Liverpool boss Arne Slot says Newcastle have two really dangerous players alongside Alexander Isak
Liverpool and Newcastle United are set to lock horns in the Premier League on Wednesday night.
The Reds will hope to maintain – or even extend – their 11-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.
However, Liverpool will be up against a Newcastle side firmly in the picture for Champions League qualification.
The Magpies boast one of the Premier League’s most dangerous strikers in Alexander Isak.
However, Liverpool manager Arne Slot has stressed that “it’s not only about him” as he named two other Newcastle players he deems to be a threat.
Arne Slot praises Newcastle duo Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy
Slot, speaking to reporters ahead of the game, said Anthony Gordon and Jacob Murphy are also a threat in attack.
He also singled Eddie Howe out for the style of play he has implemented at Newcastle which enables him to get the best out of his attacking players.
“It’s an understatement to say that he’s in fine form,” Slot said of Isak, as per the Liverpool website.
“I think he’s in excellent form. Also over there it’s the team performance that will help us [in] controlling him.
“So the more ball possession we have, the easier it is to control him, although he is definitely a threat on the counter-attack as well.
“We’ve got two very, very, very good centre-backs, and that’s definitely what you need if you face a striker with the quality of Alexander Isak.”
Slot then made it clear that “it’s not only about him”, adding: “I like the style of play that Eddie Howe introduced there.
“They are always a team that has a very good game plan, they are really intense with and without the ball, [a] high-intense tempo in the game.
“So that helps a No. 9 as well because the better your teammates are, the more chances you get.
“He’s not the only offensive threat they have – I think Gordon and the right-winger as well, so they are a big threat. It’s not only about him but he’s definitely having a great season.”
How Newcastle’s front three have fared this season
Liverpool will certainly have to be at their best against Newcastle’s front line on Wednesday night.
Although Isak is in the spotlight for his Golden Boot-chasing goal tally, Gordon and Murphy cannot be discounted as threats, just as Slot has said.
A goal for Gordon at Anfield would see him get into double figures for the season, while Murphy isn’t far off double figures for both goals and assists.
Isak is one of the most talked about strikers in Europe, which has led to interest from a number of top teams including Arsenal and Chelsea.
As TBR Football has confirmed, Newcastle are insistent that they do not want to lose Isak – recognising he is one of the top strikers in the world.
However, despite the fact Isak is contracted to 2028, he is not one of Newcastle’s highest paid players and they realise a new deal is required.
