Liverpool

Liverpool

Premier League • England

Liverpool urged to watch out for ‘new’ Ajax star in Champions League clash as two traits highlighted

Kenneth Taylor of Ajax

Fabrizio Romano has warned Liverpool to keep tabs on Ajax midfielder Kenneth Taylor in their Champions League match, as he has become the Dutch club’s ‘new star’.

Liverpool began their Champions League group campaign last week. However, their trip to Napoli ended up being a night to forget as they lost 4-1.

Liverpool defended dreadfully and were the root of most of their problems. Credit must be given to Napoli as well though, because they pounced on the Liverpool errors brilliantly.

Jurgen Klopp’s side need to get some points on the board and have the chance to do that tonight (Tuesday). They host reigning Eredivisie champions Ajax at Anfield.

Erik ten Hag’s former team, now managed by Alfred Schreuder, have been weakened by several summer departures.

Antony and Lisandro Martinez both went to Manchester United in big-money deals, which has seen them reunite with Ten Hag.

Sebastien Haller joined Borussia Dortmund, while exciting young midfielder Ryan Gravenberch signed for Bayern Munich. Perr Schuurs and Nicolas Tagliafico also left the club.

It could have been worse for Ajax too, as United tried to add Brian Brobbey to their ranks and Chelsea went after Edson Alvarez. Ultimately, that pair remained at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

Ajax are used to replacing their top stars, either through shrewd transfers or promoting academy players.

Ajax replace Gravenberch with Kenneth Taylor

Following Gravenberch’s departure, they needed a new central midfielder and seem to have found their man in Taylor.

The 20-year-old, who represents Netherlands U21s, has played in eight games so far this campaign. And he has been in good form, notching three goals and one assist, all in the Dutch top flight.

Romano thinks Liverpool need to deal with Taylor if they are to beat Ajax and pick up their first three points in the UCL group stage. Romano also praised Ajax’s midfield for its ‘quality and speed’, which are two of its best attributes.

“Ajax’s numbers so far have been excellent, and I think it’s in the club’s DNA to be able to restart after the sales of some top players. Alfred Schreuder is doing a very good job,” the transfer expert said during an interview with CaughtOffside.

“The danger for Liverpool is in the quality and speed of the midfield where Kenneth Taylor is the new star. But the Reds must and can react.”

Klopp will probably go with a midfield three of Fabinho, Thiago and Harvey Elliott. Fabinho and Thiago are seemingly back to full fitness after recent injury problems.

Klopp doesn’t have many other options. Jordan Henderson, Fabio Carvalho, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are all out.

The manager does still have James Milner available. However, he struggled against Napoli and will probably begin the match on the bench.

Playing Elliott should mean Liverpool have enough pace to deal with Ajax. Fabinho will aim to disrupt opposition attacks, as usual, while Thiago will hope to link up with the front three.

It should be an intriguing tactical battle between Klopp and Schreuder. The former could go more attacking than usual due to Liverpool’s need for a response after the Napoli defeat.

Meanwhile, Tuesday’s Transfer Gossip claims Liverpool made an £87m offer for a Real Madrid man late in the summer transfer window.