We had the pleasure of catching up with former Liverpool star John Barnes who has again urged The Reds to make a move for Crystal Palace duo Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise. Interestingly, Crystal Palace’s win rate is 71% in this Premier League campaign when the pair started. Compare that to 17% when both have been missing are a clear picture is painted regarding the impact that the pair have on their team. Barnes delves into why he’s such a fan of the Palace duo and what the future may hold for both going forward.
In this article:
- Is it time for Liverpool to move on from Salah?
- Olise is ready for a step up from Palace
- Barnes warns duo of joining Pep’s army
Is it time for Liverpool to move on from Salah?
Is it time for Liverpool to move on from Salah? A question that you couldn’t have imagined asking at the start of the season. A time where Al Ittihad were prepared to pay more than £100m but the Egyptian did not want to move to Saudi Arabia at the time. But things change in football. Quickly. Since returning from the African Cup of Nations, Salah has struggled to show the form that has made him an Anfield legend. Barnes remains diplomatic on the matter saying that if Salah believes his time at Liverpool is up, the club and the player should part ways.
“It depends on what Mo wants to do. If Mo wants to play a role in the Liverpool rebuild and restructuring for one last year then he should be staying. If he doesn’t want to then the club should let him go.
“I’m sure the club wants him to stay because he’s a fantastic player but it’s down to Mo and how committed he is going to be. There’s a lot of speculation around him but I’ve always said a player like Mo, a top player will always be welcomed at Liverpool and should stay.”
Salah and his Liverpool team-mates take on Aston Villa on Monday evening, in what is certain to be a tricky test for Jurgen Klopp’s side. The Reds are priced at 4/5 on bet365 to win at Villa Park, and be sure to use the bet365 bonus code when signing up to this bookmaker, as they’re one of the best football betting sites in the industry.
Olise can play for any of the big clubs
Interestingly, Liverpool could have a ready made replacement lurking in the Premier League. A Michael Olise led Crystal Palace have made it five wins from six matches following their 3-1 win over Wolves at the weekend. Olise has now scored 10 goals and set up another five in 18 Premier League appearances this season and Barnes claims the winger can play for any of the biggest clubs in the league.
“Michael Olise could play for Liverpool, City, Arsenal. He could play for any of those clubs. He’s got a great attitude, great ability. He should probably stop showboating like he did against United on Monday. Liverpool would want to knock that out of his game.
“I would say him and Eze are equally as talented but Olise works harder. Especially off the ball. He can play for any of the big clubs.
“If Mo were to leave the club and Liverpool wanted to bring in someone to replace him, Eze and Olise are players that I would like to see at the club.”
Barnes warns duo of joining Pep’s army
Recent reports indicate that Newcastle has joined the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Liverpool in the race for Michael Olise. Determining the best fit for both Olise and his teammate Eberechi Eze involves considering the pros and cons of each potential club. John Barnes suggests that it might be tactically wise for both players to avoid Manchester City, where competition for starting spots is intense. He points to England internationals Kalvin Phillips and Jack Grealish, whose careers have faced challenges since joining the reigning English champions, as examples of the potential pitfalls of moving to a club with such strength in depth.
“If Olise or Eze went to City would they play regularly? Whereas if they went to Newcastle they would be the first name on the team sheet.
“They both want to be in teams that play positive, attacking football. Look at what happened with Kalvin Phillips when he went to Manchester City which was obviously the wrong move. It’s nothing to do with him as a player. It’s the system and the fact he wasn’t given a chance to play.
“Look at Grealish too. If you go to Man City there’s a chance you won’t start every week or play regularly. You’ll be a squad player.”
