Danny Murphy

Exclusive interview with Danny Murphy: Liverpool have 10% chance of historic quadruple, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia not good enough for Liverpool’s XI, Real Madrid’s Rodrygo the obvious choice to replace Mohamed Salah, Cole Palmer to Manchester United wouldn’t surprise me
Danny Murphy
Steve Madgwick
Steve Madgwick Editor-In-Chief

Editor-In-Chief with 20 years experience covering the betting angles to breaking news stories. Daily slots player, Portsmouth fan and League Snooker Player

Speaking exclusively to OLBG, Liverpool hero Danny Murphy said that his former side have a 10% chance of winning a historic quadruple in Arne Slot’s first season in charge. 

Murphy has also stated that Khvicha Kvaratskhelia doesn’t have what it takes to start for Liverpool but picked Real Madrid’s Rodrygo the obvious choice to replace Mohamed Salah. 

The former England midfielder has also said that it wouldn’t surprise him to see Chelsea’s Cole Palmer end up at Manchester United

Q: Have Liverpool sent out a message by showing off their strength in depth? 

Danny Murphy emphasizes Liverpool's strength in depth through squad integration and managing upcoming fixtures without major injuries.

DM: “Getting proper game time for players who've been on the periphery is the key at any age, to be integrated into the squad a little bit and feel part of it. 

“I think that's great going forward because they're probably going to need to be used at some point. Liverpool have got an unbelievable amount of fixtures coming up. 

“I don't think it was that great a performance in the FA Cup. But overall they got the job done and there were no big injuries or problems or scares. So all in all a good day for them.”

Q: Have Liverpool got the best depth in the Premier League? 

DM: “I think there's a good argument that Liverpool are as strong as anybody else in terms of depth. There's one or two areas maybe that they'd probably like to improve but generally when you look around the team and you see high quality. 

“You’ve got six options for three attacking roles, but could maybe argue that they could have a bit more depth at the back. What they do have though is two amazing goalkeepers. 

“Overall, they have as good a squad as anybody.” 

Danny Murphy believes Liverpool's depth rivals the best; fans dream of a quadruple, but prioritize winning the Premier League.

Q: Should Liverpool fans dream of the quadruple? 

DM: “Liverpool fans can be dreaming of doing a quadruple, that’s the optimism you have when supporting a club like Liverpool, you want to win it all. 

“The fact Manchester United and Manchester City have done that treble in recent decades, that would be something a lot of Liverpool fans would love to emulate so they don't have that over you. 

“But let's be realistic, we've gone from talking in pre-season about if Liverpool can compete with a new manager trying to fill the shoes of Jurgen Klopp, to a position no one really thought they would be in.

“But I still stand by the fact that there will be a difficult run for Arne Slot. There will be a little drop and even in the last week the United performance and the Tottenham performance, weren't really at Liverpool's normal level. 

Arne SlotArne Slot

“When you win the treble, everything needs to go your way. Every little bit of luck, every decision has to go your way for that to happen. If you were to ask most Liverpool fans, I think if you gave them an option of either the Premier League or the Champions League, they would bite your hand off. 

“Even though we are in a position to win all competitions, the majority of fans would sacrifice all of it for a Premier League title in front of the fans, rather than the one they had previously, which couldn't be celebrated with the supporters.”

Q: How important is Diogo Jota’s return? 

Danny Murphy highlights Diogo Jota's return as vital for Liverpool's attack, providing crucial variation and healthy competition.

DM: “Having variation in the forward line has been key to winning the Premier League in recent years and Diogo Jota gives that to Liverpool. 

“Manchester City won it with Sergio Aguero, with a false nine and then with Erling Haaland, so the variation Liverpool have is crucial in terms of being able to put substitutes on who can do different things and win games. 

“Diogo Jota is such an intelligent footballer and can play a whole across the front line, left, right, central. And I always believe that the more competition you've got of high level quality, it's gonna produce a better performance from the players who are there. 

“Probably Salah is the only one who knows he's always going to play. But the rest of them are finding it out for each game. So it's really healthy and Jota’s goal scoring ratio is just phenomenal. So to have him back fit is a blessing for the squad.”

Q: What is your prediction for Nottingham Forest vs Liverpool? 

Liverpool will bounce back against Nottingham Forest, expecting a 2-0 victory with improved performance.

DM: “Nottingham Forest is a great opportunity for Liverpool to bounce back from a couple of average performances before their FA Cup victory. They can also cement the place at the top of the table. 

“It’s actually a good thing that those games haven't gone so well, because it gives everybody a little kick off the backside, it gives everybody a little reminder that it's not always easy. 

“I don't think Liverpool will make the same mistake twice against Forest. I think there'll be a real bounce back from the last couple of performances and also a little bit of extra zip in their play because they'll give Forest that respect. 

“I think it'll be tight because Forest are so well organised and so good, especially at home. I don't see a scenario where Forest get opened up time and time again but I just think Liverpool's quality in the final third will get the job done. I’ll say 2-0.”

Q: Have we seen the best and worst of Trent Alexander-Arnold this season? 

Danny Murphy sees Trent Alexander-Arnold's season as a mix of high-level play and surprising struggles, particularly against Manchester United.

DM: “I personally think the levels Trent Alexander-Arnold has played at this season have been really high. I've seen a real improvement in his defensive game, which all came to a halt in that Manchester United game. 

“He got exposed. He didn't look sharp. He didn't look like his normal self. I think in a lot of his defensive displays this season he's looked good in one-on-ones, he's looked quicker and shown better positional play. I think Arne Slot has worked on him and helped him. 

Trent Alexander-ArnoldTrent Alexander-Arnold

“I was surprised at that performance, but when you actually think about what went on the week before and the amount of talk about Real Madrid, the amount of things being speculated and you're only human, it looks like he’s been affected by it a little bit. 

“Whether he hadn't slept probably, whether he was feeling a little bit confused about everything all these questions we don't know. 

“I was surprised by that performance because he really, really struggled. Probably the only surprise in it was that Slot didn't take him off earlier because he was well below his level. 

“But overall, I think his performances have been good. I actually thought when he came on at Tottenham, he looked back sharp and moved the ball quickly. He nearly scored with that wonder strike and he got the goal at the weekend, which will do him good.”

Q: What do you make of Liverpool fan reaction to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s links away? 

DM: “I think normally players not discussing their business or coming out vocally is the best way. I think that always helps everybody stop speculating over tiny details. 

“If players start talking too much, then you just start extrapolating little things from whatever they say and reading into it. If you can get your business done quietly and calmly, that’s great as a rule and Trent Alexander-Arnold has done that many times previously. 

“I think now because of the amount of speculation and so much going on, I actually think it would be a good time for him to say one way or the other because even if he was to say, I'm going to leave in the summer and I'm going to go to Real Madrid, I think the majority of Liverpool fans would understand and support him for the rest of the season and get right behind him. 

“I don't see it as being a big negative for him and in some ways I think it would be a huge relief for him. The only caveat to that is of course if he's actually not sure what he wants to do, which would explain why he hasn’t committed one way or the other. 

“You can imagine the reception he would get at Anfield if he signed the contract.” 

Q: How did Liverpool fans feel about Michael Owen leaving the club, is Trent Alexander-Arnold’s situation the same?

Danny Murphy highlights Liverpool fans' mixed reactions to player departures, noting Trent Alexander-Arnold's situation differs from Michael Owen's.

DM: “When Michael Owen left, I think the fans were disappointed. I think they always are when one of their best players leaves for Real Madrid because they always think there's no club greater than Liverpool and that the players should think the same as them. 

“I found out the same day. Me and Michael were both at the training ground and then the next day went to talk to different clubs. Obviously mine wasn't Real Madrid, but it was a strange day. I think the disappointing thing for Liverpool fans was more, not that Michael left for Madrid, it was that he ended up at Manchester United. That changed the dynamic. 

“I don't really think it's fair to compare with Trent in some ways because Trent has won everything at Liverpool, Michael hadn't. 

Micheal OwenOwen has fewer bragging rights that Arnold

“There is a difference when you've had every success you could have at a football club. then from a fan's point of view, it’s easier to understand that wants a different challenge. If you haven't won everything and you leave, that’s when negativity comes in. 

“With Trent, I think the majority of fans will understand if he goes. Not all, but the majority.”

Q: Is Trent Alexander-Arnold’s situation the same as Mohamed Salah’s? 

DM: “When Mohamed Salah leaves, he won’t be living in the area and will never have to face it, Trent's family, friends and life is the city. He grew up there and he's a local boy. So the rest of his life is relevant in his decisions now – that's a huge difference. 

“Steven Gerrard on a couple of occasions and nearly went to Chelsea, he would have upset so many fans and he didn't want to leave his team in the end. He felt the connection with the fans and the city. 

“That's why it's more difficult for Trent. It's much more difficult. Also, the obvious thing is the stage in their career. Salah making a choice at nearly 33, but Trent is 26.” 

Q: Is Khvicha Kvaratskhelia the man to fill the void left by Mohamed Salah? 

DM: “I’m not convinced by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, I don’t think it’s a get him at all costs situation for Liverpool. I think Luis Diaz is a better player than Kvaratskhelia as well as Mohamed Salah. 

“If he came to Liverpool he would be sitting on the bench as a squad player, he is a talent but his numbers aren’t amazing and there are plenty of players like that around. 

“It would depend on value and how much he might cost, but Liverpool have six forwards and you’re not going to spend a huge amount of money on a player that won’t get into the starting XI.” 

Danny Murphy doubts Khvicha Kvaratskhelia would replace Salah, while Anthony Gordon might join Liverpool in the future.

Q: Is Anthony Gordon the man to fill the void left by Mohamed Salah?

DM: “It’s been reported that Anthony Gordon is a Liverpool fan so I wouldn’t be surprised to see him at the club a few years down the line. 

“Having said that, he will cost in the region of £80million I imagine and Newcastle will want to protect their assets and he is one of them. 

“He has said how much he loves the club and I don’t think it’s possible at the moment, but could happen in the future.”

Mo SalahSalah Will be Missed

Q: Which players in the Premier League would best fill the void left by Mohamed Salah? 

DM: “It will take more than one player to replace the void left by Mohamed Salah and for me there are two obvious ones, Antoine Semenyo and Jarrod Bowen. 

“Semenyo I like as a player but might not quite be ready yet, he still needs time to grow, whereas Bowen is tried and tested and is nearly always West Ham’s best player when he is fit. 

“He is a super talent but his age profile might be pushing it for Liverpool. If Liverpool could bring in both Bowen and Tyler Dibling from Southampton, I think that would be brilliant. 

“A young, super-talent, full of confidence, plays on that right side, comes in on his left foot, beats people. I think that those two could help Liverpool if Salah leaves. If he left tomorrow and Liverpool got Bowen and Dibling, that would be brilliant.” 

Q: Which players in Europe would best fill the void left by Mohamed Salah? 

DM: “If Liverpool wanted one player to replace Mohamed Salah, the obvious choice for me would be Rodrygo from Real Madrid. I think he's a wonderful talent. 

“I don't know what his contract situation is in Madrid, but I think of him because we’ve seeing him play at the highest level and winning Champions Leagues in the last couple of years. 

“His numbers aren't like Salah's but he's a match winner. He can beat people, he's quick, he's playing in an environment where he's playing under huge pressure every week and dealing with it. 

“Additionally they've got so many talented players at Real Madrid that maybe there is room for one of them to leave. So that would be the obvious standout for me.”

Q: Who could replace Virgil van Dijk as Liverpool captain? 

Virgil van DijkVirgil van Dijk

DM: “So much of a captain's role is about what you're doing off the pitch including what support you can give your team-mates, as well as what type of leader you are. 

“I actually think that Alexis Mac Allister could be the next Liverpool captain.

So, I don't know, maybe I'd probably be looking at someone more like Mac Allister who is starting to really influence games and be a leader. 

“Liverpool need someone in the middle of the pitch but not in the infancy of their careers like Curtis Jones or Ibrahima Konate. I don’t think that being a captain would trouble Mac Allister, it could even take him on a level. 

“But at the moment Liverpool still have Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah, so it’s not a decision that needs to be made yet.” 

Q: Was Robbie Fowler too harsh on Darwin Nunez? 

Robbie Fowler in his playing daysRobbie Fowler in his playing days - Image: shutterstock

DM: “I can see where Robbie Fowler was coming from. You can't wait forever when you're at Liverpool. It's a year to 18 months to settle in, understand the surroundings, the players around you, settle down with your family and then there's a time you have to become that player. 

“At the moment he's struggling to show that. I like him, he's got some wonderful qualities. But ultimately what Robbie's saying is, to be the main man up top for Liverpool, you've got to do better, and I agree with him. 

“I think he's got to do better, he's got to score more goals. Irrelevant of the work rate, irrelevant of the things he does for the team and the other players, because when Mohamed Salah does eventually go, someone else has got to step up and be more consistent with their numbers and it's normally the striker.” 

Danny Murphy acknowledges Robbie Fowler's view on Darwin Nunez needing improvement, noting Liverpool's potential value loss but emphasizing Nunez's opportunity to impact the season.

Q: Have Liverpool lost value on Darwin Nunez? 

DM: “I think Liverpool have already lost value on Darwin Nunez, it would be unrealistic to think that the club would get that money back. 

Darwin NunezDarwin Nunez

“But a lot of players don't hit the heights you want them to at the big clubs because it's so difficult. You never quite know how somebody's going to adapt to the pressure and reach the level you've got to be at to succeed. 

“All the big clubs you can talk of have made mistakes and moved players on, but I’d be surprised to see him go in January. He still offers a real physical threat with pace and It's something Liverpool don't have in attacking areas. 

‘“So I think if he were to leave, it's more likely to be in the summer when you're more likely to get more money for him. 

“However, there's a chance that Darwin Nunez could be part of a Premier League and Champions League winning team and score goals in the semi-final or final of the Champions League or the goal that wins Liverpool the title.

‘Divock Origi didn't ever have a sustained run in the team, but people love him and remember him forever. So I think Nunes will stay till the end of the season and I think there's still an opportunity for him to have an impact. 

“Let's not write him off just yet. He's got some really good qualities. I do agree with Robbie in that he needs to step up now or never. But he's still got a good half a season to be a really impactful player in this title run.”

Q: Is Antoine Semenyo ready for a move to a club like Liverpool? 

DM: “You never know with a player who's coming from a smaller club how they're going to adapt to the situation. He's got wonderful athleticism. He's nice and brave with the ball. He tries to make impact games and score goals and get shots off. He's a little bit unreliable with his possession at times and his touch. 

“He would have to be one of two if you're going to replace Mohamed Salah, if Salah was to leave. I don't think he is at the level yet to come in and be tried and trusted on that right side to be part of a team that wants to win the league and Champions League. 

“I think he could be a good squad player and a player who gives you something different, but I don't think he's there yet where he could step into Liverpool's starting XI.” 

Danny Murphy believes Antoine Semenyo isn't yet ready to replace Salah at Liverpool, while Ben Doak's potential sale is seen as part of broader player development.

Q: Would selling Ben Doak be a mistake by Liverpool? 

DM: “I think it's a difficult one for anyone who plays in the wide areas when you're competing with people like Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz. Every player is on a different journey and I like to see young players wanting to play and go and learn. 

“It seems like he's enjoying himself playing first team football and he's caused this situation where teams are looking at him now because he's played well. 

“I understand why some people think that Liverpool really shouldn't be getting rid of our own players we bring from the academy. But ultimately, if you're creating footballers that then go on to have a good career, that's kind of like the academy's role. 

“Liverpool will be watching his every game. They'll know the levels he's at. You have to trust the recruitment team. Liverpool's recruitment generally has been very good for a long time. 

“For a young player who probably wouldn’t see much game time, maybe it’s time to go and express yourself somewhere else and show the world how good you are.”

Q: Is Leroy Sane a player that Liverpool should be looking at? 

DM: “Leroy Sane has got tremendous ability and would he bring that to Liverpool, Absolutely especially on a free.

“He can play on both the left and the right and he’s an international standard of player. He's played at big clubs most of his career. That's exactly the type of player I'm talking about, exactly the type of player that Liverpool need. 

“Okay, he's not everybody's cup of tea because his numbers haven't been great and he can be brilliant one minute and a little bit erratic the next. But ultimately he has all the tools to succeed and he's shown his levels before. 

“He is someone I think would be the level of player Liverpool should be looking for.” Q: Who should Liverpool look at as Andy Robertson’s long-term successor? 

DM: “In terms of a potential replacement for Andy Robertson, the ideal option would be Alphonso Davies because he's one of the best in the world. 

“His future is still yet to be sorted out so that's going to be interesting but that's probably the one obvious candidate Liverpool should be going for.” 

Danny Murphy sees Leroy Sane as a suitable addition for Liverpool, identifies Alphonso Davies as Robertson's ideal successor, and supports Marc Guehi for Van Dijk's long-term replacement.

Q: Could Marc Guehi be Virgil van Dijk’s long-term successor? 

DM: “Could Marc Guehi be Virgil van Dijk’s long-term successor? Absolutely. 

“I think the only thing Liverpool's recruitment might be wondering about is that the fee would be overinflated because he's a Premier League player. 

“I'd expect them probably to go further afield knowing the way they work but in terms of watching football and seeing him play, he is a terrific footballer. 

“He is a good athlete and is in a great place in his career. He looks really comfortable with himself and has become the main man for England in his position. 

“The one little small thing would be his physical size, I know he's not small, but Van Dijk's a mountain of a man. 

“Guehi is not as big, not as powerful, but he is quick. I think if Marc Guehi was to sign for Liverpool, there'd be very few fans disappointed in that signing.”

Q: Who should be starting in goal for Liverpool next season? 

Danny Murphy predicts Giorgi Mamardashvili will join Liverpool as backup to Alisson, with Caoimhin Kelleher potentially moving to Chelsea or Newcastle.

DM: “I think next season at Liverpool we will have Alisson starting and Giorgi Mamardashvili on the bench with Caoimhin Kelleher leaving. 

“My understanding is that Kelleher will leave and there won't be short of takers, he is an outstanding goalkeeper and deserves the chance to go and be a number one. 

“I think he will get a really good move and Alisson will have a season in front of Mamardashvili to help him learn and get settled.

“Where could Kelleher go? Well, I think Chelsea's an obvious one, although I think Robert Sanchez is improving hugely. I think he gets some unfair criticism for a few mistakes here in the season. I think he's actually a really good goalkeeper. 

“He just gets a bit nervous at times with the ball at his feet. But Chelsea's an obvious one and I think probably Newcastle, f they’re thinking of evolving as a club and becoming more competitive. 

“Nick Pope has been a great keeper over the years but having more injuries at the minute and he’s not the best with his feet. He'll admit that himself. 

“I think for Kelleher, Newcastle or Chelsea are two wonderful options for him.”

Q: Who poses the biggest challenge to Liverpool in the Champions League? 

Danny Murphy sees Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Manchester City as major threats to Liverpool in the Champions League, but highlights Anfield's advantage.

DM: “It’s hard to tell at this stage of the Champions League who might be the biggest threat to Liverpool, teams always lose their form and fall off whether that be due to injuries or something else. 

“It’s hard to argue against Real Madrid and their quality and experience, Manchester City will improve but maybe not at the level to win it. 

“Bayern Munich are a good shout having had a good start to the season, Barcelona are playing good stuff and have dispatched of their rivals recently. 

“But Liverpool have got a wonderful chance. I think they got a really good chance. Liverpool have got this wonderful tool in the Champions League – Anfield. We've seen over the years the best in the world go there and crumble. 

“I think before the season, I was asked the question and I thought Liverpool had a better chance to win in the Champions League than the league because of that ability to play one-off games and just do wonderful things with that crowd behind them. 

“Liverpool have got a chance, but if they were to play Real Madrid or Bayern it's very hard to say one would always go through.”

Q: What percentage chance would you give Liverpool of doing the quadruple? 

DM: “Liverpool are one game away from a final in the League Cup, into the next round of the FA Cup, are in a wonderful position in the Premier League and through in the Champions League. 

“Having said that, I would settle at a 10% chance of the quadruple. You need everything to go your way when it comes to cup competitions. 

“One game that springs to mind is Manchester United when they won the Treble, having a man sent off in the FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal who then miss a penalty and Ryan Giggs scores at the other end.

“One of the best goals you’ll see in a game they never should’ve won. I’d give Liverpool a 10% chance.” 

Q: Are Southampton fighting to not be the worst team in Premier League history? 

Danny Murphy believes Southampton won't avoid relegation but expects them to fight for pride and have occasional strong performances.

DM: “Southampton players will be well aware of the record and will want to play for some pride and get away from that. They want memorable days for the fans and to pick up a few wins, but they have been awful and they're not going to stay up, absolutely no chance. 

“But I think we'll see a reaction. They’ve faced a lot of criticism recently. I was really critical of them against Brentford. I thought that was an embarrassing performance. 

“But they're going to have to show some fight. When you've got your supporters in the ground coming to watch you and you're bottom of the league, you've got to try and give them something and I still think they'll have an odd good day because they've got some good players.” 

Q: Is Ange Postecoglou doing a good job at Tottenham? 

Danny Murphy acknowledges Ange Postecoglou's positive impact at Tottenham, citing excitement and performances, but highlights issues with game management and injuries.

DM: “I think it's a hard one with Tottenham because there's been some really good highs and some really good performances and that's because of what Ange Postecoglou does. But I'm a big believer in being able to manage games as a coach and as players and they don't do that well at all. 

“I think that ends up being his responsibility. I've never seen a team consistently try and do the same thing continually in a game like that, in a 90 minute game. There has to be moments in the game where you protect or you slow things down, or you retreat, especially this season because of the injuries. 

Ange PostecoglouPostecoglou

“The other thing is the injuries really when you think of the muscular injuries they continually cover big distances when as players, especially the centre backs and have then been rushed back into games afterwards. 

“I don't think you can blame Ange for that, the people in the medical team and sports science department have to take some responsibility there. 

“I do feel that Ange has brought lots of good things to the Premier League and to Tottenham. I think there's been a real excitement, an energy and an excitement about Tottenham when you watch them generally. Especially if you're not a Tottenham fan, it's great because you know you're going to see goals, you know you're going to see entertainment. 

“But I do understand some of the fans' frustration more recently when you're going through a bad spell and you've got real injury problems. 

“I don't think Ange has helped himself with the supporters by being adamant on being really single-minded on carrying on the same way. I think he could have helped himself a little bit more.

“But they've got some great young players and there's a lot to like about them. There's this quench for a trophy for the Tottenham fans and let's see where they are at the end of the season. I think it would be a shame to see Ange go. 

“But if they struggle and keep struggling and ultimately if they fall away, if they don't win anything then questions are going to be asked.”

Q: Will Liverpool be looking over their shoulders if Arsenal sign a world class striker? 

DM: “Liverpool will be looking over their shoulders after the January transfer window, if Arsenal go and sign a top centre forward, anyone with stature. 

“That’s because they dominate teams, they make chances, they're good defensively and they're capable of going on a big run. 

“I think if they bring in a top quality striker, I think they can really have a good second half of the season and push Liverpool all the way.” 

Q: Could Cole Palmer one day end up at Manchester United? 

DM: “Talking about myself, my dream was to play for Liverpool because I support them and if Cole Palmer was a big Manchester United fan growing up, part of him will always want to play for them, I think that's completely normal. 

“I wouldn't say that's something that is unrealistic somewhere down the line. Maybe he's not as big a fan as people say he was. Maybe Chelsea becomes his new love, his new passion because when you're a footballer, you do love the team you're at. You do give everything. 

“However, it wouldn't surprise me somewhere down the line if we see Palmer at Chelsea, but you could argue Chelsea are going to be sooner competing for titles than United do.” 

Q: Does Kobbie Mainoo looking away for Man Utd show how far they have fallen? 

Danny Murphy suggests Kobbie Mainoo considering options reflects Manchester United's current status shift, though he's likely to stay due to his talent.

DM: “Does Kobbie Mainoo exploring options away from Manchester United show how far the club has fallen? A little bit yes. 

“United were one of the most successful clubs in Europe, winning trophies every season, then they're kind of everybody's desirable destination. So they didn't need to be worrying about getting players signed up on contracts. Everybody wanted to be there. 

“They were in control, whereas now it's changed a bit. I think this particular scenario with Mainoo is just a little bit of to and fro. I'd be amazed if they were to let him go with the talent he's got. 

“Don't get me wrong. I don't think any big club should be dictated to by an agent of a 19-year-old. I think if they are too greedy and too stupid with what they're asking after five minutes of fame, then let them go.

“There's other great players out there who want to play for Manchester United, but I don't think that's what this is. Paper talk is always there, but I think they'll get Mainoo tied down. 

“I think he's a super talent and not a player they're going to want to be leaving. Not anytime soon.”

Q: What would make up your perfect footballer? 

DM: “The left foot of my perfect footballer would be Patrick Berger. Best left foot I ever saw. Right foot Stephen Gerrard. Passing Kevin De Bruyne. Finishing Robbie Fowler. Dribbling John Barnes. Football IQ, the greatest, Lionel Messi. Heading Tim Cahill. Defending would be Virgil van Dijk. Speed, Gareth Bale. Physicality, Didier Drogba.” 

Q: Five-a-side team-mates? 

“My five-a-side team of the players I played with, Mark Schwarzer, the best goalkeeper I've ever played with, incredible. 

“Defender, I'm gonna go Ledley King. Two footed, skillful, calm, quick, perfect to have at the back in a five-a-side team. 

“Two midfielders, really easy. Steven Gerrard, best midfielder the Premier League's ever seen. Alongside Moussa Dembele. Skillful, strong, quick, nobody's getting past him, can't get the ball off him, perfect for five-a-side. 

“Up front is a difficult one because I've played with Michael Owen, Robbie Fowler, two of the best. 

But actually in five-a-side, I'm going to go for Robbie Keane. Robbie Keane’s skill is off the charts. I think he'd be amazing. He's an amazing footballer anyway, but I’m sure brilliant at five-a-side.”

Q: Final Premier League table? 

Danny Murphy predicts Liverpool will win the Premier League, followed by Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester City in the top four.

DM: “I think the Premier League top four will be Liverpool 1, Arsenal 2, Chelsea 3, Man City 4. 

“I think Liverpool will finish first because they're in a wonderful position. They've got really strong depth. I think they'll prioritise the Premier League as well because the fans want it so much. 

“I think we've already seen with Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City the inconsistency. Arsenal struggling for goals, Chelsea concede too many. City have lost some of their best players. 

“So I think Liverpool first. Arsenal are the next best for me in terms of all-round and I think they'll sign somebody so they'll finish second. Chelsea with their flair, their youth and their

energy third and I think City will hang on to fourth just about because they've got such experience.”

Q: Mount Rushmore of Premier League atmosphere? 

Danny Murphy's Premier League atmosphere top four includes Anfield, Goodison Park, Elland Road, and St. James' Park for their electric and passionate environments.

DM: “Number one will always be Anfield. So many amazing memories. European nights, Cup nights, Premier League games, beating the best teams. There was nothing like it for me because I've had it as a kid and a player. 

“It's just the most wonderful place. You’ll Never Walk Alone blaring out at Anfield on a European night is the greatest scene you will ever feel in football. Ever see. 

Anfield, home of Liverpool FCAnfield Stadium - Image: Yurificacion/via Wikimedia Commons

“Number two - I always found Goodison Park to be electric. Now I know I played in Merseyside Derbies, but even when I've been there with other teams, they're so passionate. It's such an electric place to play. It's always buzzing. There's always an anger or a frustration with the fans, either with us or with their own team. I always find it a really intimidating place to play. 

“I think the third, I would go for Elland Road. I played there a lot in my time at Liverpool and that was always raucous. It was always an amazing occasion. Fans were passionate, non-stop. 

“Number four, I would go for Newcastle. Because when that place is rocking and the Geordies are at it, it's a really difficult place to play and they are a very vocal bunch of friends. Brilliant, brilliant supporters. Really brilliant. They'd be in my top four.”

Q: Toughest ever opponent? 

DM: “I was very fortunate to come up against so many wonderful players and playing in different positions, you come up against different types of opponent. 

“But I suppose the shining light over the years playing against him many times, who I always felt I couldn't really get near him or work him out, was Scholes. 

“You couldn't really sit off him too much because he could dictate the game and every time you tried to get near him and be aggressive with him, he always saw you coming and he always played round corners and he was so bright and so intelligent. 

“He's loved by many because of his intelligence and his wonderful array of talent. But when you're actually on the pitch against him, you only then realise how difficult he is to play against. 

“So I'd probably go, I'd probably go Scholes from a personal point of view, the days where I've walked off a pitch thinking, I didn't really enjoy that. He'd be the one.” 


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