Academy goalkeeper Harvey Davies was involved in first-team training ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League game with Benfica tonight.
The young stopper is highly-rated by staff at Liverpool. Under 23s manager Barry Lewtas recently called him ‘excellent’ during an interview with The Athletic.
And the 19-year-old has clearly caught Jurgen Klopp’s eye too. Davies could be seen enjoying a joke with Harvey Elliott and Jordan Henderson as he stepped out for the session.
Return of the Ox
One player who has seemingly been frozen out of the Liverpool set-up in recent weeks is Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The 28-year-old has started just three games since the beginning of February.
Ox hasn’t even managed any additional minutes off the bench in that time either. Klopp has tended to prefer James Milner or Naby Keita when making changes during games.
The England man was left out of the top-of-the-table battle with Manchester City altogether on Sunday.
There looks to be no suggestion of injury though, as Oxlade-Chamberlain was put through his paces with the rest of his teammates. A decision over the midfielder’s future has surely got to be made this summer. For now though, he looks ready to be called upon if needed.
Diaz raring to go
Klopp has gone out of his way to praise Luis Diaz’s enthusiasm in training since joining the club. That could be seen in full effect during yesterday’s session as the Colombian looked to be enjoying himself.
Liverpool’s Portuguese and Spanish speaking contingent have reportedly taken Diaz under their wing.
Evidence of that was apparent at the AXA Training Centre as the 25-year-old looked relaxed in the company of Roberto Firmino and Fabinho.
All smiles from Sadio and Mo
Sadio Mane’s equaliser to make it 2-2 against City on Sunday was a perfect example of the relationship he has with Mohamed Salah.
The two have been linking up in a similar vein for Liverpool since 2017. Their partnership has drawn praise from many onlookers, including City boss Pep Guardiola.
It was a nice moment after the players have been facing off in high-profile clashes for their respective country’s recently.
Mane has had the better of those battles. But back in Liverpool, it’s great to see the two players having fun ahead of another big week for The Reds.
If Liverpool are to make their quadruple dreams come true this season, they’ll need Salah to rediscover some form.
Making him feel relaxed and unpressured is a good way of making sure that happens.
Onto a big game tonight then, Benfica stand between Liverpool and a Champions League semi-final against Villarreal. Come on you Redmen!
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