Liverpool learn their EFL Cup QF opponents and TAA contract talks remain murky
Wednesday night saw Liverpool fight past Brighton Hove & Albion in a topsy-turvy affair to book their place in the last 8 of the 2024 Carabao Cup via a thrilling 3-2 scoreline.
In addition, the Quarterfinal draw was made and the Reds know their opponents for the next round. There are several news headlines swirling around the club as usual, so today we have a few of the biggest for you to catch up.
Let's jump right into the Liverpool news.
Liverpool learn their EFL Cup QF challengers
On a day that both Manchester City and Chelsea made their exits from the competition, the Reds booked a place in the Quarterfinal and should now be considered the strong favorites at this moment.
That notion gained momentum when it was revealed that Liverpool will be making the trip to take on bottom of the table Southampton.
It's a darn near perfect draw, the only negative aspect is it is not taking place at Anfield but that should not be a problem and the Reds will be heavy, heavy favorites.
Tottenham is matched up with Manchester United meaning another viable contender will be eliminated before the semifinals as well. It's shaping up very well for Liverpool right now in the Carabao Cup.
Alexander-Arnold rumors continue churning
It is no secret that Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of three marquee players, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah are the others, that are playing out the final year on their Liverpool contracts.
Depending on who you talk to, he is a lock for Real Madrid or he is never leaving Anfield. The reports are all over the map, but it does seem like his first choice is to stay.
The latest update is that a pre=agreement to depart in January is now on the table as contract talks between the club and player have not fostered much progress towards a new deal.
Football Insider says it's possibility that FSG and Liverpool sell him in the winter window to at least not lose a world class player in his prime for nothing. However, the strong start to life under Arne Slot could be enough to convince him an extension is the best path for his career.
Arne Slot speaks on Cody Gakpo
Following yet another sterling performance that saw Liverpool's Dutch winger net two goals in the victory, the boss was full of praise in his post-match press conference.
He fielded a question on whether or not he views Gakpo as a starter in this team.
""For me, he is a regular starter. He is not starting every game but he has started on a regular basis and he is in a tough competition with Luis Diaz, who, in the moment he went on the left, also scored a goal. So, that’s normal: if you play at a club like Liverpool you have got two quality players for many positions..""
- Arne Slot on Cody Gakpo starting more
While this perspective from the gaffer is true, a club like ours does have a lot of mouths to feed, Gakpo's displays so far this season have typically warranted great praise.
He's been great in the Champions League and of course now the League Cup and he has only enhanced his profile at the club and he is clearly an important piece, regardless of him starting 3 times a week or not.
If he keeps playing like this, he will eventually force Slot's hand and become a full-regular. This would be very similar to the what Ryan Gravenberch has been able to do this season.
At the end of the day, Slot is very happy with what he has seen from Cody so far and as fans, we must be hoping it continues for a long time going forward.