Mason Mount – bullet dodged for Liverpool?
When Mason Mount was linked with Liverpool earlier this year, I think it’s fair to say the reaction among supporters was mixed. Most saw a decent player, but plenty saw his struggles at Chelsea and wondered whether he was a victim of circumstance or whether there was something more to it. My personal opinion was that he would have thrived under a manager like Jurgen Klopp, but I understood why Liverpool felt the asking price was too high.
Looking at Mount’s slow start at Manchester United, and the impact of Dominik Szoboszlai at Liverpool so far, I think it’s safe to say the Reds won’t be regretting their decision not to go all out for the England international.
That said, I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see Mount improve at United under Erik ten Hag. It’s very early days, and he’s a very good player. Just not one that Liverpool need to spend too much time thinking about now. Mac Allister and Szoboszlai will see to that!
Luis Diaz has made a bright start, but Sadio Mane leaves big boots to fill
After so many issues with injuries, it’s good to see Luis Diaz continuing his strong start to the season.
Diaz has been very impressive so far, and crucially looks to be getting into goal-scoring positions more regularly too. He’s always been a good player, but if there was a doubt about him, it was whether he could do what Sadio Mane, and to an even greater extent Mo Salah, have done and become a truly prolific scorer from wide. His record at Anfield, so far, has suggested not, but the signs this season are that he is making better runs, that he is more in tune with his teammates and that, crucially, he has the desire and the hunger to score.
Add that to his other gifts – his beautiful touch, his direct running with the ball, his competitiveness and his strength – and Liverpool have a real asset. Diaz was missed badly last season when injured, and if he can stay fit this time around then the Reds will be in much better shape. He’s made an excellent start, now let’s see if he can build on it.