Arnaut Danjuma has claimed that Liverpool are ‘one of the best clubs in the world’ ahead of facing them with Villarreal tonight.
Danjuma, who has reportedly been on Liverpool’s radar for a summer move, spoke to ESPN to share his feelings about the Champions League tie.
“Our path to the semis was not easy, which makes it even better, but you don’t beat the teams we have beaten by coincidence, which is a good sign for us before facing Liverpool – another giant and one of the best clubs in the world,” he said.
“The two things that amaze me [about Liverpool] are the intense high press, they do that so well, and the high defensive line. As a forward, it is so great to have a high defensive line behind you because it keeps you high up the pitch.”
Danjuma will be one of those aiming to profit from Liverpool’s high-line at Anfield tonight. The Reds will have to be weary of his pace and finishing ability playing on the last man.
Liverpool on the trail
Liverpool’s interest in bringing Danjuma to Merseyside is no secret. As far back as last summer, Marca were claiming that the Dutchman was attracting admiring glances from Anfield.
Your Club's SURPRISE Star This Season
In the end, he joined Villarreal for £21.3m instead. After a scintillating start to life in La Liga, The Athletic claimed that Liverpool were ‘monitoring’ the forward in January.
Finally, Goal made fresh claims of The Reds’ desire to sign Danjuma earlier this month. This was caveated with the claim that Liverpool would be looking at bringing him back to England in summer 2023, rather than this year.
Change of plans
Liverpool’s plan may be altered if the 25-year-old can put in good displays against them over the next week.
The Dutch international will be confident that he can make an impact against Jurgen Klopp’s team. Villarreal have performed well above expectations in this season’s Champions League and head to Anfield without pressure.
Danjuma has in many ways been the symbol of that overachievement. His departure from Bournemouth last summer didn’t make too many headlines outside of the two clubs involved, but he has since managed 16 goals from 33 games this season.
His emergence as a top player in European competition will have put plenty of the continent’s biggest teams on alert. If The Reds don’t make their move soon, they could risk another club swooping in.