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Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk believes that Chelsea are certainly a threat to their Premier League title hopes. While the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City have been widely considered serious title considers, not much has been made of the Blues' progress.
Under Enzo Maresca, the west London side have enjoyed a wonderful start to the 2024-25 campaign and are currently sitting second in the English top-flight standings. They're only four points short of leaders Liverpool, who have played a game less.
Considering Chelsea's form, Van Dijk was asked whether they will likely fight for the title this season. He said (via Mirror):
"I don’t think they are under the radar. Obviously with the squad they have and the players they have. The players that can come off the bench. Obviously we can talk about inexperience maybe but they have the quality, they have the players to make it difficult for any team and that is what they have been doing so they are definitely up there. I think they have shown it.”
The Blues have shown an incredible improvement since last year, with the likes of Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson stepping up in the final third. The England international has been sensational so far this season, having scored 11 goals and bagged six assists in 15 Premier League appearances.
Jackson, who plays right in front of Palmer, looks like a different striker when compared to his first season at Stamford Bridge. He's scored eight goals and assisted three in 14 league outings.
Liverpool considering move for Chelsea player amid uncertainty over Trent Alexander-Arnold's future - Reports
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Trent Alexander-Arnold
Liverpool are reportedly looking to strengthen in the right-back area amid uncertainty over the future of Trent Alexander-Arnold. The England international could be on his way out of Anfield once his contract runs out in the summer of 2025.
While Conor Bradley has proved to be a suitable alternative, it seems Arne Slot is looking for greater depth in this position. As a result, Simon Phillips has now suggested that the Reds have set their sights on Chelsea's full-back Malo Gusto (via CaughtOffSide).
The Frenchman is a key component at Stamford Bridge due to the injury issues with Reece James. He's made 12 Premier League appearances this year, and Chelsea want to keep him at the club.
On top of the Blues' stance, Liverpool will also face competition from Manchester City, which could make the move hard to pull off.
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Edited by Ankush Das