Liverpool's resurgence continued on Saturday following a 3-0 win over Brighton in the FA Cup, leading to major plaudits for two players in particular
Steven Gerrard, Former Liverpool FC player, presents for TNT Sports prior to the Premier League match between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Anfield
One member of the current Liverpool squad has been compared to Steven Gerrard (Image: Kate McShane, Getty Images)
View 3 Images
Despite numerous setbacks, Liverpool are still in the running to secure at least one trophy this season. Arne Slot's team have recently found their rhythm again and demonstrated their prowess with a 3-0 thrashing of Brighton on Saturday.
Curtis Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai and Mohamed Salah each found the back of the net, securing the Reds' place in the fifth round of the FA Cup. Milos Kerkez also deserves more than just a passing mention after delivering arguably his best performance in a Liverpool kit so far.
While Slot's squad may be out of the Premier League title race, two other trophies could still be within reach. Liverpool are vying for their first FA Cup since 2022, and they'll find out who their fifth-round opponents are on Monday.
The prospect of Champions League triumph is also very much alive, having reached the last 16 as one of the top performers. With renewed optimism surrounding Anfield, ECHO Sport takes a look at the latest headlines today.
Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search setting
Szoboszlai dismisses Gerrard comparisons
Arguably no-one else in Slot's squad this season has been as consistent as Szoboszlai. And the Hungarian registered his sixth direct goal involvement in as many matches when he found the net after half-time on Saturday.
The 25-year-old has already notched 10 goals this campaign, surpassing his previous best tally in a single season for Liverpool, and he sits just two strikes away from equalling his all-time career-high total. Combined with his seven assists in all competitions, it's little wonder the player has been compared to club legend Steven Gerrard.
Dominik Szoboszlai of Liverpool celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's first goal from a free kick during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester City
Dominik Szoboszlai is earning comparisons to Anfield legend Steven Gerrard(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
View 3 Images
Nevertheless, 'Szobosz' is keen to separate himself from parallels with such a revered figure. Rather, he remains entirely concentrated on forging his own legacy at Anfield.
"I'm not playing a Steven Gerrard season, although he was a legend for the club," he told TNT Sports following Saturday's result. "I just try to do my own story and I try to do my best every game.
"Hopefully we can go on until the end. I don't score every time, but the last couple of times, it's been fine! I just want to keep going and score as many as I can."
Content Image
Content Image
Jones "happy" to assist Slot wherever necessary
One of the outstanding contributors in Saturday's dominant victory over the Seagulls, Jones' reputation is ascending once more. And he appears more indispensable than ever after excelling in a right-back role whilst the club grapples with an injury crisis.
First-choice right-backs Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley are currently sidelined, as is Wataru Endo following his brief spell deputising. That's compelled Slot to reshuffle his options yet again, and on this occasion, it was Jones who was deployed as makeshift right-back against Brighton.
Jones has repeatedly expressed his ambition to spend his entire career at his boyhood club and eventually wear the captain's armband. It's selfless gestures like those displayed on Saturday that will only strengthen his credentials in that respect, and Jones exuded leadership qualities when he discussed the tactical switch.
Curtis Jones of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Fulham and Liverpool at Craven Cottage
Curtis Jones has earned praise for his display playing out of position in the win over Brighton(Image: Izzy Poles - AMA/Getty Images)
View 3 Images
"I say it all the time: I'm a footballer," he said while speaking to TNT Sports after the match. "Yeah, I'm a centre midfielder, and I want to score goals, and I want to assist, and I want to help the team.
"But if the manager needs me in the team and needs me to go and play as a centre-half, a full-back, a striker, I'll go and do it, and I'll try my best. Today I was in there as a full-back, and obviously I've scored and helped the team, so I'm happy."
Further appearances on the right flank of the defence could lie in store while other, more obvious candidates remain unavailable. However, it's a significant advantage for Slot to recognise he has another trump card at his disposal when required.