentford yet another disappointing one.

The Uruguayan international featured for 65 minutes before being withdrawn after losing possession on six separate occasions – just over once every ten minutes.

He also failed to complete any dribbles and was also dribbled past on one occasion, with youngster Archie Gray managing to outperform him during the meeting.

However, he wasn’t alone in failing to deliver, with full-back Djed Spence also enduring an uncharacteristically poor performance on home soil against the Bees.

The full-back featured for the entirety of the win, but only managed to achieve a 40% success rate from the ten duels that he entered down the left-hand side.

He also failed to make any tackles, whilst not finding a teammate with any of his four crosses – subsequently highlighting his struggles at both ends of the pitch.

The Spurs player who needs to be dropped after Brentford

Since Frank’s appointment as Spurs manager, he’s often tinkered with his squad to try and stumble across his best starting eleven to lead the club up the Premier League.

Whether it be various different partnerships across the squad, or players operating in unnatural positions, the Dane has tried it all to push the side in the right direction.

Undoubtedly, the first home win since August yesterday demonstrated glimpses of a successful side, with the Lilywhites restricting the visitors to limited opportunities throughout.

However, that didn’t stop numerous players from struggling to make a positive impact, as seen with the aforementioned pairing of Bentancur and Spence.

They weren’t alone in struggling, with Randal Kolo Muani, another who was unable to produce his best performance of the season against Keith Andrews’ side.

The Frenchman was asked to operate off the left wing rather than his usual centre-forward position – something which no doubt affected his lack of impact on proceedings.

He featured for 74 minutes before being replaced, but his hard work and work rate only merely covered up his lack of tangible impact during the 2-0 victory against the Bees.

Minutes played

74

Touches

40

Dribbles completed

0

Crosses completed

0

Big chances missed

1

Duels lost

88%

Duels won

12%

Fouls committed

2

The 27-year-old only registered a total of 40 touches of the ball during his time on the pitch – with goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario managing more with his total of 45.

He also failed to complete any of his five attempted dribbles, whilst none of his crosses were able to find the men in white – showcasing his lack of impact in the final third.

When he did have the chance to find the back of the net, Kolo Muani did squander his opportunity, resulting in the loanee registering a missed big chance.

Out of possession, he was just as lacklustre in North London, subsequently winning just two of the 15 duels he entered – resulting in a total of 88% of duels lost.

There’s little denying that Kolo Muani has been a decent option for Frank’s men this season, but his showing was one to forget yesterday – which could lead to him being dropped from the side.

It was certainly a positive afternoon for Frank’s men, but one that has raised another issue for him, with the manager desperately needing to utilise the Frenchman in a more central role going forward.

Better than Kudus: Spurs leading the race for "world-class" £70m superstar

Tottenham are looking to seal an audacious signing for Frank’s side this January.

ByAngus Sinclair Dec 5, 2025

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O São Paulo recebe o Talleres nesta quarta-feira (29), pela sexta e última rodada da fase de grupos da Copa Libertadores. A bola rola a partir das 21h30 (de Brasília), no Morumbis, com transmissão da Globo e do Paramount+ (clique aqui para assinar o Premiere por 30 dias grátis!).

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✅ FICHA TÉCNICA
SÃO PAULO X TALLERES
COPA LIBERTADORES – 6ª RODADA

🗓️ Data e horário: quarta-feira, 29 de maio de 2024, às 21h30 (de Brasília)
📍 Local: Morumbis, em São Paulo (SP)
📺 Onde assistir: Globo e Paramount+
🟨 Árbitro: Jhon Ospina (COL)
🖥️ VAR: Nicolas Gallo (COL)

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SÃO PAULO (Técnico: Luis Zubeldía)
Rafael; Igor Vinicius, Arboleda, Alan Franco e Patryck (Welington); Alisson, Bobadilla, Nestor e Lucas; Luciano e Calleri.

TALLERES (Técnico: Walter Ribonetto)
Herrera; Benavídez, Rodríguez, Catalán e Navarro; Ortegoza, Portilla e Portillo; Botta, Girotti e Sosa.

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New Zealand’s bowling spearhead Matt Henry (calf strain), seam-bowling allrounder Nathan Smith (side strain) and spin-bowling allrounder Mitchell Santner (groin injury) have all been ruled out of the rest of the home Test series against West Indies.Glenn Phillips, who joined the squad in Christchurch early as a substitute fielder, has officially been added to the Test squad for the remainder of the series, New Zealand Cricket confirmed. This after he proved his match fitness in the Plunket Shield before joining the squad for the first Test, and he could be in contention to be selected in the XI for the second Test.In another bit of good news for New Zealand, Daryl Mitchell, who put in a long shift as a substitute fielder in the first Test, is set to be available for the second and slot back in as their middle-order mainstay.Related

• Plunket Shield: Glenn Phillips impresses on return from injury

• Michael Rae called up to bolster injury-hit New Zealand attack

• Blundell, Smith, Henry sustain injuries in Christchurch

Wicketkeeper-batter Tom Blundell had already been sidelined from the second Test in Wellington after suffering a hamstring injury while batting on day one in Christchurch. Mitchell Hay has been added to the squad and could make his Test debut.Also, a day after uncapped seamer Michael Rae was called up to the Test squad, Kristian Clarke, a seam-bowling allrounder from Northern Districts, was added to it. With Kyle Jamieson and Will O’Rourke managing “return to play” protocols, New Zealand were left scrambling for last-minute replacements, with the Wellington Test set to begin on November 10.Both Rae and Clarke were pulled out of the third round of the Plunket Shield. Clarke didn’t bowl for ND in the final innings against Otago in Hamilton, with rookie James Naylor stepping in as his replacement.Clarke, 24, is uncapped in Test cricket, but was recently part of the ODI series against England as a replacement player after Henry had suffered a separate calf injury. He has now earned his maiden Test call-up as a like-for-like replacement for Smith.Kristian Clarke could be in line for a Test debut•Getty Images

“On the cricket field, I’m a bowling allrounder, you know, and I pride myself on trying to offer as much as I can in the game,” Clarke said in October after breaking into the ODI side. “I just want to be a good person around the group also and just offer as much as I can.”Clarke has played 27 first-class games so far, taking 77 wickets at an average of 33 and scoring 893 runs at an average of 23.50. He was also part of a New Zealand A tour to Bangladesh during the winter. Though bowling is his primary skill, Kristian is also a capable batter and had notched up his maiden century in senior cricket, against Central Districts in the one-day Ford Trophy, in October.Clarke hails from Te Awamutu, a small town in the Waikato region and played for Waikato Valley in the Hawke Cup before rising up the ranks in New Zealand cricket. His brother Matti Clarke has also played for Waikato Valley in the Hawke Cup.Daryl Mitchell could be back in action in the second Test against West Indies•Getty Images

“Yeah, so [I was] born and raised in Te Awamutu, [and I] still live in Te Awamutu, still at home,” Clarke said. “I hold Te Amuru very dear to my heart – it’s a cool little town and yeah, quiet little place. Just sort of grew up through the cricket system there and then yeah, sort of just went from there.”While Blair Tickner, who was the reserve seamer at Hagley Oval, comes into the selection frame for Wellington, there might be a toss-up between Rae and Clarke for a potential Test debut at Basin Reserve.The first Test was drawn after West Indies, faced with a 530-run deficit in the fourth innings, held on for 163.3 overs to pull off a draw, with Justin Greaves (202 not out) and Shai Hope (140) their main men with the bat

New Zealand squad for second Test vs West Indies

Tom Latham (capt), Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Hay (wk), Michael Bracewell, Zak Foulkes, Jacob Duffy, Blair Tickner, Michael Rae, Kristian Clarke

He will remain with the team to continue his rehabilitation and has not been replaced in the squad

Andrew McGlashan02-Dec-20250:46

McGlashan: An unfortunate end if Khawaja’s Test career is over

Usman Khawaja’s international future is in doubt after he was ruled out of the second Test at the Gabba after failing to recover from the back spasms that he suffered in the opening match in Perth.Khawaja had batted for the first time since the injury on Tuesday during a 30-minute net session but did not come through it with a clean bill of health to be able available for selection. It will be the first Test he has missed since his return in early 2022.Related

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“Khawaja will remain with the team to continue his rehabilitation,” a statement said. “He has not been replaced in the squad.”The third Test begins in Adelaide on December 17 which gives Khawaja two weeks to recover although there will be questions over whether he can regain his place.Khawaja’s form was under scrutiny heading into the series – he is now averaging 31.84 since the end of the 2023 Ashes with one century in 45 innings – and coupled with the way Travis Head threw down the gauntlet as an opener and his public statements about being keen for the role, it had sparked a debate about whether now was the time to draw an end to Khawaja’s Test career.His absence opens the door for Head to continue the opening role he took on in the second innings in Perth where he carved his way to 123 off 83 balls although there are other potential routes Australia could take.Since Perth, Head has spoken about being willing to take on the role on a more permanent basis but there remains an ongoing debate about his value at No. 5. Coach Andrew McDonald has also floated the notion of flexible batting orders within a Test.Usman Khawaja was ruled out of the second Test•AFP/Getty Images

“I’m not sure about the middle-order part, but I’d probably expect Trav to open,” Scott Boland said. “It’s hard because obviously he’s put in a lot of work since the last game to try and get his body right but he hasn’t come up unfortunately. I thought he looked pretty good in the nets but he must’ve thought himself that he wasn’t ready to go.”Josh Inglis and Beau Webster are the spare batting options in the squad. Inglis, who made a century on Test debut against Sri Lanka earlier this year, scored a hundred against England Lions last week. Webster was unlucky to miss out on the XI in Perth having made four half-centuries in his first seven Tests alongside contributing handy wickets.Boland added losing Khawaja wasn’t ideal but was confident Australia would be able to adjust as they did in the first Test.”I guess it does [upset the balance of the team] a little bit because we probably planned to have Uzzie there the whole time,” he said. “But I think the best thing about our team over the last few years is that when someone has come out due to form or an injury or something like that, someone’s always stood up and done their job.”Trav did that last week and even without Pat [Cummins] and Josh [Hazlewood], some bowlers have come in and done a good job. We’ve obviously got huge depth in our squad and we can replace anyone if we need to.”If Head does take Khawaja’s role again and makes a success of it, and whoever comes into the XI performs well, it may be tough for Khawaja to return.Khawaja initially suffered back spasms on the opening day at Perth Stadium. England collapsed so quickly on the first afternoon that Khawaja was unable to open due to the time he’d spent off the field and when he emerged at No. 4 could only make 2 before gloving a short ball from Brydon Carse.On the second day Khawaja took his place at first slip, taking a catch to remove Harry Brook and then spilling a low edge offered by Jamie Smith. His back went into spasm while leaping for another edge provided by Smith, opening the way for Head’s remarkable century.

If Scorchers don’t qualify, then Allen should be available for the full series

Tristan Lavalette10-Dec-2025Opener Finn Allen could miss the start of New Zealand’s upcoming five-match T20I series in India due to BBL commitments.The series, which starts on January 21 in Nagpur, serves as important preparation for the T20 World Cup to be played in India and Sri Lanka. It is the second leg of New Zealand’s white-ball tour with three ODIs slated from January 11-17.But Allen might not be available until possibly the fourth T20I on January 28 if Perth Scorchers reach the BBL final set to be played on January 25. Scorchers wrap up their regular season against Melbourne Stars on January 17 in Perth. If they don’t qualify for the finals, then Allen should be available for the full T20I series.”Pending selection, I’ll head straight to India once the Big Bash finishes up for us [Scorchers],” Allen told ESPNcricinfo.Allen, 26, is one of five players who signed casual agreements in order to have some flexibility between playing for New Zealand, remaining within the high-performance system, and taking up franchise opportunities overseas.”Playing for New Zealand is still, for me, the pinnacle and the reason why I love playing is to represent my country,” Allen said. “But cricket’s obviously evolving and changing year on year.”New Zealand Cricket’s been really good to work with over the last wee while. [I’m] confident about getting back into some Black Caps stuff after the Big Bash and hopefully can continue that.”Gearing up to partner Australia T20I skipper Mitchell Marsh at the top of the order for Scorchers, Allen will be making his return to competitive cricket after being sidelined with a foot stress fracture sustained in the MLC in early July.In the season opener of MLC, Allen had smashed 151 – featuring a T20 record of 19 sixes – in San Francisco Unicorns’ victory over Washington Freedom at the Oakland Coliseum.Allen last played international cricket in March, where he hit 27 off 12 balls in New Zealand’s eight-wicket victory over Pakistan in Wellington.

Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck has launched a scathing attack on his team-mates following their disappointing Champions League draw against Bodo/Glimt. The German international accused the substitutes introduced by manager Niko Kovac of "losing every ball" and lacking the necessary intensity during a collapse that has severely jeopardised the club’s hopes of automatic qualification for the round of 16.

• Dortmund slip up twice in Champions League draw

  The atmosphere at the Westfalenstadion turned toxic on Wednesday evening as Dortmund twice surrendered the lead to draw 2-2 with the Norwegian side. What should have been a routine victory to cement their place among the European elite descended into chaos in the closing stages, prompting a furious post-match interview from Schlotterbeck.

  The centre-back, who had been one of the few standout performers in a black and yellow shirt, did not hold back in his assessment of the team's mental fragility. Speaking to immediately after the final whistle, a visibly agitated Schlotterbeck pinpointed the exact moment the game began to drift away from the hosts.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Schlotterbeck slams 'incredibly bad first touches'

  Dortmund had taken the lead and appeared to be in control through Julian Brandt after 18 minutes, but the visitors pulled level just before half-time. Brandt struck again early in the second period, only for the away side to strike again with 15 minutes left. According to Schlotterbeck, complacency set in rapidly as he criticised the team's attitude after going 1-0 up, suggesting that individual egos took precedence over the collective game plan demanded by manager Kovac.

  "After the 1-0, we started playing extremely sloppy and having incredibly bad first touches," Schlotterbeck said. "Everyone plays their own game a little bit. It is not bitter, it is actually really bad."

  With the game in the balance, Kovac turned to his bench to inject fresh energy and secure the three points, with Karim Adeyemi and Serhou Guirassy coming on while they were 2-1 up, while Emre Can and Julian Ryerson were introduced immediately after the away team's second equaliser. However, Schlotterbeck felt the replacements had the opposite effect, offering a damning verdict on their contribution.

  "The players who come on lose every ball," he stated bluntly. "If you come on in the 60th minute, I expect 30 minutes of full steam. We combined a bit right and left, chipping in front of the goalkeeper and wanting to make it look nice, but you have to kill the game and we didn't do that."

  Schlotterbeck also questioned the work rate and focus of the squad during the final stages of the match.

  "We play in the Champions League and that is way too little," he added.

• Can Dortmund qualify for the round of 16?

  The draw impacts Dortmund's standing in the Champions League table. Finishing in the top eight is required to avoid a two-legged playoff round in February. A win would have taken Dortmund to 13 points, a tally that would have strengthened their position for automatic qualification.

  Schlotterbeck expressed concern that some of his team-mates did not understand the importance of the result.

  "We could have gone to 13 points here and I think some people didn't realise how important that is," he explained. "Because now you have to win both remaining games, otherwise you won't be in the top eight.

  "After the 2-2 we didn't have any more chances to score, we played unbelievably unclean in the last quarter of an hour. In the last five minutes Bodø had more possession and that cannot be our standard."

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• AFP
  

  Kehl backs the criticism

  Dortmund’s sporting director Sebastian Kehl also spoke after the match and supported Schlotterbeck’s right to be critical.

  "Every player has the right to strike a critical tone after the game," Kehl said. "If they then put their finger in the wound and are hard on themselves, then that is good. We will definitely do that. The coach has already done that."

  Kehl reiterated the missed opportunity regarding the league table.

  "The boys have to be aware of what chance we wasted here today," Kehl added. "We absolutely wanted to win this game. We had a great chance to get to 13 points in the table. Everyone who could read the table knew what opportunity was on offer today. That's why the frustration is right. We are all very disappointed and angry."

Liverpool's title defence lays in tatters after a woeful run of six defeats in 14 matches leaving them ninth in the Premier League table and Reds captain Virgil van Dijk has taken aim at the club’s senior players, saying none of them can take their place in the starting XI for granted. Mo Salah has had to sit out the start of Liverpool’s last two games and has been warned his performances must improve.

Reds suffer early season struggles

Liverpool have suffered seven defeats in their last ten matches across all competitions, a run that included a demoralising 4-1 Champions League home loss to PSV and a 3-0 League Cup elimination to Crystal Palace. A major focal point of their struggles is the performances of talisman Salah. Last season, he was Player of the Year, with 29 goals and 18 assists in the Premier League, but during this campaign, the 33-year-old has managed just four goals and two assists in 13 league appearances. His dip in form, coupled with a change in his role under boss Arne Slot, has led to him being dropped from the starting line-up for the recent games against West Ham and Sunderland. He looks a shadow of his former self, struggling with his finishing and overall impact, which reflects the team's wider problems and lack of cohesion. 

And while captain Van Dijk believes Salah will remain an important figure for the club, he has urged the Egyptian icon to raise his game. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportVan Dijk: 'I need him around as one of the leaders'

Van Dijk said: "It's not like you have unlimited credit, everyone has to perform. Mo has been doing that but the manager made that decision in the last two games. We all want the best for the club. I am pretty sure Mo will still be a big part of what we are trying to achieve because he is an amazing player and he has shown it consistently. But we are all trying to find consistency and he needs us to be in our best shape and we need him and that's what we are all trying to find."

He added: "He is still a fantastic player and we still have to remember there is a reason why he has been so successful at the club and we have to respect that. I need him around as one of the leaders. I'm not worried. He's disappointed but that's absolutely normal as if you're not disappointed when you're not playing two games in a row then there is an issue as well."

Positive signs for Salah

While Salah has started on the bench for the Reds' last two fixtures, his Dutch boss has hinted he could be re-introduced for the match against Leeds on Saturday. Speaking to the press, Slot said: "I think for every player in my mind can start and Mo is an exceptional player for us. He is always in my mind to either start or to come (off the bench). The chatter, yes (I understand it) because he deserves that, he has been so influential for me for six or seven years. It's completely normal for people to talk about it when he isn't (playing)."

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Getty Images SportTough test awaits at Elland Road

Liverpool face Leeds on Saturday evening with the hosts buoyed by the performance and 3-1 result against Chelsea in the week. And the Reds’ recent away record is woeful, having lost seven of their last 11 on the road. And, speaking ahead of the match, Slot said: "Leeds went very aggressive in one-v-one (against Chelsea) and then a low block to stop chances. It is difficult for us that style, and many other teams. We saw them coming back from two down to Manchester City, Phil Foden made the difference with a moment of magic there and against Chelsea Leeds were very strong. What to expect is what we have faced in many other games."