Can Mo Salah win the Premier League Golden Boot?

Liverpool's Mohamad Salah has started the 2018 Premier League season in fine form. and currently sits atop the statistics for goals scored this season; but how does he compare to the man breathing down his neck?

Harry Kane emerged from a bleak Tottenham Hotspur and has since been their talisman over the past three seasons picking up the prestigious Golden Boot award in the past two terms.

However, the £35m Egyptian has so far bagged 13 goals in 16 appearances, while the England frontman has lagged behind with 12.

Is it likely is it that Liverpool's man of the hour will remain at the top of the leaderboard or will Kane equal a record set by Arsenal's Thierry Henry and finish on top for the third successive season?

Currently the pair are almost identical, except the man in red has been far more clinical in front of goal averaging a goal every 4.6 shots while Spurs' hotshot striker hits the back of the net every 7.2 attempts.

However, with Salah possessing less than a full season in red, it is hard to look past a man who has been a consistent threat on goal for three consecutive years, averaging more than a goal a game at 0.80 with 90 in his last 131 appearances in the Premier League.

Liverpool's Egyptian International has the chance to pull ahead tonight as West Brom travel to Anfield with The Baggies already shipping 22 goals this season, a respectable figure for a side battling relegation.

While, Kane will be hoping some chances come his way against Brighton & Hove Albion with this the second time the Englishman has faced the newly promoted side, as he scored past them in a 2-0 League Cup win back in 2014.

Kane is currently the favourite in the bookies, at 7/4 to take home the award come May, but Salah is at evens, in what is becoming a two-horse race.

How does Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain compare with his fellow Liverpool midfield?

Liverpool's most recent acquisition Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain seemed an ideal purchase, with an increase in fixtures thanks to Champions League qualification, the Englishman provided a sense of strength derived from his £35m price-tag.

Huge figures created a Summer transfer window, the likes of which have never been seen, with the most expensive player (Neymar) being sold for a figure rising to above £200m, making the scoop of an England international, an 'under-the-radar' bargain.

However with five fixtures already under his belt, his early Liverpool career has been a rocky start with just one win, two losses and two draws coupled with no registered goals or assists so far, it seems that the former Arsenal and Southampton man is currently off track.

The Reds have however not been held back by Chamberlain's slow integration, with the likes of Phillipe Cotuinho, Jordan Henderson and Giorgio Wijnaldum showcasing their ability in recent games, as Sadio Mane, Mohammad Salah and Roberto Firmino are clicking in perfect harmony.

Despite the 24-year-old not yet hitting the heights, manager Jürgen Klopp is in no hurry to leave him out to dry as he talked about his latest acquisition following his first start:

 "He didn’t have the best game of his life so in the world of football at the moment you get criticised for that, but I am not in doubt. He did really well in some moments but he is still trying to adapt to our style of play."

So while Chamberlain adapts to the Liverpool style of way, his Premier League statistics may still be a cause for concern, as his lack of assists and goals leave him some way of the standard of his fellow midfielders.

As other players who have split opinion such as Alberto Moreno, may not seem to be doing a perfect job, their stats have proven otherwise - but with the Englishman, this does not seem to be the case.

However, with his time at Anfield still in its early days, he has many more chances to prove his worth; as a £35m transfer fee will be anything but a "gamble" in the eyes of the German in the hot-seat.

Alberto Moreno Liverpool's secret weapon

Alberto Moreno – a player who attracts criticism and controversy, but yet a constant figure on manager Jurgen Klopp’s team-sheet, but why?

The £12 million purchase was deemed the answer to all of Liverpool’s left-back problems, and a sensational debut goal seemed to reassure any doubt within the Kop faithful.

However, three years down the line and the 25-year-old has split opinion regarding his ability, with his defensive attributes also brought into question.

Despite The Reds shipping 12 goals in the eight fixtures Moreno has featured, the Spaniard who at one point looked to be the next figure offloaded – now looks a mainstay at Anfield.

Second chances are a rarity in the football world, yet Klopp seems to have granted his now first choice left-back a stay of execution, a decision that seems to be paying off.

With five wins, two draws and one defeat in the matches Moreno has played, the Spaniard looks to be a key player in his manager’s continuing plans.

What may be the full-back’s saving grace is by no means his defensive statistics, but his attacking positives which rival any opponent around the Premier League.

Totalling six chances created, Moreno has proven himself to be a valuable asset to Klopp’s attack hungry reds, a positive yet worrying stat for some.

Despite adding an extra slice of firepower to an already impressive collection of attacking talent, his defensive ability may be less than a worry as first thought.

A respectable 75% of his tackles have been won, a stat matched by both Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso and Benjamin Mendy.

With just four starts in the Premier League under his belt it seems that Moreno may finally be getting to grips with the fast-paced English game as he is beginning to show the form that warranted his steep price-tag.

However, with Summer signing Andy Robertson breathing down his neck, and with James Milner and Joe Gomez capable replacements, he looks to be in a continuing fight for his position.

Liverpool finally cutting the red tape on Summer transfers

A explosive start in the Summer transfer window saw Liverpool Fc linked with a flurry of top stars as Mohammad Salah became the first and record signing at the club.

Despite signing one of Serie A's brightest talents of last season, The Reds hit stumbling block after stumbling block with a number of their top targets becoming seemingly unattainable additions.

Virgin Van Djik, Southampton Captain looked en route to Anfield, but reports of unsportsmanlike conduct threw a spanner in the works as Southampton refused to sell, halting the much needed reinforcement.

Following the Dutchman's heartbreaking rejection was Naby Kieta who, just like the centre-back was viewed as an important figure at his club Red Bull Liepzig, who with a major season ahead of them including Champions League football put up a barrier to the Premier League club.

With just Salah and back-up left back Andrew Robertson coming into the squad so far, the sense of disillusionment grew within the Reds' faithful and intensified following a 2-2 draw with Watford on the opening day of the season.

Despite improvements in results, most notably a 4-0 thrashing of Arsenal on Sunday, and Champions League qualification secured, the belief that reinforcements were still required has remained but Liverpool answered their critics and have since reinstalled confidence within Jurgen Klopp's men.

The recent announcement that midfielder Kieta will be linking up with The Reds next season following a £48m agreement has come as a surprise, with Liverpool finally tearing down the red tape to land their man; albeit with him not figuring in plans until a year later however.

In spite of this, fans on social media have seen this as a positive step with, Fenway Sports Group finally splashing the cash they have been patiently saving, but is there more in store on Merseyside?

FSG - ready to splash the cash? (image: verocom)

With one transfer that looked off limits now secured, the rumours surrounding another once impending figure may be back on as the transfer window draws to a close in two days time.

Van Djik has made it clear regarding his lack of intention to feature for The Saints this season, but Mauricio Pellegrini may finally cave in to the idea of selling his captain as he frantically searches for a replacement over the next 48-hours.

While this is surely a clear sign of moving forward, there is yet another duo of players that may be on their way to Anfield, with Thomas Lemar a target that has been once again blocked off, with AS Monaco refusing to sell after already losing Benjamin Mendy, Bernado Silva (Manchester City), Tiemoue Bakayoko (Chelsea).

The Reds have already had a bid of £65m rejected but are believed to be planning an improved offer of around £75m, for the 21-year-old who has scored 20-goals in his career so far, from 130 games.

Arsenal midfielder Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain is a player who is attempting to force through a move to Anfield, after rejecting a switch to last years League champions following a £40m bid, with the 24-year-old English International rejecting a contract extension at the Emirates.

With a number of players interested in a move to Merseyside, excitement is back, and with Champions League group stages set to begin in mid-September, there is a buzz of the big-time for Klopp and co.

Still work to be done for Liverpool in Transfer Window

A Champions League victory over Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim is something to celebrate for Jürgen Klopp and co. but their long road to success has barely begun.

With a potential nightmare clash a possibility in the Group Stages that feature the likes of Real Madrid, Paris Saint Germain, Juventus, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich, the strength in depth and lack there of, should be a cause of concern for The Reds.

Despite the season barely underway, cracks have already shown, despite the management knowing about the safety hazards since the end of last term, with just one major signing in the form of Mohammad Salah, the Liverpool attack has been a lethal force, meanwhile their defensive line are yet to restore faith in fans.

With three goals conceded in their first Premier League fixture against Watford, who finished with just 40-goals last season, the back four is still a key area to be addressed with Klopp's strength in depth lacking compared to other top-four sides.

Anfield's first choice defence came to a grand total of £44m if Alberto Moreno plays at left-back, or £32m with James Milner guarding that portion of the field meanwhile, Manchester City have forked out £123m on a trio of full backs this transfer window alone (Kyle Walker [Tottenham], Benjamin Mendy [Monaco], Danilo [Real Madrid]).

Liverpool have been held to ransom over their first choice targets, with Southampton captain Virgin Van Djik's proposed £50m+ move to Merseyside put on hold, despite a transfer request with the player currently training on his own.

However, despite this unfortunate circumstance with the Saints' board now refusing to sell, no back up targets have emerged, with Klopp maintaining his satisfaction with his current crop, although a number of critics have spoken out against his choice.

With just a week until the transfer window closes on August 31, 23:00, time is running out for recruitment to be added to the reds who will be fighting on four fronts, in the Premier League, FA Cup, League cup and Champions League with a minimum of 46 games to be played across the entire campaign.

Barcelona have shown their true colours in Phillipe Coutinho pursuit

Barcelona have long portrayed themselves as a club for the people, however their recent transfer tactics have threatened to disrupt their humble image.

While football is far from a friendly sport, the sportsmanship on display this Summer has impacted greatly on the public perception of the Catalan club, with even past players hitting out at their actions.

Brazilian superstar Neymar sparked a domino effect as he pushed through a mega-money move to French giants Paris Saint Germain; smashing the transfer record in early August.

Neymar sparked a Domino effect following Barcelona exit

The world’s most expensive footballer hit out at directors of his now former club after his home debut with PSG against Toulouse last Sunday saying: “I spent four beautiful years there and parted happy.
But with [the board], no.

"For me, they are not the people who should be there, for the direction of Barca. Barca deserve much better." (As reported by the BBC).

His €222m switch has since forced a desperate and rash display of conduct from Barcelona who have identified both Liverpool’s Phillipe Coutinho and Borussia Dortmund’s Ousmane Dembele as Neymar’s replacements.

However, despite a transfer request handed in by the Premier League midfielder, the Merseyside club are clinging on to their playmaker with three bids already rejected.

Despite the seemingly straight forward process, Barcelona, have went above and beyond the protocol of respect, by filing both transfer offers the day before The Reds are set to play a fixture.

With Jurgen Klopp preparing to play his first home Champions League fixture at Anfield, a mega transfer offer would serve as a major distraction to the manager and his players.

The most recent proposal was taken with a slightly baffling raise of the eyebrows, as just (€130m) £119m was on the table with a measly €90 (£82.3m) guaranteed and €40m (£36.6m) in add on clauses.

The add on inclusions were for:
· Winning multiple trophies in a singular season
· Winning the UEFA Champions League multiple times
· Winning the FIFA Ballon D’Or
· Winning multiple trophies and the Ballon D’Or in a singular season
· With the guaranteed fee of £80m payed over five years

Liverpool rejected the transfer offer, but still the Spanish giants cheekily suggested there was a 7pm deadline for a response two days after submission; which was laughed off by The Reds.

Liverpool are determined to keep hold of Phillipe Coutinho (Joel Lampkin)

The importance of the 25-year-old to Anfield is massive with current midfielder Adam Lallana out until November at least, and with the Brazilian bagging 14-goals in their previous year’s campaign, he will be a major figure missing in their forward line.

It is believed by many Liverpool fans that Coutinho’s reported back injury by the club and Klopp, is nothing short of fiction, with the lure of the Nou Camp serving as a far too strong appeal for the 25-year-old.

According to Sky Sports news, the Catalan Club are preparing a fourth and what may be a final bid of £138m in a last-ditch attempt to add more fire power to their season, which has already saw them lose out on one trophy on offer (Super Cup) to rivals Real Madrid.

Coutinho was not present at Anfield for the club’s first home fixture this season and is not in the squad for their Champions League return clash against Hoffenheim, but this serves as no indication that Liverpool will give into the demands of both player and Barca

The Danny Ward Dilemma; Sell, Loan, Retain?

Liverpool Football Club has had an issue with the man between the sticks for a number of years with a replacement for Pepe Reina hard to come by; but the resurgence of Simon Mignolet, the potential of Loris Karius and the emergence of Danny Ward has presented Jürgen Klopp with a headache.

When the former Borrussia Dortmund manager took the reigns at Anfield he ushered in a new era starting with a new no.1 in the form of Mainz 05's young shot stopper Karius a £4.7m signing in the Summer of 2016.

Danny Ward - Liverpool's no.1 shot stopper? (image: reuters)

Following a fairly solid debut in September, the form of the 24-year-old quickly deteriorated allowing Simon Mignolet to regain his place where the Belgian excelled, staying put until the end of the season.

While former Sunderland keeper did well, its no secret that Klopp is waiting for the confidence of Karius to arrive before letting him take his place in the starting XI - but where does that leave Danny Ward?

The Welshman, 24-years-old also, has proven himself time and time again during loan spells at Aberdeen in 2015-16 and at newly promoted side Huddersfield town last season, with The Terriers reportedly keen on taking the youngster on a permanent deal.

This decision on for Klopp will be a positive one and he will be in no rush to make a choice on who will start at his number one, two or three until at least after pre season during which he will have time to assess the players he wants to keep or drop.

Taking a closer look at the statistics:

Looking at the table above, its clear that Ward despite making many more appearances notched up a higher average of saves per game than his elder competition in Mignolet but only achieved three more clean sheets, a figure that should be much higher.

For his young age, the Welsh shot stopper has demonstrated not only maturity but proven experience to improve whichever team he is placed in, with Aberdeen finishing second in the Scottish Premier League and Huddersfield being promoted to the Premier League for the time in the club's history.

With just two appearance for his contracted club Liverpool, the Wrexham born goalkeeper will have a big choice to make this coming transfer window, with clubs vying for his signature he may be better off making the switch while he is in demand rather than risk warming the bench for the upcoming season.

However, with Alex Manninger retiring after just one season with the club and a grand total of zero appearances the final decision may lie with Klopp, who with an increased fixture list complete with two domestic cup competitions, Premier League and Champions League the German may not run the risk of an injury to either of his preferred choices getting in the way of what could be a make or break season.

Making the case for Alberto Moreno

Since joining Liverpool Football Club in the summer of 2014 from Sevilla, the once promising arrival of Alberto Moreno has so far left fans feeling deflated with the Spaniard failing to live up to his £12 million price-tag.

Coutinho & Moreno notable friends off the pitch (image: Instagram)

While the 24-year-old may not have the ability to remain a key player for The Reds it may be his relationship with some significant players in the side that provide an unusual case for the left-back to remain on Merseyside.

One of the more valuable players in the Liverpool XI is Barcelona transfer target Phillipe Coutinho, who has made no secret of his desire to remain at Anfield, for now, with close friends Moreno, Lucas Leiva and Roberto Firmino by his side helping the Brazilian to cope in a foreign land.

Coutinho has proved to be a bargain since his switch from Inter Milan in January 2011, and so far Brendan Rodgers and Jürgen Klopp have kept his eyes firmly on Liverpool's quest for Champions League and more but take away his friends and who knows what could turn his head.

Lucas who has also been linked with a switch to a number of Premier League clubs and even to former club Gremio may be heading out the exit door which only decreases the number of reasons for The Reds' no.10 to stay put in the North West.

With this likely action in the transfer window, a lot can happen up until September 1st but it begs the question as to whether keeping Moreno and or Lucas on the books to appease and keep Coutinho grounded would be a wise move.

As Champions League football arrives back at Anfield for the first time since the 2014-15 season it is bound to increase the level of positivity heading into the upcoming season but without a strong back up left-back to fill for James Milner when needed - it may be a foolish decision financially wise to keep an inconsistent full-back on the books.

So the question when the layers are removed is really; how much is Coutinho worth to Liverpool?