Liverpool news as Mohamed Salah goes from strength to strength
Steven Gerrard
Steven Gerrard is delighted with one summer arrival in particular(Image: Getty Images)
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After the showdown with Manchester City, Liverpool's focus turns to the Champions League and Wednesday's away fixture against Austrian outfit LASK. The Reds got their European campaign off the ground with a comeback win over Atletico Madrid, courtesy of goals from Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister.
The match forms part of a crucial period for Andoni Iraola's side, who also face a demanding trip to Brentford on Saturday. Iraola will be eager to welcome Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo back to fitness, after both players missed the City clash with injuries picked up while on international duty.
Looking further down the line, preparations for the next couple of transfer windows will already be well under way. They could prove to be hectic ones for the Reds, given the existing imbalance within the squad and persistent concerns at left-back.
Away from the City fixture, here's a round-up of the latest Liverpool news...
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Gerrard names Van Dijk successor
Steven Gerrard believes Liverpool have a long-term heir to Virgil van Dijk in their ranks. With the Dutchman now in the twilight of his career, the Reds will soon need to plan for the future, potentially at the end of this season when the 35-year-old's contract runs out.
Yet Gerrard believes they already possess a defensive cornerstone in Jeremy Jacquet, who has caught the eye since joining from Rennes. Gerrard told SPORTbible: "I love him, I've been very impressed with him from the opening pre-season friendlies.
"I think he's got a composure and a fantastic profile and he can move. I think there's still a bit of rawness about him. But I think there's another level which he can get to and I think he's going to be the perfect replacement for Virg in a year or two because he's really helped solidify that back four."
Jeremy Jacquet and Virgil van Dijk
Jeremy Jacquet and Virgil van Dijk have struck up a promising partnership(Image: Getty Images)
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Salah flying
Mohamed Salah is turning back the clock at Trabzonspor, propelling his new club to an impressive start in Turkey. Nine years after arriving at Liverpool, the Egyptian legend mutually ended his Anfield contract this summer.
His new chapter began in turmoil with an early Europa League exit and the resignation of manager Fatih Tekke. Yet that instability has quickly subsided.
Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah has wasted little time in becoming Trabzonspor's talisman(Image: Anadolu via Getty Images)
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Prior to the international break, Trabzonspor made a statement with a 4-0 demolition of leaders Galatasaray, which included a Salah hat-trick, before following it up with a commanding 3-0 victory over Samsunspor on Saturday.
Salah turned provider with an assist in the most recent win, taking his remarkable league record to seven goals and three assists in just seven appearances. According to Opta, the 34-year-old is the first player to reach 10 goal contributions in his first seven matches of a Turkish Super Lig season since 2014/15, when such records began.