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26 April 2024

Liverpool transfer day deadline latest: Victor Valdes vs Petr Cech for Rodgers' revolution

Didier Drogba (centre) of Chelsea scores past goalkeeper Victor Valdes of Barcelona during their Champions League semi-final first leg at Stamford Bridge in London on Wednesday. (REUTERS)

Published
By Football Correspondent with Agencies

Latest: Liverpool are considering making a move for goalkeeper Víctor Valdés on a free transfer. (Source: Times)

Meanwhile, all eyes will also be on Petr Cech and Chelsea, with Jose Mourinho far from convincing about the future of the Blues' goalkeeper.

Warning to rivals

Brendan Rodgers warned Liverpool's title rivals that his team are back in the groove after they marked Mario Balotelli's debut with a scintillating 3-0 win at Tottenham.

Balotelli was supposed to steal the spotlight on his return to the Premier League, but the flamboyant Italy striker had to play second fiddle to new team-mates Raheem Sterling, Daniel Sturridge and Jordan Henderson on Sunday.

Sterling scored Liverpool's opening goal early in the first half and delivered a sparkling display at the top of the midfield diamond formation Rodgers employed to overwhelm Tottenham's fragile defence.

Balotelli's strike partner Sturridge was a constant menace, while Henderson covered almost every blade of grass in midfield in a typically energetic showing.

Second half goals from Steven Gerrard and Alberto Moreno sealed the rout, capping the kind of vibrant performance that became Liverpool's hallmark as they went within touching distance of winning the Premier League last season before Steven Gerrard's crucial slip against Chelsea gifted the title to Manchester City.

Now, despite the departure of star striker Luis Suarez to Barcelona, Rodgers's team look to have got over last season's title race meltdown and the Reds boss believes they will be among the main contenders to win the English crown once again.

"I thought we were excellent. It was an outstanding performance," Rodgers said.

"We have risen to every challenge since I've been here. It was the same last year when people wondered if we could keep it up. The beauty of this group is they are very humble.

"We clicked back to where we were last season. That was good to see, I think people will enjoy watching us this season."