Liverpool claimed their second win of the season against a La Liga side in this year’s UEFA Champions League, with this result coming against Girona.
The Catalan side shocked everyone last season by claiming a top-four finish in the Spanish top-flight, booking their ticket for their first-ever venture into European football, with Girona last night hosting Liverpool in one of the biggest matches in their history.
Although Mohamed Salah wrapped up the three points for the Reds, Girona were not spectators in this match, with Alisson Becker forced into a number of good saves as the hosts lacked that certain spark to beat the Liverpool no. 1.
And Girona defender Miguel Gutierrez was seriously impressed with what he saw from Liverpool.
Miguel Gutierrez of Girona FC in action during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6, match between Girona FC and Liverpool FC at Esta...
Photo By Irina R. Hipolito/Europa Press via Getty Images
Liverpool target Miguel Gutierrez applauds Arne Slot’s side
Speaking to reporters after the game, the former Real Madrid youngster hailed the Reds’ performance against Girona, with Gutierrez reportedly wanted by Liverpool as a potential long-term target for Andy Robertson.
Gutierrez said after the full-time whistle: “We went toe-to-toe with Liverpool and they are a superb team. We even had a share of chances which we didn’t finish. But we can be proud of our performance.”
With Slot saying beforehand that he is a fan of Gutierrez, the 23-year-old fullback gave a good showing for himself against Liverpool, with the Spanish youth international keeping Salah at bay for the majority of the game and enjoying some good moments down the flank.
And Gutierrez praising Liverpool could win the young left-back some brownie points in the Reds potentially moving for the defender, who according to AS has a release clause worth £34m.
Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, speak to the media in post match press conference after the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match b...
Photo by Alex Caparros – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
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What other left-backs are Liverpool looking at signing?
Left-back is clearly a position the Anfield side are interested in adding to in 2025, with Liverpool looking at four areas of the pitch to improve on next year with FSG set to open their wallets for Slot.
As well as Gutierrez, Liverpool have been linked with AFC Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez, who this season has impressed greatly with the Cherries under Andoni Iraola.
Indeed, the left-back position could see some interesting changes in the next 12 months, and Gutierrez could be brought in to take on the daunting mantle of replacing Robertson for years to come at Liverpool.