LFC Daily Update News & Rumours

[Trim]

I never saw him play.

But the newspapers here write good about him.

Is he really any good T.A.L.?

I thought this year Rafa would introduce him to senior squad, but didn't happen.

[NJ10]

He aint good enough for our first team, he looks ok at reserve level. Decent touch and dribbling, but nowhere near first team standard. Not even for carling cup games.

Maybe dropping down to Palace would be perfect for him, so he can get some football under his belt away from the spotlight, and develop there.

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Babel: Rafa has already improved me

Despite only signing for Liverpool last month, Dutch winger Ryan Babel insists Rafael Benitez has already made him a better player.

Babel, who opened his scoring account for the Reds with a goal against Derby County last weekend, admits he was once prone to being influenced by the reaction from opposition crowds - but that problem is now a thing of the past thanks to his new boss.

"Rafa knows everything about me, down to the fine details," the Dutchman said. "Not just about my style of play, but my character too.

"He told me he had watched me play in an away game for Ajax, and it had struck him how easily I was influenced by the crowd.

"He saw how I was struggling when the fans turned against me.

"He could tell from my body language - I had unknowingly let my shoulders drop.

"But he told me that the abuse ought to make me stronger, saying the more the opposing fans swore at me, the more afraid of me they were."

Source: Liverpoolfc.tv: Official Web Site

[Trim]

He scored that good goal, owned two defenders so bad

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Babel has improved his play lately.He always seems dangerous front of goal when he goes for shot.He has one hell of a shot.

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Steven Gerrard will start for England against Israel in their vital Euro 2008 qualifier on Saturday. The Liverpool skipper has been battling to overcome a broken toe and coach Steve McClaren has today confirmed his star midfielder will be in his team for the Wembley clash.

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Former Liverpool shot-stopper Sander Westerveld has joined Dutch side Sparta Rotterdam on a four-month deal. Westerveld was a free agent after failing to win a new contract at Spanish side Almeria earlier this summer.

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Reds target Italian ace

Liverpool are reported to be lining up a move for Italian Pasquale Foggia.

Reports emanating from Italy suggest Liverpool are keeping tabs on the exciting midfielder and could make a move for him when the transfer window reopens in January.

Foggia is currently on-loan at Cagliari from Lazio, but the player has signalled his intention not to return to the capital at the end of his loan stint.

The 24-year-old has been earning rave reviews in Serie A and he recently earned his first call-up to the Italian national team.

Liverpool scouts are believed to have watched Foggia in the first two weeks of the Italian season as they keep continued tabs on his progress.

A number of clubs are also thought to be watching Foggia, but Liverpool are believed to be at the head of the queue for the playmaker.

Skysports

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Fabio Aurelio is expected to make his long awaited recovery from injury in a behind closed doors friendly today. The Brazilian is pencilled in to face Crewe in a reserve game scheduled at Liverpool’s Academy. Providing the full- back feels comfortable enough to start, he’ll be involved for the first time since snapping his Achilles tendon in the 3-0 win over PSV Eindhoven in last year’s Champions League quarter-final first leg.

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Liverpool have tabled an opening bid for Cagliari midfielder Pasquale Foggia. Gazzetta dello Sport says Liverpool have made an £8 million offer for the ex-AC Milan winger.

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Rafa Benitez has rubbished reports linking Jose Reina with a possible move to Atletico Madrid.

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Shrewsbury Town will retain a flavour of Liverpool for at least another month after midfielder Jimmy Ryan won the battle to extend his stay with the League Two club. Town manager Gary Peters today confirmed a deal had been agreed with the Premiership giants to extend the 19-year-old’s loan for a second month.

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Cagliari have dismissed weekend press reports linking striker Pasquale Foggia with a move to England to join Liverpool.

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Pennant involved in pizza bust-up

Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant was caught up an alleged row at a takeaway pizza shop.

The Sun says Pennant got so hammered in a nightclub he could barely stand up.

Liverpool winger Pennant, 24, was then involved in a bust-up at a pizza takeaway - and ended up falling over.

Witnesses said he tried to ease the situation by waving his hands and slurring "calm down, calm down" before hitting the ground. One of his pals, also believed to be a footballer, was arrested for a public order offence.

The pair had been drinking in a trendy bar in Bournemouth, Dorset, before apparently going to the takeaway.

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Steven Gerrard has told there has been no problem with Rafa Benitez over his decision to play through the pain-barrier for England. He revealed he has been keeping Benitez updated with his fitness.