Barcelona legend Xavi is a big fan of a Liverpool midfielder who has struggled at times this season, with Arne Slot needing to see a bit more from him in the center of the pitch

15:39, 26 Apr 2026

Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez.(Image: Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has been picked out for praise by the Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez, amid a season where the Argentine has failed to hit top form.

Mac Allister began the campaign with an injury and hasn't quite gotten up to full speed, though he did get two assists as the Reds beat Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday.

Signed from Brighton in 2023 when his release clause was triggered, Mac Allister is expected to be a major part of Argentina's push to win the World Cup again this summer — and Xavi is a big fan.

READ MORE: Egypt national team chief reveals how long Mohamed Salah will be out forREAD MORE: Liverpool owners FSG brutally fire manager and five coaches at their other underperforming team

"There’s Pedri, there’s Vitinha, Mac Allister," the Spaniard told Romario on his YouTube channel when he was asked who he enjoys watching in the modern game.

"There are three or four footballers who, for me, are the best because they understand collective football.

"They understand that when they pass the ball, they are thinking about the next play. Not just passing for the sake of passing, no, they are understanding the game. Even Frenkie de Jong, who for me is very underrated."

Alexis Mac Allister before Liverpool's Premier League game against Crystal Palace(Image: (Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images))

Mac Allister has played 51 times for Liverpool this season, though talks are not underway with him regarding an extension to his contract.

Dominik Szoboszlai is viewed as the priority to tie down, with Ryan Gravenberch having penned new terms recently. Mac Allister will be 29 by the time his current deal expires.

"The longer the games go on, the more Mac Allister struggles," Reds legend Jamie Carragher said on Sky Sports last month. "I think that’s a real problem for Liverpool that they need to address in midfield.

"Curtis Jones came on (against Spurs) and the game goes end to end. He takes on the Florian Wirtz role and I don’t know why; he’s not that player.

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"There’s too much space when the game opens up and Mac Allister can’t cover it."

Since then, though, Liverpool has won three times in a row in the Premier League. Its position in the Champions League spots looks increasingly secure.

Liverpool finishes the season with matches against Manchester United, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Brentford.

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Liverpool.com says: Mac Allister is a very good player at his best, but this season, he has struggled physically at times. It is for that reason that extending his contract might not be the best outcome, even though he has lots of experience and quality.

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Andy Robertson and Virgil van Dijk posed alongside a Celtic legend after Liverpool's win over Crystal Palace, with Robertson describing him as the "King of kings"

15:18, 26 Apr 2026

Andy Robertson celebrates after scoring for Liverpool against Crystal Palace(Image: AFP or licensors)

Andy Robertson fueled rumors that a return to Celtic could be on the cards this summer after sharing a picture alongside Hoops legend Henrik Larsson.

Robertson will leave Liverpool when his contract expires at the end of the season after nine largely brilliant years with the Reds.

It has been suggested that the Scotland skipper could return north of the border ahead of the 2026-27 season, finally fulfilling his ambition of playing for the team he supported as a boy.

Robertson spent several years in Celtic's academy but was released in 2009, going on to sign for Queen's Park, before spells at Dundee United, Hull City and Liverpool.

READ MORE: Mark Clattenburg disagrees with Liverpool's Arne Slot over Crystal Palace controversyREAD MORE: Alisson reaction to Freddie Woodman save from Anfield touchline sums up Liverpool goalkeeper

Following Liverpool's win over Crystal Palace on Saturday, Robertson took to Instagram to share a picture alongside Virgil van Dijk and former Celtic star Larsson, along with the caption "King of kings" and a green heart emoji.

Former Liverpool player Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain recently spoke of how highly Robertson thinks of his boyhood club, after speaking to the left-back ahead of making the decision to join Celtic himself earlier this year.

Oxlade-Chamberlain was a free agent when he joined Celtic in February, and has since scored two goals in 11 appearances for the Glasgow club.

“Yeah, we were very close with Robbo and his family, his mum and dad," Oxlade-Chamberlain said.

"We were next door neighbours for years, so I knew about Celtic and Glasgow, to be honest, from them for years. Robbo makes it no secret what he thinks about this club.

"And yeah, when I was linked, he was the first one who called me and said, ‘get yourself up there now.’

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"But I’m obviously really close with Robbo and his missus and his kids, and my missus is really close with them also, so we get on really well with them."

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Although a return to Celtic has been heavily mooted, that is not the only club he has been linked with, with Tottenham also said to remain keen on acquiring his services.

Tottenham attempted to sign Robertson during the January transfer window, but the move did not materialize is Liverpool opted to keep hold of the experienced full-back.

Spurs could make another play to sign him in the summer, although their chances of convincing him to move to join would obviously depend on the North London club retaining its status as a Premier League club.

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Alexander Isak has endured a difficult debut season at Liverpool following his move from Newcastle, and Jamie Carragher has raised concerns about whether the record signing can turn things around

14:32, 26 Apr 2026

(Image: Sky Sports Premier League)

Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher has raised doubts over whether Alexander Isak will prove worth his hefty transfer fee at Anfield. The Premier League's most expensive ever acquisition has endured a torrid first season on Merseyside since his move from Newcastle last summer.

The 26 year old Isak scored his fourth goal for the Reds in Saturday's 3-1 home triumph over Crystal Palace. His outing against the Eagles marked his third starting appearance since recovering from the leg fracture he suffered against Tottenham in December.

However, there remains substantial ground to cover before the Swedish forward can be considered to have justified his eye-watering transfer sum. Carragher has expressed significant reservations, noting that in his time at the club, no player who struggled initially went on to succeed at Liverpool.

READ MORE: Alisson reaction to Freddie Woodman save from Anfield touchline sums up Liverpool goalkeeperREAD MORE: Steven Gerrard 'hurt' by Liverpool transfer failure after Arne Slot missed out on two 'bargains'

"[The big-spending summer] hasn't worked," he told the Liverpool Echo. "It might work in the future because I don't think you can judge every signing in the first year.

"But I've said this before; my experience as a Liverpool player, every player who came to the club, I can't remember one who didn't really do much in his first season, and then was a revelation afterwards. Isak hasn't got going. He obviously got the injury, but he didn't look great to start with."

Isak's circumstances are particularly complex, with multiple elements requiring consideration. Arne Slot's side were managing a transitional phase following their Premier League victory last season, and absorbing a wealth of new signings has brought its own challenges.

The striker's leg problem in late 2026 further hampered his opportunities, effectively writing off this season as the team faltered even more in his absence. Given these circumstances, Champions League winner Carragher shared his perspective on the necessary steps for mounting a fresh title bid this summer.

"In terms of what Liverpool need to do next season, well obviously they need to replace [Mohamed] Salah," he added. "I think for me, three players need to come straight into the team."

Alexander Isak of Liverpool(Image: Michael Regan - UEFA, UEFA via Getty Images)

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"You can't go on and buy five players into the team. Liverpool bought a lot of players last summer, so they are not going to buy a load this summer."

The waning performances of Salah and, at times, Virgil van Dijk, alongside Alisson's injury concerns, have occasionally hindered Liverpool's progress. These three figures have been so instrumental to the Reds' recent achievements that it's understandable the squad would struggle when they're either underperforming or sidelined.

Yet it is difficult to blame supporters for feeling that such an excuse only goes so far, given a £446m summer spending spree. And while Isak may be granted some understanding for his underwhelming first season, Liverpool risk presiding over the most humiliating flop signing in Premier League history unless there is a remarkable turnaround next campaign.

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Dave Portnoy has questioned John Henry's intentions with Liverpool after reacting to the fan protest over ticket prices, claiming he is ruining the club for a "couple more bucks"

22:58, 25 Apr 2026

John Henry and FSG have been called out by American businessman Dave Portnoy(Image: 2025 Getty Images)

American businessman and social media personality Dave Portnoy has called for Fenway Sports Group to sell Liverpool after reacting to Saturday's fan protest over ticket prices.

Liverpool beat Crystal Palace 3-1 at Anfield on Saturday to move fourth in the Premier League, but the win was overshadowed by Mohamed Salah's injury. The Liverpool legend felt his hamstring and appeared emotional when leaving the field, with only four games remaining until he departs the club.

However, early in the first half, Liverpool fans conducted a protest in the 13th minute after recent price increases were announced. Liverpool CEO Billy Hogan was inside the stadium at the time, and John Henry's face was printed on cards held up by supporters.

READ MORE: What Liverpool fans sang to Freddie Woodman as Arne Slot gets his wishREAD MORE: Liverpool's last four fixtures compared to Man Utd, Aston Villa and Chelsea

Thousands of fans held up yellow cards distributed around Anfield before kick-off. The cards displayed a photo of principal owner John Henry with his fingers in his ears, with the words, "Caution, Anfield’s soul is at risk."

This same message was shown on a van fitted with electronic screens outside Liverpool's training ground as head coach Arne Slot spoke to reporters on Friday. As fans held the cards up in the 13th minute, some chanted: "Enough is enough, enough is enough."

Several fan groups organized the protest, but other demonstrations are already underway. Spion Kop 1906 continued its boycott of pregame flags and banners on the Kop while You'll Never Walk Alone is sung.

Liverpool fans held up cards in protest during the 13th minute(Image: 2026 Getty Images)

Other fans have stopped purchasing concessions at Anfield, with videos surfacing on social media of some being called out for continuing to buy food and drink. Liverpool fans are known for their loyal support, but have protested over concerns about future affordability while also feeling let down by the owners.

Portnoy saw the protest on X and responded to it by calling out FSG.

"I just don’t get why a billionaire needs to get involved in legacy/historic sports franchises and ruin them and make everybody hate his guts to squeeze out a couple more bucks? Stick with commodity trading. #selltheteam," Portnoy wrote.

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The protest has stemmed from Liverpool announcing that ticket prices will increase by three percent next season. The club has also set a five percent annual cap for the next three years, bringing greater uncertainty over future pricing.

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FSG could increase prices for the next three seasons without any communication with fans, and supporters are desperate not to lose their connection to the club. Matchday revenue accounts for a considerable share of Liverpool's income, but it's approximately 16-17 percent.

Protests are expected to continue until the end of the season or until the club responds to the ongoing action. Liverpool has four games remaining, but only two at Anfield.

Liverpool faces Manchester United at Old Trafford before hosting Chelsea at Anfield. The season wraps up with a trip to Aston Villa before finishing the season at Anfield against Brentford.

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Freddie Woodman produced a superb display in his first Premier League start for Liverpool against Crystal Palace, and the Kop made sure he knew exactly what they thought of himRyan Paton Entertainment and celebrity reporter and James Findlater Content Editor

21:54, 25 Apr 2026

Freddie Woodman celebrates following Liverpool's victory over Crystal Palace(Image: Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

It may have been his maiden Premier League start for Liverpool, but Freddie Woodman displayed not a hint of anxiety.

The 29-year-old began his youth career at Crystal Palace, and club legend and former England manager Gareth Southgate serves as his Godfather. Facing familiar opposition, the goalkeeper shone brightly, drawing on every bit of his near 300 career appearances.

Woodman remained composed throughout a sun-drenched afternoon in L4 and proved instrumental as the Reds stormed into a two-goal advantage before the break. Following the opening goal from Alexander Isak, overly elaborate play at the back from an otherwise impressive Curtis Jones nearly gifted the Eagles an equalizer.

READ MORE: Liverpool player ratings, winners and losers vs Crystal Palace as Jones and Woodman impressREAD MORE: Salah injury, Isak scores, controversial Palace goal - 6 talking points vs Crystal Palace

Yet Woodman kept his nerve, standing firm to deny Jean-Phillipe Mateta's effort. He was equally commanding from the ensuing corner, thwarting a goal-bound header from the French striker, reports the Liverpool Echo.

This intervention proved all the more crucial as it sparked the rapid counter-attack that culminated in Andy Robertson extending Liverpool's advantage.

An already injury-ravaged campaign threatened to worsen in the second half when Woodman went down while keeping out a shot.

Freddie Woodman stayed down as Crystal Palace scored against Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

Anfield erupted in fury when Daniel Munoz, in thoroughly unsportsmanlike fashion, slotted the ball into the unguarded net while the keeper lay stricken, handing Palace a route back into the contest.

The injury threatened to cut short Woodman's impressive afternoon, but Liverpool supporters could breathe a sigh of relief when he signalled that he was fit to carry on.

Woodman recovered and proved vital in holding off a late Eagles fightback as the Reds ultimately ran out 3-1 winners.

In his press conference during the week, Arne Slot urged the Anfield faithful to rally behind the former England Under-21 international in what could have been an intensely pressurized situation.

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The Liverpool head coach will have been delighted as supporters made their feelings about Woodman's display abundantly clear, with the Kop regularly breaking into song in his honor.

Chants of 'England's number one' rang around the ground, along with a cheeky jibe at Jordan Pickford, as fans cleverly reworked the lyrics of a song traditionally directed at the Everton goalkeeper.

The loudest roar of the afternoon came when Woodman made his way over to the Kop at the final whistle, rightfully basking in the acclaim of the supporters after a magnificent performance.

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Liverpool's win over Crystal Palace on Saturday has taken it a step closer to securing Champions League qualification, with four games now remaining for Arne Slot's side

21:12, 25 Apr 2026

Liverpool has moved a step closer to securing Champions League qualification(Image: Getty Images)

The job is almost done for Liverpool, although with four games still to go, the Reds can’t rest on their laurels just yet.

Saturday’s 3-1 win over Crystal Palace, courtesy of goals from Alexander Isak, Andy Robertson and Florian Wirtz, has put Liverpool within six points of wrapping up qualification for next season’s Champions League, and that target may yet come down before its next game.

Arne Slot and his players of course know that a top five finish will be enough for a spot at Europe’s top table, and having moved up to fourth now, their chances of achieving that have risen even more.

READ MORE: Liverpool player ratings, winners and losers vs Crystal Palace as Jones and Woodman impressREAD MORE: Salah injury, Isak scores, controversial Palace goal - 6 talking points vs Crystal Palace

A tricky final month awaits though, and there are still plenty of teams looking to pounce on any slip-up. Here’s a look at how Liverpool’s final four fixtures compare to their rivals for the top five…

Manchester United (3rd - 58pts)

• Brentford (A) - April 27
• Liverpool (H) - May 3
• Sunderland (A) - May 9
• Nottingham Forest (H) - May 17
• Brighton (A) - May 24

United is well and truly in pole position to qualify for the Champions League, given it is yet to play this weekend and has still managed to hold on to third place in the table.

A win over Brentford on Monday will all but do the job for Michael Carrick's side. That would take it out of sight of the Bees and Chelsea, and just two points off being absolutely assured of a top-five finish.

Liverpool (4th - 58pts)

• Manchester United (A) - May 3
• Chelsea (H) - May 9
• Aston Villa (A) - May 17
• Brentford (H) - May 24

The Reds are almost there, and that win over Palace could prove crucial with a tough final month of the season coming up now.

United, Chelsea and Villa in the next three games is certainly a tricky run. As things stand, Liverpool still needs a maximum of six points to qualify for the Champions League, although moving up to fourth affords it a bit more protection now.

Liverpool is just six points away from qualifying for the Champions League

Aston Villa (5th - 58pts)

• Tottenham (H) - May 3
• Burnley (A) - May 10
• Liverpool (H) - May 17
• Man City (A) - May 24

Villa's situation is complicated by the fact that they have a Europa League semi-final against Nottingham Forest to add into the mix, and no doubt Unai Emery will be thinking about that as he weighs up his teams over the next few weeks.

Like Liverpool, the equation is simple - get six points and the job is done. With games against Tottenham and already-relegated Burnley up next, Villa will expect to be secure pretty soon.

Brighton (6th - 50pts)

• Newcastle (A) - May 2
• Wolves (H) - May 9
• Leeds (A) - May 17
• Manchester United (H) - May 24

Brighton leads the chasing pack at the moment, courtesy of its midweek win over Chelsea, and looking at its next three fixtures, there is every reason for the Seagulls to be feeling confident.

Of course, they will have to rely on at least one of the three sides above them dropping at least eight points over their final fixtures, but Fabian Hurzeler's side look well placed for a spot in the Europa League at least.

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Liverpool's home and away strips for the 2025/26 season are the first in their new partnership with adidas.

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Bournemouth (7th - 49pts)

• Crystal Palace (H) - May 3
• Fulham (A) - May 9
• Man City (H) - May 17
• Nottingham Forest (A) - May 24

Bournemouth missed a great opportunity to turn the heat up on the likes of Liverpool and Villa after conceding a stoppage-time equalizer against Leeds in midweek.

That might prove to be a hammer blow to its hopes of a Champions League spot, but it will hope to wrap up some kind of European place.

Chelsea (8th - 48pts)

• Nottingham Forest (H) - May 4
• Liverpool (A) - May 9
• Tottenham (H) - May 17
• Sunderland (A) - May 24

Chelsea looks as though it is out of the running now, and the Blues may just be worrying about getting any sort of European spot.

Liam Rosenior has paid the price for his side's wretched form, and if Chelsea drops any sort of points in their remaining games, then it really will be the end of its Champions League dreams.

Article continues belowBrentford (9th - 48pts)

• Manchester United (A) - April 27
• West Ham (H) - May 2
• Man City (A) - May 9
• Crystal Palace (H) - May 17
• Liverpool (A) - May 24

Although Brentford sits ninth, it actually has the highest possible tally of the sides sitting below the current top five. That is of course down to the fact that it still has to play this weekend.

United could actually do Liverpool a favor by winning Monday's game, and beyond that, trips to the Etihad and Anfield do look quite daunting for Keith Andrews' side.

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