The Kopite View

Liverpool head into Sunday’s clash with Nottingham Forest facing a genuine selection dilemma at right-back.

With Joe Gomez now fully fit, Curtis Jones impressing against Brighton, and Dominik Szoboszlai having deputised well in the role on several occasions this season, Arne Slot has multiple options to consider.

But this may be a game where defensive strength must come first.

The Safe Option: Joe Gomez

Joe Gomez offers natural defensive stability.

Originally a centre-back, Gomez brings:

Strong positional awareness Physical presence Recovery pace Defensive discipline

Forest away is rarely straightforward. They are capable of being direct and dangerous on the counter-attack, particularly at home.

Personally, if Gomez is fully fit, I would start him.

He is a natural defender, and in a game where Liverpool may need to weather spells of pressure, defensive security feels vital.

The In-Form Option: Curtis Jones

Curtis Jones performed well against Brighton, showing composure and intelligence when deployed in a deeper role.

He offers:

Calmness in possession Midfield control Tactical adaptability

However, against a Forest side that will look to attack quickly, asking Jones to defend wide areas for 90 minutes could be a risk.

The Attacking Alternative: Dominik Szoboszlai

Dominik Szoboszlai has filled in at right-back multiple times this season and done so with energy and commitment.

His strengths:

Forward drive Pressing intensity Crossing ability

If Slot wants to pin Forest back and dominate territory, Szoboszlai offers the most attacking upside.

But again, this fixture may demand balance over boldness.

A Game That Demands Discipline

Forest away is a test of concentration and defensive resilience.

Liverpool will want control — but they also need protection.

For me, if Gomez is fit enough to start, he should play. Natural defenders are invaluable in tight away fixtures, and this feels like one of those games where solidity could make the difference.

Slot’s decision on Sunday will reveal whether he prioritises security or attacking intent.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool are reportedly among the clubs monitoring Eintracht Frankfurt left-back Nathaniel Brown, according to German outlet @BILD.

The 22-year-old is also said to be attracting interest from Manchester City and Arsenal — and Liverpool’s involvement raises an important question about the long-term future of Andy Robertson at Anfield.

Why Are Liverpool Looking at Left-Back Options?

Liverpool’s interest in Brown does not automatically mean a departure is imminent — but it does suggest planning.

There are already signs of a potential shift in the left-back hierarchy.

Reports throughout the season have indicated that Milos Kerkez has become a favoured option under Arne Slot, with the manager valuing his energy, recovery pace and attacking drive in high-intensity systems.

If Kerkez is indeed emerging as Slot’s preferred choice, the dynamic at left-back could be changing.

Adding another young full-back like Brown would further underline that transition.

Is Robertson’s Role Changing?

Robertson has been one of Liverpool’s most consistent performers over the past decade, playing a crucial role in the club’s Premier League and Champions League successes.

But football rarely stands still.

At 30, Robertson remains a top professional — yet modern full-back roles demand relentless physical output. Clubs often plan succession before decline becomes visible.

If:

Kerkez is becoming Slot’s trusted option Liverpool are monitoring another 22-year-old left-back A long-term rebuild is quietly underway

Then it is fair to ask whether Robertson’s future could eventually lie elsewhere.

That does not mean an immediate exit — but it could signal a gradual transition.

Smart Succession or Major Summer Decision?

Liverpool may simply be strengthening depth.

Or they may be preparing for a summer where:

Robertson becomes rotational A sizeable offer is considered The club pivots fully to a younger profile at left-back

Much will depend on how Slot sees the squad evolving.

What is clear is this: Liverpool appear to be thinking ahead.

And when multiple elite clubs begin tracking the same young defender, it often signals movement on the horizon.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish has urged supporters to show patience with Arne Slot, insisting that success cannot be built overnight.

Dalglish’s message comes at a time when expectations remain high at Anfield — but he believes perspective is essential.

“There’s a lot less patience these days and that’s a problem. If you don’t have patience, it’s unlikely you’ll have success.

Nothing just grows overnight. Nobody has ever walked into a club and won a trophy straightaway. Everyone has an opinion but things could be a bit more constructive at times.”

Slot Has Already Delivered Success

It is worth remembering that Slot won the Premier League in his very first season at the club — an achievement few managers in history could match.

That immediate success understandably raised expectations.

However, this season has been very different.

Liverpool have undergone a significant transition, with several players leaving and new arrivals bedding into the squad. Tactical adjustments, evolving roles, and squad rebuilding naturally take time to settle.

Even the strongest foundations require reinforcement.

Transition Requires Time

Slot inherited momentum, but sustaining it while reshaping parts of the squad is a separate challenge altogether.

New signings need adaptation periods. Departures alter dressing room dynamics. Systems evolve.

Dalglish’s point is clear: impatience during transition can undermine long-term progress.

Perspective From a Club Icon

Few figures understand Liverpool’s standards and pressures better than Dalglish. His success as both player and manager was built on stability and belief.

His call for patience is not blind loyalty — it is informed experience.

Liverpool are competing for Champions League qualification while managing change. That in itself suggests resilience rather than regression.

If Slot is to build another sustained period of success, he will need backing — not just financially, but emotionally from the stands.

And when “King Kenny” speaks about patience, it is advice rooted in history.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool legend Phil Neal turns 75 today, giving supporters the perfect opportunity to celebrate one of the club’s most decorated icons.

Neal, a stalwart of the Reds during the 1970s and 1980s, played a key role in an era of domestic and European dominance. As a right-back, he was renowned for his defensive solidity, tireless work ethic, and ability to contribute crucial goals, including in big matches.

A Record That Stands the Test of Time

Phil Neal’s trophy cabinet is unmatched in Liverpool history. Across his illustrious career, he won:

8 First Division titles 4 League Cups 4 European Cups 1 UEFA Cup 1 UEFA Super Cup 1 FA Charity Shield

His consistency and leadership on the pitch made him a key figure in Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley’s sides, and his influence extended beyond defense, often shaping the team’s attacking play.

Memories That Liverpool Fans Cherish

From crucial league-deciding performances to European nights at Anfield and abroad, Neal’s legacy is etched in Liverpool folklore. Fans remember not just the silverware, but his dedication, professionalism, and loyalty to the club.

A Legend Celebrated Today

As he celebrates his 75th birthday, Phil Neal’s achievements remind us of a golden era for Liverpool. His record as the club’s most decorated player may never be surpassed, and his contribution continues to inspire both players and supporters alike.

Happy birthday, Phil Neal — a true Liverpool legend.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool could be facing an important decision this summer, with reports from a writer close to club sources suggesting Trey Nyoni is growing frustrated over his lack of first-team involvement.

The highly-rated midfielder is understood to feel ready for more senior opportunities and may reassess his future if clearer assurances are not provided.

Ready for the Next Step?

Nyoni has been widely regarded as one of the academy’s standout prospects. His technical quality, composure, and maturity have marked him out as a player capable of stepping up.

However, competition in Liverpool’s midfield remains fierce.

Breaking into a side chasing Champions League qualification is never straightforward — but young players at Nyoni’s stage cannot afford stagnation.

Minutes matter.

Managerial Direction May Be Key

With uncertainty surrounding Liverpool’s longer-term managerial structure, the pathway for young talent is naturally under scrutiny.

If a defined development plan is presented, Nyoni could remain patient.

If not, interest from elsewhere may increase.

A Delicate Balance

Liverpool have shown faith in youth in recent seasons, but ambition and opportunity must align.

This summer could prove decisive — not just for Nyoni’s future, but for how Liverpool manage the next wave of emerging talent.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool’s trip to Nottingham Forest may not have the glamour of a title decider — but it could reveal something just as important.

Are Arne Slot’s side finally finding consistency at the business end of the season?

With Champions League qualification the priority, Liverpool cannot afford slip-ups in games they are expected to win. And that’s exactly why this fixture feels significant.

Forest away is never simple. The atmosphere is intense, the style direct, the margins fine. It’s the type of game that has tripped Liverpool up in recent seasons — physically demanding, emotionally charged, and far from routine.

Encouraging Signs… But Proof Is Needed

Recent performances have shown improvement. The midfield has looked more balanced. The tempo has been sharper. There’s been a renewed intensity that was missing earlier in the campaign.

But progress isn’t measured in isolated displays.

It’s measured in consistency.

If Liverpool are serious about securing a top-four finish, these are the fixtures they must control — not just survive.

Professional, Not Just Spectacular

This doesn’t need to be a statement win. It needs to be a mature one.

Control possession when required Stay disciplined defensively Show composure under pressure Take chances when they come

That’s how teams who are “turning the corner” behave.

Forest will test Liverpool physically and mentally. They will look to disrupt rhythm and create chaos. The Reds must respond with calm authority.

A Small Game With Big Meaning

Three points alone won’t define the season. But the manner of performance might.

If Liverpool manage the occasion, handle adversity, and leave with a controlled victory, it will feel like more than just another win.

It will feel like progress.

And perhaps — finally — like a team rediscovering its edge at exactly the right time.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

With reports suggesting Liverpool are closing in on a £30m deal for Palmeiras winger Allan Elias, attention is already turning to how the Brazilian would fit into Arne Slot’s tactical setup.

The Reds have lacked consistent width and direct running at times this season, and the potential arrival of Elias could offer something slightly different to Liverpool’s current attacking options.

A Natural Wide Threat

Allan Elias is primarily a winger who likes to stay high and wide, stretching defences and isolating full-backs in one-v-one situations. That profile could suit Slot’s system perfectly.

Under Arne Slot, Liverpool have often looked to:

Build patiently from midfield Use wide players to create space Allow overlapping full-backs to support attacks

Elias’ pace and directness could give Liverpool a more traditional wide outlet — something that has occasionally been missing when opponents sit deep.

Competition in the Front Line

Liverpool’s attacking unit has relied heavily on rotation this season, particularly with fixture congestion and European commitments.

If Elias arrives, he would likely:

Compete for a starting role on either flank Offer depth during busy periods Provide an impact option from the bench

Given Liverpool are pushing for a Champions League place, squad depth will be crucial in the final months of the season and beyond.

A Long-Term Investment

At around £30m, the deal suggests Liverpool view Elias as a player entering his developmental peak rather than a finished product.

The club’s recruitment model in recent years has often focused on:

Younger players with high ceilings Technical ability combined with physical attributes Tactical flexibility

If Elias adapts quickly to the Premier League’s intensity, this could prove to be smart business rather than a gamble.

A Fresh Dynamic in Attack

Liverpool have sometimes struggled to break down compact defences. A winger willing to take risks, attack defenders directly, and commit players could open up space for midfield runners and central forwards.

If the deal is completed, supporters will be eager to see whether Allan Elias can provide that spark — and whether he becomes a key figure in Slot’s evolving Liverpool side.

Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool’s defensive plans for next season could hinge heavily on Ibrahima Konaté’s contract situation. The French centre-back has been an important part of Arne Slot’s defensive setup, and whether he signs a new deal or departs will likely have a direct impact on Liverpool’s summer recruitment.

Staying or Leaving: The Options

If Konaté signs a new contract, Liverpool could focus their spending elsewhere, perhaps strengthening:

The midfield Wide areas Backup options for the attack

However, if Konaté leaves, the Reds will need to identify a high-quality centre-back replacement. That could influence:

The number of defensive signings Transfer budget allocation Timing of deals to ensure depth before pre-season

How This Influences Recruitment Strategy

Liverpool’s summer moves are rarely isolated — each decision interacts with others. For example:

A Konaté departure may push the club to pursue a younger, more versatile centre-back, possibly from Europe or South America. If he stays, Liverpool might look for rotational options to ease pressure on Ibrahima Konaté, especially with a busy season ahead. The situation also affects long-term planning — balancing experience, potential resale value, and squad harmony.

The Bigger Picture

Slot and the recruitment team must factor in Konaté’s decision when planning other positions. The centre-back’s future is not just about one spot in the backline — it dictates how Liverpool approach:

Right-back options Midfield defensive cover Summer transfer priorities

Fans Will Be Watching Closely

For supporters, Konaté’s choice will be a key story this summer. A new contract brings stability and continuity; a departure could trigger a major reshuffle in Liverpool’s recruitment plans.

Either way, the Reds’ transfer strategy will likely be influenced significantly by this one player.

— Jamie (The Kopite View)

Nottingham Forest’s new manager Vítor Pereira made an instant statement in his first match in charge, leading Forest to an impressive 3‑0 away win against Fenerbahçe in the Europa League knockout playoff first leg. That result certainly raises questions about how Forest might approach their Premier League game against Liverpool this Sunday. 

A Statement Performance Under New Management

The manner of Forest’s win — comfortable, controlled and with goals from different areas — suggests Pereira has been able to inject a fresh mentality into a squad that had been struggling. Forest dominated from the outset, scoring three goals and not conceding once, showing tactical discipline and attacking intent even in a hostile away environment. 

That’s exactly the kind of performance that can boost confidence ahead of a tricky league test.

Pereira knows this is a crucial period for Forest:

He’s their fourth manager this season, following the departures of Nuno Espirito Santo, Ange Postecoglou and most recently Sean Dyche.  The club are currently just above the relegation zone and desperate for points.  A positive result in Turkey gives Pereira belief and momentum to take into the Liverpool game.

Implications for Liverpool

For Liverpool, Forest’s European success is a double‑edged sword.

On one hand, many would assume Forest’s focus might be split between Europe and the league — traditionally a potential advantage for a club like Liverpool chasing a Champions League place.

On the other hand, confidence from a big away win can elevate a team’s performance level, particularly under a new manager trying to set a tone. That means Liverpool could face:

A more organised Forest setup Players with renewed belief Tactical discipline from a coach already making his mark

Slot and his coaching staff will be studying Pereira’s Europa League tactics closely in preparation, because it’s one of the few real clues about how this Forest team will line up and behave on Sunday. 

Mentality Matters More Than Form

Forest’s league form has been inconsistent, and they’ve failed to win many of their recent home games.  But a victory like this — away from home against a competitive European side — can give even struggling teams an emotional boost.

For Liverpool, that means they cannot afford complacency.

Matched against a team with momentum and belief, even a side near the bottom can be dangerous — particularly at the City Ground, where atmosphere and passion can lift the underdog.

What This Means for Sunday

In simple terms:

Forest will feel more confident after a big win Pereira will have some tactical ideas to build on Liverpool must prepare for a tougher test than the table suggests

If Liverpool take their focus and quality as seriously as they must, they should win. But this is no longer a fixture where Forest are simply expected to roll over — they now have real reasons to believe they can fight.

— Jamie (The Kopite View)

Liverpool are reportedly closing in on a transfer agreement for highly rated Palmeiras winger Allan Elias, with the total package expected to reach around £30 million.

According to latest reports, the Reds are in advanced talks with the Brazilian club and hope to finalise terms soon — a move that could bolster Liverpool’s attacking options ahead of next season.

What Allan Elias Brings

Allan Elias has caught the eye in Brazil with his dynamic style of play, combining:

Explosive pace down the flank Direct dribbling ability Creativity in the final third A keen eye for goals and assists

His versatility allows him to operate on either wing or even in a more advanced attacking role, giving Liverpool more tactical flexibility.

Why Liverpool Are Interested

Liverpool’s need for attacking reinforcements has been a talking point this season, with areas such as depth out wide and rotation options looking stretched at times. A player like Allan Elias offers:

Natural width Direct offensive threat A younger profile for squad evolution Impact potential in domestic and European competitions

At around £30m, the deal represents a relatively shrewd investment for a player seen as both present-day contributor and long-term asset.

What This Means for Liverpool

If the deal is completed, Liverpool could see a wide attacker added to the squad who can:

Relieve pressure off current wide options Add unpredictability in attack Provide energy and creativity when games are stretched Complement existing forward players

With interest from rivals often high in South American talent, securing Allan Elias would be a positive statement of intent from the club’s recruitment team.

Keep Watching This Space

With the transfer window approaching and negotiations reportedly progressing, Liverpool fans will be watching closely for official confirmation.

If the move goes through, Allan Elias could be a fresh face Reds supporters get excited about ahead of next season.

— Jamie (The Kopite View)