Liverpool head to Girona aiming to extend their perfect record in this season’s Champions League.
The Reds beat Real Madrid last time out to make it five wins out of five and cement their position at the top of the table.
Girona sit in 30th place, winning once and losing four times in what is their debut campaign in the competition.
With Michel’s side 9th in La Liga, they are not having as good a year as last season’s eye-catching performance. Nevertheless, they do have some players who could hurt Liverpool.
Arne Slot was certainly keen to stress as much when speaking to the press on Monday.
Slot highlighted Daley Blind as a player for the Reds to keep an eye on, while the Liverpool head coach also made some noteworthy comments about left-back Miguel Gutierrez.
Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 training session at AXA Melwood Traini...
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Arne Slot hints at Miguel Gutierrez interest
Liverpool look set to target a new left-back in the transfer market in 2025.
As things stand, there has been the most noise over Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez potentially moving to Anfield.
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It has been claimed that Kerkez is being monitored by Liverpool and the Hungarian would appear to be a natural successor to Andy Robertson.
But listening to Slot speak about Gutierrez on Monday, it would seem as though the Dutchman’s interest has been piqued by the Girona left-back.
“Last season I watched quite a lot of them [Girona] because I found it interesting what he did with the left full-back and he’s still doing that this season as well,” said Slot.
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“Playing so inverted, having such a free role from that position and at that moment in time you didn’t see that very often yet.
“Now you see some other teams doing it as well, but that was interesting to see.”
Liverpool like what they see with Gutierrez
Slot’s evaluation of Gutierrez is extra interesting because reports have claimed that the 23-year-old is indeed on Liverpool’s radar.
Back in September it was revealed that Liverpool scouts have been impressed by Gutierrez after watching him in the Champions League this season.
Assists Successful Passes Accurate Long Balls Chances Created Successful Dribbles Tackles Won % Duels Won %
Miguel Gutierrez 2 39.17 1.68 1.54 1.14 66.7 50.0
Andy Robertson 0 51.03 2.01 1.66 0.17 52.9 48.9
Robertson vs Gutierrez Premier League/La Liga 24/25 per 90 mins
A former Real Madrid youth product, the Spaniard could reportedly be get-able for around £34m, given the presence of a release clause in his contract.
Obviously, Slot does not play with an inverted left full-back at Liverpool, but seeing as the Dutchman went out of his way to watch what Michel was doing with Gutierrez, perhaps this is a route he wants to go down.
Supporters might prefer to see a player with Premier League experience such as Kerkez or Rayan Ait Nouri come in, but Gutierrez is certainly one to keep watch over on Tuesday evening.
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