Jack Grealish – The Empire of The Kop https://www.empireofthekop.com Blog about Liverpool F.C. (LFC) and the Kop from true supporters for supporters worldwide. Tue, 05 Dec 2023 16:43:38 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=4.9.9 95610221 (Video) Souness insists ‘predictable’ £300k-p/w Man City player wouldn’t get in Liverpool’s team https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/12/04/souness-predictable-grealish-wouldnt-start-liverpool/ https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/12/04/souness-predictable-grealish-wouldnt-start-liverpool/#respond Mon, 04 Dec 2023 19:16:53 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=245700 Graeme Souness named one Manchester City player who he insists wouldn’t get in Liverpool’s strongest XI because he’s too ‘predictable’. The former Reds captain spoke at length about Jack Grealish on talkSPORT, and the 70-year-old isn’t the ‘biggest fan’ of the £300,000-per-week England international. The Scot insisted that the 28-year-old takes too many touches when […]

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Graeme Souness named one Manchester City player who he insists wouldn’t get in Liverpool’s strongest XI because he’s too ‘predictable’.

The former Reds captain spoke at length about Jack Grealish on talkSPORT, and the 70-year-old isn’t the ‘biggest fan’ of the £300,000-per-week England international.

The Scot insisted that the 28-year-old takes too many touches when receiving the ball on the flank, in comparison to his more ‘direct’ teammate Jeremy Doku, who’s restricted the ex-Aston Villa man to just one Premier League start since the end of August (WhoScored).

Souness said of Grealish: “I don’t see him going to the byline enough and going past someone. He threatens to go down the line and comes inside. You don’t want to become predictable. Right now he’s predictable. As a striker, as someone who scores goals, you have to be unpredictable. 

“I think he flatters to deceive. You put Jack on the market tomorrow – who’s buying him for how much?”

When talkSPORT presenter Jim White posed the question as to whether the Man City winger would get in Liverpool’s line-up, the former Reds skipper replied: “No. He’s a rascal. He’s a rascal in as much as I bet he’s great to have a night out with.”

If we’re judging Grealish on his form this season, we’d agree with Souness that the 28-year-old wouldn’t go straight into Jurgen Klopp’s strongest XI.

The England winger’s goal against Tottenham on Sunday was his first in 908 minutes of football so far this term. Luis Diaz, who’s Liverpool’s go-to left winger, has five goals in 1,041 minutes (Transfermarkt), so it’s clear to see who’s been the more productive of the two in recent months.

The Man City forward is a terrific player when at his best, but right now we wouldn’t take him ahead of the Colombian.

You can view Souness’ comments on Grealish below, via @talkSPORT on X (formerly Twitter):

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Manchester City reporter compares Luis Diaz VAR travesty to Grealish chance vs. Spurs; references replay https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/12/04/manchester-city-diaz-grealish/ https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/12/04/manchester-city-diaz-grealish/#respond Mon, 04 Dec 2023 14:14:09 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=245673 Liverpool were at the wrong end of the biggest injustice in the VAR era as a goal that should have been given was chalked off, one reporter believes Manchester City have now been as harshly treated too. Taking to his X account, Sam Lee – the Man City correspondent for The Athletic – wrote: ‘The refereeing […]

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Liverpool were at the wrong end of the biggest injustice in the VAR era as a goal that should have been given was chalked off, one reporter believes Manchester City have now been as harshly treated too.

Taking to his X account, Sam Lee – the Man City correspondent for The Athletic – wrote: ‘The refereeing at the end yesterday was a genuine, massive mistake. Like the one in Tottenham v Liverpool.

‘But City’s biggest concern is that if they were able to replay the Spurs game, it would probably end 3-3 again’.

READ MORE: (Video) Jenas says Klopp ‘needs’ to change 25-y/o position; Fulham was final straw

Not only is this a hugely disproportionate reaction, to mention a possible replay is simply ludicrous – even if it is meant as a joke.

For anyone who hasn’t seen, Erling Haaland sent a ball over the top of the Tottenham defence to allow Jack Grealish a run at goal.

The referee decided to pull the game back though and didn’t allow the chance to play out, leading to understandable levels of frustration from those inside the Etihad Stadium.

READ MORE: (Video) Alexander-Arnold comments on ‘mental’ Fulham victory; ‘game full of emotion’

Seeing as the former Aston Villa man didn’t score a goal anyway, nor was it abundantly clear he would outpace an on rushing defender, this is nowhere near the incident where Luis Diaz’s goal was incorrectly chalked off.

We scored a goal which would have changed the face of the game, one that we ended up with nine men and a last minute own goal to lose the only match we’ve been defeated in this season.

Although, it appears, these comments are a little tongue-in-cheek, it shows a real lack of understanding from the rest of the teams and supporters.

READ MORE: (Video) Ian Rush’s celebrations for Trent’s winner will warm Liverpool fans’ hearts

Had everyone backed our push to create more change within VAR, the PGMOL and refereeing as a whole in this country, we may have seen more changes.

Instead everyone left us to do it alone and are now reaping the rewards of their lack of support.

You can view the comments on Manchester City, Liverpool and Tottenham via @SamLee on X:

📖 Anfield Annals: Matt McQueen the Anfield All-Rounder who did everything in 36 years as a Red

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Man City ace makes ‘awful’ admission as Guardiola must navigate tricky injury crisis https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/11/22/man-city-ace-awful-admission-guardiola-injury-crisis/ Wed, 22 Nov 2023 20:14:29 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=245133 Jack Grealish admitted to being a little ‘baffled’ by the state of Tose Proeski Arena pitch as England secured a 1-1 draw with North Macedonia. Trent Alexander-Arnold started the game in a heavily rotated Three Lions outfit that had safely topped their qualifying group for the European Championship. “The pitch was awful. It baffles me how […]

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Jack Grealish admitted to being a little ‘baffled’ by the state of Tose Proeski Arena pitch as England secured a 1-1 draw with North Macedonia.

Trent Alexander-Arnold started the game in a heavily rotated Three Lions outfit that had safely topped their qualifying group for the European Championship.

“The pitch was awful. It baffles me how pitches like that are acceptable, to be honest,” the former Aston Villa winger was quoted as saying by the Echo“There were like little stones everywhere. Phil has cut his hand because of the stones on the pitch, but yes, it is part of what you are going to get to some places.”

Pep Guardiola will be breathing a sigh of relief after his star winger and Phil Foden avoided serious injury.

READ MORE: ‘Have a feeling’: Liverpool have extra incentive as Glen Johnson shares Man City prediction

READ MORE: ‘Have to applaud’: Ex-Red claims 24-year-old Liverpool player is now ‘one of the best’ in the world

Still not looking great elsewhere

There’s still something of a nervous wait for the Catalonian-born boss ahead of Liverpool’s trip to the Etihad.

The Sky Blues may have to contend with the absences of as many as seven players, including Mateo Kovacic, Matheus Nunes, Ederson, John Stones, Nathan Ake, Sergio Gomez and Kevin de Bruyne.

On a positive note for the hosts, Erling Haaland looks set to be available despite suffering a minor concern prior to Norway’s 3-3 draw with Scotland.

On our end, we’ll be hoping to see Ibrahima Konate back in action at the weekend after a promising clip was shared on his social media account.

🤩 EOTK FPL Gameweek 12 Review 🤩: Tsimikas benching frustration, Palmer bargain? Time to sell Heung-min Son?

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(Video) Alexander-Arnold’s lack of effort for Grealish’s goal is hard to ignore https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/04/01/alexander-arnolds-lack-of-effort/ https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/04/01/alexander-arnolds-lack-of-effort/#comments Sat, 01 Apr 2023 13:56:53 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=231972 Manchester City are a great football team and more than capable of scoring four goals against any team in the world but when you stop pressing and tracking back, like Trent Alexander-Arnold did, then there’s no surprise to see us conceding four goals. Jack Grealish gave our No.66 a tough game but they were relatively […]

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Manchester City are a great football team and more than capable of scoring four goals against any team in the world but when you stop pressing and tracking back, like Trent Alexander-Arnold did, then there’s no surprise to see us conceding four goals.

Jack Grealish gave our No.66 a tough game but they were relatively evenly matched in the first-half, then a change of scoreline in the second-half changed the levels of performance too.

READ MORE: (Video) Alexander-Arnold provides fantastic pass for Diogo Jota to help Salah open the scoring

The former Villa man was first allowed time and space to find Kevin De Bruyne, before waltzing into the penalty area unmarked and unchallenged from our right-back.

It’s never nice to criticise our own players but you simply can’t ignore the lack of effort on show for the opposition’s fourth goal of the match.

You can watch Alexander-Arnold’s defending via @btsportfootball on Twitter:

#Ep73 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: Author chat with Chris Roberts on Football, Mental Health… and more!

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(Image) Jude Bellingham sends three-word message to Man City star after England win https://www.empireofthekop.com/2023/03/27/jude-bellingham-message-manchester-city/ Mon, 27 Mar 2023 17:32:58 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=231629 Jude Bellingham has been the subject of heavy speculation over his future ever since he first pulled on the famous black and yellow shirt of Borussia Dortmund. As one can imagine, it’s not entirely unsurprising that members of his potential summer suitors have already made attempts to steal a march on their rivals by making […]

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Jude Bellingham has been the subject of heavy speculation over his future ever since he first pulled on the famous black and yellow shirt of Borussia Dortmund.

As one can imagine, it’s not entirely unsurprising that members of his potential summer suitors have already made attempts to steal a march on their rivals by making the most of their international connection – Jack Grealish being a case in point alongside the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jordan Henderson.

The former Birmingham City prodigy gave no indication of where his heart lies, however, in response to the flirtations of the Manchester City star, mirroring his Instagram message of ‘Come to City xx’, following England’s 2-0 win over Ukraine, with ‘come to dortmund x’.

There’ll be plenty keen to overly dissect that latest comment but we should take it to mean what it says on the tin; a bit of playful banter between two teammates who share a national side.

You can catch the image below, courtesy of Jack Grealish’s Instagram account:

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Liverpool’s PL rivals ready to sell £100m man to help fund move for Jude Bellingham – report https://www.empireofthekop.com/2022/12/04/lfc-pl-rivals-bellingham-interest/ Sun, 04 Dec 2022 14:27:28 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=226389 Liverpool have been joined by Manchester City in the race for Jude Bellingham’s signature and the Sky Blues are ready to sell Jack Grealish in order to fund a move for the Borussia Dortmund star. The 19-year-old is attracting interest from a number of clubs across Europe following his impressive performances so far this term […]

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Liverpool have been joined by Manchester City in the race for Jude Bellingham’s signature and the Sky Blues are ready to sell Jack Grealish in order to fund a move for the Borussia Dortmund star.

The 19-year-old is attracting interest from a number of clubs across Europe following his impressive performances so far this term for both club and country and Jurgen Klopp has reportedly made the former Birmingham City man his main priority.

Pep Guardiola is also a fan of the teenager and he’s willing to let £100m Grealish leave in order to free up some finances for the versatile midfielder, that’s according to a report by Football Insider (via the Liverpool Echo).

READ MORE: Serio Aguero explains how Argentina can get the better of Virgil van Dijk in World Cup quarter-final clash

The Etihad outfit made Grealish the most expensive player in British football history last summer when he joined from Aston Villa but after failing to live up to expectations, the report claims the Premier League champions will look to earn some of that money back and use the finances to fund a move for the Dortmund man.

The City No. 10 has just one goal and is yet to register an assist for his side this term while Bellingham has been in fine form both in the Bundesliga and in Europe where he has nine goals and three assists.

He has started all of England’s group games at the Qatar World Cup and is one of the hottest prospects in European football at the moment.

His impressive attitude coupled with his endless potential means he’s likely to move on from Dortmund at the end of the season – Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has admitted that he’ll ask his star man whether he wants to ‘stay or go’ once he returns from Qatar.

He’s under contract with the Bundesliga giants until 2025, however, so it would take a sizeable fee to bring Bellingham to Merseyside anytime soon.

Why Scousers don’t support England – Paddy ‘the Baddy’ Pimblett hits the nail on the head

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Jordan Henderson ‘dominated’ games with dribbling ability as former youth coach makes Jack Grealish comparison https://www.empireofthekop.com/2022/11/25/henderson-dominate-dribbling-ability/ Fri, 25 Nov 2022 09:03:41 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=225974 Jordan Henderson used to ‘dominate’ games with his impressive dribbling ability and was tipped to become a ‘Jack Grealish type player’ during his early days at Sunderland. That’s according to his former Academy coach John Herdman who is now in charge of the Canada national team competing at the Qatar World Cup. The 32-year-old, who […]

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Jordan Henderson used to ‘dominate’ games with his impressive dribbling ability and was tipped to become a ‘Jack Grealish type player’ during his early days at Sunderland.

That’s according to his former Academy coach John Herdman who is now in charge of the Canada national team competing at the Qatar World Cup.

The 32-year-old, who is also out in the Middle East representing England, moved to Liverpool in 2011 and has since captained the club to every major trophy possible – something that is testament to his character according to his old coach.

“He was head and shoulders above players at that time. He was playing up an age group, sometimes two age groups,” Herdman told talkSPORT (via ChronicleLive). “He played with that intensity. I watch him play now as an adult and he has this look on his face that just has this intensity, and he had that as a kid.

“For me there’s a character. He had a real personality to influence and impact the game. At that age he was a killer. He would dominate the game through his dribbling abilities, so seeing him now as more of a passer… I pictured him being a Jack Grealish type player in terms of his dribbling ability.

READ MORE: Liverpool ‘interested’ in teenage Italy international who may be available for free at the end of the season – report

“His personality hasn’t changed and it’s amazing to see the same personality is pervasive and it’s those players who don’t let the game knock it out of them. They tend to get there and he’s done that.”

Herdman coached the Reds No. 14 when he was just 11-years of age but it’s clear that he saw the potential in the midfielder when he was a youngster.

Henderson has flourished in a more attacking midfield role during his time at Anfield, most notably during our heartbreaking 2013/14 campaign which saw us miss out on the Premier League title by a couple of points to Manchester City, but he’s very much a box-to-box midfielder nowadays under Jurgen Klopp.

He helps control proceedings in the middle of the park and although we have more technically gifted players in our squad than the boyhood Sunderland fan, his importance to the side doesn’t go unnoticed.

It’s always interesting to see how players develop and evolve as they get older and it’s credit to Hendo’s attitude and work rate that he’s had such a remarkable career.

He’ll be hoping to taste success on the international stage for the Three Lions in the next few weeks and we also wish Herdman and his Canada side all the best in Qatar.

EOTK Insider: 🏆 Liverpool’s Two World Cup Winners and 14 Finalists, ahead of Qatar

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Jack Grealish hits back at Graeme Souness criticism – ‘I don’t know what his problem is’ https://www.empireofthekop.com/2022/09/22/222370/ Thu, 22 Sep 2022 08:44:08 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=222370 Jack Grealish has been criticised by Graeme Souness recently with the Scotsman claiming that the ex-Aston Villa star should’ve improved more since joining Manchester City. The England international joined Pep Guardiola’s side in a £100m deal just over 12 months ago but the Liverpool legend believes the 27-year-old ‘is not a great player’. The former […]

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Jack Grealish has been criticised by Graeme Souness recently with the Scotsman claiming that the ex-Aston Villa star should’ve improved more since joining Manchester City.

The England international joined Pep Guardiola’s side in a £100m deal just over 12 months ago but the Liverpool legend believes the 27-year-old ‘is not a great player’.

The former Villans star registered six goals and four assists in appearances during his debut campaign for the Sky Blues last term and he netted his first goal of the new season against Wolves last weekend.

Despite not yet reaching the levels that many had expected from him since his big money move, the City star has admitted his bemusement as to why Souness sends so much criticism his way.

“I don’t know what his problem is with me,” he said (as quoted by the Irish Independent). “He always says stuff about me! But I try not to read a lot of it.

“It is difficult you know when he’s on talkSPORT, or Sky Sports, and it’s everywhere around the training ground at times.

“Listen, he was obviously a great player and won a lot but I know he has a lot of stuff to…I don’t know what it is with what he says about me or what problem he’s got. I know my own ability.

“I know before that he used to say a lot of stuff about me not moving the ball quicker, but when I’m playing for a manager like Pep Guardiola and he’s telling me to keep the ball as much as I can and have balls to take it everywhere, that’s what I’ll try and do.

“Obviously, I am always going to have people, if I’m not playing well (criticising). Listen, I know within myself, I always watch my games back and stuff like this and I am very critical of myself.

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“I know that there were games, especially in the second half of last season, where I wasn’t at my best at all.

“Unfortunately for me, I came back in pre-season, I came back fit where I’d had a strong pre-season and then got injured in the second game.

“But from now on, I’m just going to try and get my head down and try and get that fitness back because I know I’m not at 100pc yet. I think I’ve only played one 90 minutes this season.

“But, yeah, I think I’ll always have people on the back of me but I’ve just got to try and go and perform.”

READ MORE: Sky Sports pundit weighs in on Liverpool interest in ‘already unbelievable’ teenage midfielder

During his last season at Villa Park, Grealish registered 18 goal contributions in 26 Premier League games and was out on his own as his boyhood club’s best player.

Many understood his decision to move to the Etihad in order to compete for silverware and to play in the Champions League, but it hasn’t quite gone to plan since he completed the transfer.

Despite admitting the negativity ‘does sometimes’ get to him, he insists that he’s ‘learnt to deal’ with criticism and believes it affects his family more than it affects him.

“It’s more if someone like my mum or my dad was saying it, I’d listen a lot more,” he added.

“But, yeah, sometimes when people are saying it – whether it be trolls on Twitter or Instagram or stuff like that – that doesn’t bother me at all.

“I think that’s just part and parcel of what we have playing for the national team and playing for big clubs in England.

“I don’t think I’m the only one, I think there’s quite a few. I think we just have to learn to deal with that.

“Obviously, over time, I’ve learned to deal with it.

“When I signed for Man City and the price and stuff that came with it, I knew it wasn’t going to all be laughs, unless I started the way Erling Haaland did. I think that’s the only way I wouldn’t get caned!

“Obviously, I’m not going to sit here and say ‘nothing ever affects me’ because it does sometimes. I’m a 27-year-old kid so I’ve had to learn to deal with that.”

There’s no doubting that on his day he is a quality player and a real game changer but he has somewhat struggled to adjust to life at a club challenging at the top.

Guardiola certainly hasn’t lost faith in the attacker and Grealish has also been selected by Gareth Southgate for England’s upcoming Nations League games with Italy and Germany.

It’ll be interesting to see whether the former Villa favourite reaches the levels that many witnessed from him in the East Midlands but we certainly don’t mind if he wants to continue underperforming!

EOTK INSIDER: Liverpool look in a strong position to make January midfield signing, Bellingham update… and more

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(Video) Andy Robertson spotted in a hotel pool with Jack Grealish as the pair enjoy the sun in Las Vegas party https://www.empireofthekop.com/2022/06/22/video-andy-robertson-spotted-in-a-hotel-pool-with-jack-grealish-as-the-pair-enjoy-the-sun-in-las-vegas-party/ Wed, 22 Jun 2022 14:28:50 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=217267 Andy Robertson is seemingly fraternising with the enemy, as he’s been spotted on holiday with Jack Grealish. The rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester City has been very intense for the past few seasons, with the pair battling for most major trophies on offer. That’s not to say there’s a hatred between the teams though and […]

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Andy Robertson is seemingly fraternising with the enemy, as he’s been spotted on holiday with Jack Grealish.

The rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester City has been very intense for the past few seasons, with the pair battling for most major trophies on offer.

That’s not to say there’s a hatred between the teams though and that is perhaps best illustrated by our left-back joining the £100 million former Aston Villa man on holiday in Las Vegas.

READ MORE: (Images) Mo Salah is ‘transforming’ his home village of Nagrig in Egypt after donating ‘£3,500 to poor families monthly’

There are several people within the pool and so it doesn’t seem like it’s a holiday strictly for the duo but they both appear to be having a good time.

With just under two weeks until pre-season begins, there’s little reason as to why the pair shouldn’t be letting their hair down and enjoying a much earned break from the football.

When the season starts again, our No.26 will no doubt be as committed as ever to helping ensure that Jurgen Klopp’s side are as successful as possible.

You can view the video of Robertson and Grealish via @MirrorFootball on Twitter:

EOTK Insider Opinion: Ben Davies’ wages and why he is the blueprint of how Liverpool don’t do transfer business

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Aston Villa set for cash incentive if they help Liverpool’s title chances and get a result against Manchester City https://www.empireofthekop.com/2022/05/20/aston-villa-set-for-cash-incentive-if-they-help-liverpools-title-chances-and-get-a-result-against-manchester-city/ Fri, 20 May 2022 10:39:14 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=215604 Many have reported the apparent windfall that could come Aston Villa’s way if Manchester City win the league. There’s said to be a clause in the Jack Grelaish deal that could see the Birmingham club handed £15 million if Pep Guardiola’s side clinch the title, leading some Liverpool fans to worry ahead of the two […]

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Many have reported the apparent windfall that could come Aston Villa’s way if Manchester City win the league.

There’s said to be a clause in the Jack Grelaish deal that could see the Birmingham club handed £15 million if Pep Guardiola’s side clinch the title, leading some Liverpool fans to worry ahead of the two teams facing each other on the final day.

With Steven Gerrard being their manager, it’s very unlikely that he will ensure anything but his team firing on all cylinders but that may not be the only incentive on offer.

READ MORE: Robbie Fowler suggests that penalty shoot-outs ‘need a rule in place’ to stop a tactic that is being used too often

As reported by the Birmingham Mail, the side from Villa Park have further financial gains to play for on the last day of the season: ‘Villa can still finish 10th in the Premier League if they defeat City and results elsewhere go their way.

‘A 10th-placed finish would see Villa earn £24.2m in merit payments, in comparison to the £15.4m the club stands to earn by finishing 14th.

‘The merit payments go up roughly £2.2m per place, meaning there’s almost a £9m difference between finishing 14th and 10th for Villa’.

Some have said the reported clause for the Manchester club winning the league may not be true but this calculation on whatever place the claret and blue side finish is much closer to the truth.

There it is then, yet another reason why we can hope the improbable may just happen on Sunday.

#Ep51 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: Can Steven Gerrard do Liverpool a big favour? Do we need an Origi replacement… & more!

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(Video) Jack Grealish has Henderson in hysterics over horrific geography gaffe https://www.empireofthekop.com/2022/05/16/video-jack-grealish-has-henderson-in-hysterics-over-horrific-geography-gaffe/ Mon, 16 May 2022 10:27:45 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=215368 Geography may not be the strong suit of most footballers, though one might expect sportsmen to have, at least, a passing understanding of their own country. When presented with a map of the United Kingdom by Jordan Henderson, Jack Grealish had nothing but a blank look for the Liverpool skipper before uttering, ‘What is that […]

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Geography may not be the strong suit of most footballers, though one might expect sportsmen to have, at least, a passing understanding of their own country.

When presented with a map of the United Kingdom by Jordan Henderson, Jack Grealish had nothing but a blank look for the Liverpool skipper before uttering, ‘What is that England?’

The forward’s response incited hysterics amongst those attending, with the Reds midfielder taking himself away from the cameras briefly.

You can catch the clip below, courtesy of @CHlLWELLS:

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Luis Diaz’s first four months at Liverpool compared to Jack Grealish and Jadon Sancho’s full season in the Premier League https://www.empireofthekop.com/2022/05/11/luis-diazs-first-four-months-at-liverpool-compared-to-jack-grealish-and-jadon-sanchos-full-season-in-the-premier-league/ Wed, 11 May 2022 14:10:04 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=215089 Arriving under much less of a fanfare and transfer fee than others, Luis Diaz has been one of the best signings in the Premier League this season. Despite arriving on the final day of January, our latest acquisition has amassed an impressive four goals and three assists in his 12 league games so far. Considering […]

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Arriving under much less of a fanfare and transfer fee than others, Luis Diaz has been one of the best signings in the Premier League this season.

Despite arriving on the final day of January, our latest acquisition has amassed an impressive four goals and three assists in his 12 league games so far.

Considering also that two of those appearances came off the bench, the impact of the Colombian has been nothing short of tremendous.

READ MORE: (Video) Alisson Becker on his excitement ahead of the FA Cup final and wanting to win ‘a trophy that this group hasn’t won yet’

When compared to two similar players: Jack Grealish and Jadon Sancho, the 25-year-old’s maiden campaign has been even more amazing.

Transfer fees:
Diaz – £36 million
Sancho – £76 million
Grealish – £100 million

Goals:
Diaz – 4
Sancho – 3
Grealish – 2

Assists:
Diaz – 3
Grealish – 3
Sancho – 3

Appearances:
Sancho – 29
Grealish – 24
Diaz – 12

It’s another show of our amazing transfer policies and recruitment and what a signing our No.23 has been so far.

Imagine how good he’ll be with a full pre-season and the opportunity to take part in an entire campaign for Jurgen Klopp’s side!

You can view the compared statistics via @LFCTransferRoom on Twitter:

EOTK Insider Opinion: Doubters into believers – 57% of Liverpool fans still believe that we can win the quadruple

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(Video) Virgil van Dijk shoves Jack Grealish to the floor as he bullies the Manchester City midfielder before Ibou Konate’s goal https://www.empireofthekop.com/2022/04/17/video-virgil-van-dijk-shoves-jack-grealish-to-the-floor-as-he-bullies-the-manchester-city-midfielder-before-ibou-konates-goal/ Sun, 17 Apr 2022 10:27:20 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=213758 All eyes may have been on Ibou Konate as he put Liverpool ahead at Wembley but some fans have spotted Virgil van Dijk’s actions now too. Our No.5 scored his third goal in three games and wheeled off in celebration but as the ball was set to arrive onto his head, his centre-back partner was […]

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All eyes may have been on Ibou Konate as he put Liverpool ahead at Wembley but some fans have spotted Virgil van Dijk’s actions now too.

Our No.5 scored his third goal in three games and wheeled off in celebration but as the ball was set to arrive onto his head, his centre-back partner was busy embarrassing Jack Grealish.

Looking as though he had been handed the job to block the run of the captain of Holland, the former Aston Villa man was met by a battering ram that sent him flying to the ground.

READ MORE: (Video) Alisson Becker on “winning, winning, winning all the time and winning all the trophies we have in front of us”

His pathetic attempt to stop our centre-half ended very quickly, with the force of his push almost taking out Gabriel Jesus as well.

It’s not often that the 30-year-old needs to showcase this talent in our own box but his efforts during an attacking corner certainly helped create some space for the Frenchman to head home.

Next time City’s No.10 comes up against the Reds, he might want to pick a different man to mark!

You can view the video of van Dijk and Grealish via Reddit user u/barbapapi_:

Just Virg bullying Grealish from LiverpoolFC

#Ep43 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: Should Salah be dropped v Man City? Keita contract… and more!

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NXGN star compared to Grealish explains why he rejected Liverpool move; highly-rated playmaker had trials at Juventus & Bayern https://www.empireofthekop.com/2022/03/25/nxgn-star-compared-to-grealish-explains-why-he-rejected-liverpool-move-highly-rated-playmaker-had-trials-at-juventus-bayern/ Fri, 25 Mar 2022 19:13:09 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=212528 Andreas Schjelderup has explained that he rejected a move to Liverpool due to his desire for a more direct route to a first-team setup. The playmaker admitted the decision was far from easy for himself and his family, though one that has arguably paid dividends in light of his inclusion in NXGN 2022’s top 50 […]

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Andreas Schjelderup has explained that he rejected a move to Liverpool due to his desire for a more direct route to a first-team setup.

The playmaker admitted the decision was far from easy for himself and his family, though one that has arguably paid dividends in light of his inclusion in NXGN 2022’s top 50 wonderkids (ranking 29th).

“Of course, it was a bit hard (turning down Liverpool), because when you grow up, you watch the big names and then you hear that they want you, so your head starts to spin,” the teenager told Neil Jones at Goal.

“But I got a lot of help from my father and agents, who helped me make the right decision.

“It hurt a little bit for me and my dad in our hearts (not to join Liverpool), but the move here was instead of going to an academy at Under-19 or Under-17 level.

“It felt like this step in the ocean was the right one for me. I was in the Under-19s team when I got started, but I knew when I was ready that I could take a step up to the first team.”

The attacking midfielder, who can also play up top and on the left-wing when required to, has registered three goals and an assist this term for Nordsjaelland.

READ MORE: Liverpool identify Origi replacement in versatile 24-year-old Reds could secure for cut-price fee – report

One has to admire the youngster for prioritising what he felt would be the right move for his personal development.

That being said, with Jurgen Klopp a keen promoter of young talent, it could be argued that the midfielder may very well have seen some first-team minutes if he’d impressed enough at youth level in Merseyside.

It’s an academic argument, of course, and we certainly wish the player nothing but the best in the early years of his career.

Who knows – perhaps a Liverpool move could eventually be on the horizon if he continues his upward trajectory in Norway.

#Ep42 of The Empire of the Kop Podcast: Is Jota underappreciated? FA failing fans… and more! 🎙

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Pundit compares Liverpool star to Jack Grealish and suggests he would be a ‘coup’ signing for Aston Villa https://www.empireofthekop.com/2021/09/05/liverpool-jones-compared-to-grealish/ Sun, 05 Sep 2021 13:36:31 +0000 https://www.empireofthekop.com/?p=202749 Kevin Phillips has claimed that Curtis Jones would be a “coup” signing for Aston Villa. This follows from reports of the Villans’ interest in the central midfielder, with the former Sunderland striker comparing the 20-year-old to Manchester City summer signing Jack Grealish. “It would be a big coup if they can get a player like […]

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Kevin Phillips has claimed that Curtis Jones would be a “coup” signing for Aston Villa.

This follows from reports of the Villans’ interest in the central midfielder, with the former Sunderland striker comparing the 20-year-old to Manchester City summer signing Jack Grealish.

“It would be a big coup if they can get a player like Jones out of that Liverpool side,” the former Golden Boot-winner told Football Insider.

“He performed in that team last season so he would be a massive signing for Dean Smith and the supporters.

“Jones certainly has a lot of quality. He has played in big games for a big club so he would not be overawed by a move.

“It would be a really exciting signing for the fans because it is probably an area they would like to see another player come in.

“He has similar attributes to Grealish. Every team in the Premier League wants a ball carrying midfielder and he is certainly a player that can do that.”

Despite the No.17’s lack of minutes this term, thus far, there is an element of expectation that the player will be utilised somewhat heavily this season, as the Reds look to avoid incurring any injuries in the middle of the park.

READ MORE: Carragher makes Salah contract claim after report of £500,000-a-week wage demands emerges

It’s high praise for the Liverpool star, though we at the EOTK can’t see Jurgen Klopp sanctioning the Englishman’s exit during the 2021/22 campaign given that we’re already a midfielder down after Gini Wijnaldum’s free transfer.

Should we avoid any major injury concerns this term, we should have enough in the way of options to see us through the entire season.

Though it’s entirely possible that Dean Smith’s men could make a move for Jones next summer, we’d be surprised to see the 20-year-old sold on without at least two incomings in that position.

Backup Liverpool star many fans have given up on could be a standout performer for the Reds this season

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