James Pearce joins the Athletic after 14 years working for the Liverpool Echo. The dad-of-two has spent the past decade covering the fortunes of Liverpool FC across the globe to give fans the. 2 days ago FSU Football (Twitter) James Pearce is a 6’5 220 pound weakside defensive end from Charlotte, NC. The Class of 2022 prospect attends Zebulon B. Vance High School.
So, what exactly did these Liverpool fans have to say in reaction to James Pearce’s post on Twitter? “Klopp is the one to blame. This is bottling of the highest order.”. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us.
Journalist James Pearce has provided some clarity on the Liverpool transfer rumours surrounding Martin Odegaard.
What's the latest on Odegaard's future?
During his short spell with Arsenal, Odegaard has impressed for the Gunners and the club are apparently keen on turning his loan move into a permanent deal.
Mikel Arteta has also reportedly requested to the Arsenal hierarchy that they try and sign the Norwegian international this summer.
However, it now appears that Arsenal aren't the only side who are interested in bringing Odegaard to the Premier League.
According to the Daily Star, Liverpool and Chelsea have joined the race to snap up the 22-year-old.
Real Madrid reportedly value Odegaard at £30m but based upon his recent performances and interest from elsewhere, the Gunners fear that this may eventually rise to £50m.
What has James Pearce said?
Pearce was asked whether the club have any interest in Odegaard and The Athletic's Liverpool correspondent gave the following response...
'They did years ago when he went to Real but not aware that still exists,' he said on the website's discussion page.
Odegaard made the headlines in January 2015, when he made the switch from Stromsgodset to Real Madrid at the age of 16.
The Norwegian was arguably the most sought-after teenager on the planet at the time, as he made his international debut at just 15 years and 117 days old.
What has Odegaard's form been like for Arsenal?
Although it took a few weeks for the attacking midfielder to settle in North London, the loan signing has enjoyed a strong run of form recently.
Prior to the international break, Odegaard emerged as the Gunners' creative focal point, filling the void left by the recently departed Mesut Ozil.
During Arsenal's 3-3 thriller against West Ham, the midfielder played a vital role in salvaging a result from a three-goal deficit. Featuring just behind the striker, Odegaard had a 93% pass completion rate and also completed four dribbles, according to WhoScored.
In what has been a difficult time for Arsenal, Odegaard has been a shining light in the side. The Norwegian even won Arsenal's Player of the Month award for March.
Do Liverpool need Odegaard?
Based upon Liverpool's style of play, it wouldn't be a wise move for the Reds to pursue the Madrid man.
During his time with Arsenal, Odegaard has proven how he thrives playing in behind the striker and essentially controlling the game through an offensive central role.
But Liverpool have heavily relied on their wide men to provide their goals and assists. Both Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane are arguably the Reds' greatest goal threats, as the pair have scored a combined 25 goals this season.
Furthermore, Klopp's side also rely on a abundance of crosses from the full-backs as a source of creativity - last season Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson provided over three accurate crosses per match.
Odegaard simply isn't a natural fit for Liverpool's system and both the player and the club would be better off looking elsewhere this summer.
News Now - Sport NewsJournalist James Pearce has shared which Liverpool midfielders he thinks will start against Real Madrid on Tuesday night.
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During Liverpool's most recent Premier League victory over Arsenal, Jurgen Klopp went with Thiago, James Milner and Fabinho in midfield.
However, The Athletic's Liverpool correspondent Pearce believes that only two of these players will retain their spot for the Reds' Champions League clash with Madrid.
What did Pearce say?
In The Athletic's discussion page, Pearce responded to a fan who was surprised to see Thiago play 90 minutes against Arsenal and wondered whether he'd feature on Tuesday night.
'I'd expect the midfield on Tuesday to be Fabinho, Thiago, and Wijnaldum,' the journalist replied.
No room for Milner vs Real Madrid
The reporter believes that Milner won't make the cut against Madrid, as he thinks Klopp will select Dutch midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum instead.
Milner, who takes home £140,000 per week, provided a solid performance during Liverpool's 3-0 victory on Saturday. The Englishman was awarded a WhoScored rating of 7.2, having recorded an 89% pass completion rate and won two aerial duels.
However, the reporter seems to think that this wasn't enough to guarantee Milner a starting spot at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Is Wijnaldum the better choice?
Based upon WhoScored statistics, only Andy Robertson has featured more frequently than the Dutch international in the Premier League for Liverpool this season.
The 30-year-old has started 27 games and provided an element of consistency in the Liverpool starting XI, which broadly speaking has been somewhat of an issue for the club.
Although fitness has never been much of a problem for Milner, Wijnaldum is the younger option with more natural energy and statistically speaking, he offers Liverpool more control of possession.
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On average, he's completed 13 more passes per game than Milner in the Premier League this season. He also averages more shots, key passes and dribbles - although the differences are pretty marginal.
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What is Milner's role in the Liverpool squad?
Ever since his arrival at the club in 2015, Milner has been an excellent servant to Liverpool and has been a key figure in the team.
However, at 35 years old, it certainly seems that Milner now operates as a rotational member of the squad. He's only started 16 games this season.
Klopp may have had one eye on Tuesday's clash with Madrid in the lead-up to the Arsenal game and taken it as an opportunity to provide a well-needed rest for one of Liverpool's regulars.
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