Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp has discussed Liverpool's reaction to the recent coronavirus outbreaks in parts of Europe.

Serie A authorities announced that five of this weekend's Italian top-flight games will be played behind closed doors, while rugby union's Six Nations has also seen Italy's game against Ireland in Dublin postponed.

Klopp said at a pre-match press conference ahead of his team's game against Watford on Saturday that his side "take it seriously" but haven't looked to change much regarding their preparations, per the Liverpool Echo's Paul Gorst:

Klopp: “We cannot do anything different, we take it seriously but we haven’t told anyone not to shake hands. We cannot do more than we are here. We haven’t been told we cannot play so we will. We take it serious but we don’t go crazy with it.”

— Paul Gorst (@ptgorst) February 28, 2020

The runaway leaders can set a new Premier League record of 19 consecutive wins if they beat Watford at Vicarage Road.

Liverpool lost for just the third time this campaign in their last away fixture, when they fell 1-0 to Atletico Madrid in the opening leg of their UEFA Champions League last-16 encounter. 

Jordan Henderson was injured late at the Wanda Metropolitano and missed Monday's dramatic 3-2 comeback win over West Ham United.

Saturday's game will come too soon for the Reds captain, but Klopp appeared to suggest Henderson could feature in Tuesday's FA Cup fifth-round clash at Chelsea, per Ian Doyle of the Liverpool Echo:

Klopp: All are coming closer. Hendo is running, Millie is running even more. Not enough for this game, but we will see especially Millie what we can do for Tuesday. Hendo and Shaq not yet. All coming close.

— Ian Doyle (@IanDoyleSport) February 28, 2020

James Milner will also provide added cover when he returns to full fitness, having played just six minutes across the team's past seven league fixtures after suffering a hamstring injury in early January.

The Merseysiders have already made history this season, but Klopp said his side won't focus on their chance to become the first to record 19 Premier League victories in a row:

https://twitter.com/AnfieldWatch/status/1233357419281100802

The manager praised his players' mentality and refusal to give up in adversity, saying his side have to be "100 percent ready" and have "no fear" despite the pressure upon them:

Klopp: We have to be 100% ready for these fights. That's what I love about my boys, when it's not clicking they don't lose desire, it is other way. It will be tough and very physical - they'll show home much it means for them, we have to make sure we show what it means for us.

— Ian Doyle (@IanDoyleSport) February 28, 2020

Klopp: We have no fear of anything. But we don't take anything for granted. It will be tough at Watford, I won't say we are going to win 6-0 because that's not going to happen.

— Ian Doyle (@IanDoyleSport) February 28, 2020

Liverpool have proved equal to almost any challenge put in front of them this season, becoming just the second English team to win the FIFA Club World Cup and are on track to amass a record Premier League points haul.

Klopp also discussed his midfield options after Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain appeared to noticeably improve the team after he replaced Naby Keita in the second half against West Ham. Klopp acknowledged Keita "can play better" but insisted his two playmakers aren't in competition with one another:

Klopp on Keita/Ox: “they don’t compete with each other, Naby can play better but it doesn’t say anything about it. We need different players for situations and they are all exceptional. It wasn’t flexible enough. Too high on the wings. Main problem was second balls and set pieces

— Paul Gorst (@ptgorst) February 28, 2020

Liverpool have been largely dominant regardless of who has featured this season, and they will expect to continue that against the 19th-placed Hornets.

Mohamed Elneny has urged Egypt team-mate Mohamed Salah to remain at Liverpool amid speculation linking him with Real Madrid.

Per Goal's Chris Burton, Real are reportedly interested in the forward, but Elneny—who's on loan at Besiktas from Arsenal—told beIN Sports that Salah should stay at Anfield, where he enjoys "superstar" status:

"You see Eden Hazard is struggling at Real after he moved from Chelsea.

"Of course, Real Madrid is bigger than Liverpool, Barcelona is bigger than Liverpool.

"But he's very settled at his current club, and this Liverpool team is up there with the best.

"I don't know what he thinks inside, but I would definitely stay at Liverpool."

Liverpool signed Salah from Roma in 2017. He has been a sensational addition to Jurgen Klopp's side, having returned 90 goals and 37 assists in 140 matches for the Reds.

He netted his 19th of the season on Monday as he helped Liverpool come from behind to beat West Ham United 3-2:

In doing so, he hit a notable milestone, per football writer Andrew Beasley:

Mohamed Salah has now equalled Luis Suarez’ Premier League goal tally for Liverpool.

Only Fowler, Gerrard and Owen are ahead of him now.

— Andrew Beasley (@BassTunedToRed) February 24, 2020

Since arriving at Anfield, Salah has helped Liverpool reach back-to-back UEFA Champions League finals, winning the second, and they're on course to win the Premier League title this season having established a 22-point lead.

Such success will give the 27-year-old plenty of reason to stay at the club, but it's no surprise other elite sides will be keeping an eye on him given the key role he has played in it.

What's more, Real are in need of goals following Cristiano Ronaldo's 2018 departure to Juventus:

Barca have scored 42 more goals than Madrid in LaLiga since Ronaldo left. And he's scored exactly 42 in Serie A over same time - via @2010MisterChip

— Dermot Corrigan (@dermotmcorrigan) February 22, 2020

The club recruited Hazard and Luka Jovic last summer for a combined total of £144 million in initial fees alone, but neither has been a success for Los Blancos so far.

The former has twice suffered a fractured ankle so he's likely to end his debut campaign having made just 15 appearances and scored once.

As for Jovic, he has started just eight of his 24 Madrid appearances and found the net only twice.  

Liverpool star Sadio Mane has dismissed the notion the Reds have enjoyed a comfortable time in this season's Premier League title race, which he said "has not been easy."

The Reds are 22 points clear of Manchester City in England's top flight, leaving them on the verge of their first title since 1990.

Mane told BBC World Service:

"Easy? Oh, I wish. We know the Premier League is the best league in the world, and every single game you have to give 100 per cent if you want to win.

"It's what we always try, and I think it's working very well, but we have to keep working hard to get what we want.

"Our target from the beginning was to win the league, so if we win it, it will be great for the club and for the fans."

Jurgen Klopp will almost certainly oversee the end to the Reds' 30-year wait for their 19th league title, and he  guided them to their sixth European Cup/UEFA Champions League last season.

Given his accomplishments, Mane expects the coach to receive a statue at Anfield: "For sure, I think there will be one because he is a great manager and he is doing very well for the club and the players."

It may not have been easy for Liverpool this season, but they have made it look straightforward. They are unbeaten in the league, having picked up 26 wins from 27 matches.

On Monday, they came from behind to beat West Ham United 3-2:

12’—Liverpool 1-1 West Ham
45’—Liverpool 1-2 West Ham
68’—Liverpool 2-2 West Ham
81’—Liverpool 3-2 West Ham

Liverpool are inevitable ✊ pic.twitter.com/iZh55z55WN

— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 24, 2020

Mane notched the winner from close range late on with his 17th goal of the season:

In securing the victory, Liverpool equalled a record:

Liverpool equal Manchester City's Premier League record of 18 straight wins 🔴 pic.twitter.com/yPWoO3QV0M

— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 24, 2020

They also moved on to 79 points, which Opta's Duncan Alexander put into impressive context at this stage of the campaign:

500 out of 546 teams in PL history have ended the season with fewer points than Liverpool have after 27 games, **now includes** Arsenal's pasta-fuelled title-winning team in 1997-98 🍝

— Duncan Alexander (@oilysailor) February 24, 2020

With 11 games remaining, they need just 12 points to guarantee them the title, while 22 points will set a new points record for the Premier League.

Liverpool haven't had much competition from their traditional top-six rivals this term. City have dropped off from their exceptional standard in recent seasons, having failed to win nine matches already, while the next highest-placed is Chelsea, who have just 44 points.

Even so, the standard the Reds have set is remarkable. City got 98 points last season, but Liverpool's total of 79 points at this stage would have still given them a 14-point lead in the title race.

The Reds would be seven ahead of the City side that set the 100-point record in 2017-18 at this stage too.

Liverpool can set a new record of 19 consecutive wins with a victory at Watford on Saturday. The Reds have won 12 of their past 14 meetings with the Hornets, and in their past four clashes with them, they have scored 15 goals and conceded none.

Harvey Elliott will reportedly extend his Liverpool career until 2023 after agreeing a new contract with the Premier League leaders on Thursday. 

Elliott, who only moved to Anfield from Championship side Fulham last summer, will put his signature to the deal during the summer, following his 17th birthday in April, according to Karl Matchett of The Independent.

The development represents an acceleration in the already rapid rise Elliott has enjoyed since arriving on Merseyside. Elliott has made six starts while on domestic cup duty, and he also came off the bench in the league, albeit as a 92nd-minute substitute for Mohamed Salah during Liverpool's 2-0 win at home to Sheffield United on January 2.

As a brief cameo, it was barely enough time for Elliott to break a sweat, let alone showcase his potential to become a regular in Liverpool's best senior XI in the future. Instead, the teenager has had to be content with making his mark as part of Jurgen Klopp's wholesale, and in some cases contentious, rotation policy in the cups.

Elliott started all three of the Reds' games in this season's Carabao Cup. He appeared in the 2-0 win over MK Dons in the third round preceding the 5-5 draw with Arsenal in October, a match Liverpool eventually won 5-4 on penalties.

Elliott's next outing was as a member of the reserve team left behind to host Aston Villa in the last eight. A youthful lineup was put in the charge of U23s boss Neil Critchley and promptly lost 5-0, while Klopp and the club's senior stars won the FIFA Club World Cup in Qatar.

Klopp adopted the same approach for a fourth-round FA Cup replay against League One side Shrewsbury Town earlier this month. Critchley was again put in charge, while Klopp and Liverpool's established players opted out in order to fulfil the Premier League's inaugural winter break.

In between, Elliott played 79 minutes for a young Liverpool team trusted to beat derby rivals Everton 1-0 at home in the third round. It was perhaps the most accurate barometer of Elliott's potential to thrive at this level since the Toffees picked a strong lineup full of top-flight experience.

As a versatile winger blessed with pace and a keen eye for goal, Elliott has already displayed qualities Klopp requires for the Reds' fluid forward line:

A STUNNING Harvey Elliott acrobatic strike 😱

🙌 Our U23s will now face @VfLWolfsburg_EN in the PL International Cup quarter-final, after yesterday's dramatic fightback: https://t.co/XUEpi9PyHm pic.twitter.com/PScphFkSpB

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 30, 2020

The level of Elliott's performances, both at senior and academy levels, has prompted Neil Jones of the Liverpool Echo to label the decision to offer fresh terms a "no-brainer."

While Elliott has impressed, he will need more minutes in the senior side to avoid falling behind some of Liverpool's other bright, young sparks. Specifically, 19-year-old midfielder Curtis Jones has stolen the headlines more than once this season:

Superb 🤩

A sublime eight-minute hat-trick from @curtisjr_10 yesterday 🔥 pic.twitter.com/hlekX5peyv

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 25, 2020

Jones and Elliott represent the solid bedrock of youthful talent underpinning Liverpool's star-studded senior lineup. They will both hope to follow in the footsteps of right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, an academy graduate who has become one of the club's most important first-teamers:

Trent Alexander-Arnold has already equalled his assist record for last Premier League season... and it's only February 😳 pic.twitter.com/cWRwIJs7s5

— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 24, 2020

Klopp built the Reds into UEFA Champions League winners and domestic champions-elect through smart and lavish spending on key players such as goalkeeper Alisson Becker, centre-back Virgil van Dijk and holding midfielder Fabinho.

Yet safeguarding the development of a burgeoning prospect like Elliott could help keep Liverpool at the top of the game for a fraction of the cost.

RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner is reportedly waiting to see whether Liverpool raise interest in his signature ahead of the summer transfer window, despite reportedly attracting offers from Barcelona and Manchester United.

Simon Hughes and Raphael Honigstein of The Athletic reported both Barca and United have made proposals to sign the player, who is holding out to see whether Liverpool enter the race.

It's understood Werner is available for £51 million provided a transfer is agreed before an April deadline. This could fit Jurgen Klopp's plans, as The Athletic highlighted it was around March that moves for Fabinho and Alisson "really got going" in recent years.

Sport1 reported earlier in February that the Germany international's release clause could be as low as £30 million (h/t MailOnline's Amitai Winehouse).

Liverpool boast a 22-point lead at the top of the Premier League, with Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino integral to the club's evolution.

A move for Werner would not be made with the intention of replacing anyone among that forward three but rather improving competition. Adam Lallana will be a free agent in the summer and isn't expected to sign a new deal at Anfield, while it appears back-up winger Xherdan Shaqiri could also be moved on.

Werner has made little effort to disguise his admiration of Liverpool lately and told Viasport he was "very proud" to be linked after his penalty saw Leipzig beat Tottenham 1-0 on February 19:

.@TimoWerner: – Liverpool are the best team in the world at the moment, and when you're linked with that team, it makes me very proud.

(@JanAageFjortoft) https://t.co/KE0Fy4sm0F

— Viaplay Fotball (@ViaplayFotball) February 19, 2020

Naby Keita was the last Bundesliga recruit to join Liverpool, moving from Leipzig in July 2018. Werner could reunite with his former team-mate on Merseyside, while Hughes highlighted an intriguing link between him and compatriot Klopp:

Hello lunchtime.

It is not a defining feature of this story but it is a convenient subplot. Klopp’s grandmother Anna knitted him a white jumper in the style of Stuttgart’s kit, with Karlheinz Forster’s No 4 on the back.

Forster is Timo Werner’s agent. https://t.co/DMLTRmddnA

— Simon Hughes (@Simon_Hughes__) February 27, 2020

The German—who turns 24 on March 6—has scored 27 times in 33 appearances across all competitions this season and is in contention to win the Bundesliga's Golden Boot.

Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski has scored 25 times in the league compared to Werner's tally of 21, though the latter could seize his chance after the former was ruled out for four weeks with a knee injury.

Statman Dave compared his domestic tally with other highly touted youngsters among Europe's elite:

Timo Werner has scored 21 league goals this season, more than any other U25 player across Europe’s top five leagues:

🇩🇪 Werner (21)
🇫🇷 Mbappé (15)
🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇫🇷 Rashford and Dembélé (14)

Next generation of stars. 🙌pic.twitter.com/Ap0nkUwXIg

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) February 22, 2020

Liverpool's latest financial reports showed a pre-tax profit of £42 million for the 2018-19 financial year despite investing a record sum of £223 million on players over that period. The club refrained from making any major first-team signings last summer and is sure to have cash in reserve should Klopp wish to spend in 2020, particularly if the Reds win the Premier League (and possibly more).

Europe's giants have seemingly begun to sound out Werner following reported high demand regarding his signature, but the forward appears to have prioritised a switch to Anfield.

Premier League leaders Liverpool have announced record turnover of £533 million for the year ending May 2019. 

In a statement on the club's official website, the European champions confirmed an increase in turnover of £78 million, while their overall pre-tax profit was reported at £42 million.

Profit was recorded despite a club-record spend of £223 million on players including Alisson, Naby Keita and Fabinho.

In the reporting period up to May 31, 2019, there were also 11 new contracts for first-team players including Jordan Henderson, Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold. 

The most significant increase in revenue came from media sources, which rose by £41 million to £261 million largely because of the new UEFA Champions League broadcasting deal that started in 2018-19.

It was a season of great success for Liverpool as Jurgen Klopp masterminded a sixth triumph in Europe's elite club competition and a record-breaking points haul in the Premier League as Liverpool finished second to Manchester City:

Liverpool are the first team in top-flight history to lose just one game and not win the title.

No other side has won as many as 30 games and reached 97 points and failed to lift the trophy.

Watch #MOTD 👉 https://t.co/BZoVsqpaEK pic.twitter.com/vfWgXhIr6d

— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) May 12, 2019

Per the club's statement, Andy Hughes, Liverpool's chief operating officer, said:

"This continued strengthening of the underlying financial sustainability of the club is enabling us to make significant investments both in player recruitment and infrastructure.

"Being able to reinvest over £220 million on players during this financial period is a result of a successful business strategy, particularly the significant uplift in commercial revenues.

"The cost of football, however, does continue to rise in transfers and associated fees but what's critical for us is the consistency of our financial position, enabling us to live within our means and continue to run a sustainable football club."

Liverpool's meticulous investment of their funds under Klopp is set to pay off this season when the Reds likely claim their first league title in 30 years.

The Reds have dropped just two points in the Premier League all season and hold a 22-point lead at the top of the table:

One step closer for @LFC pic.twitter.com/zKrJl3UIPQ

— Premier League (@premierleague) February 24, 2020

They need to win just four of their last 11 games to guarantee the 19th title in the club's history and first in the Premier League era.

It says everything about Liverpool's current status that elite players are now trying to push themselves through the Anfield entry door.

Last week, RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner made one of the least subtle come-and-get-me pleas imaginable to the UEFA Champions League holders and now Premier League champions-elect.

"There's one of the best managers in the world with Jurgen Klopp, and he is also German," Werner told Sky Germany (h/t Metro) when asked about Liverpool. "Many things suggest that I would maybe fit in very well with my playing style. But I don't think about that at the moment because we have so much to do with Leipzig."

The final line contradicts everything that went before it—and such a statement should be read as a sign that the Reds will no longer have to convince top talent of why Liverpool should be their next home.

It's an interesting turn in this transfer pursuit, as Werner has been on their radar for some time—recruitment staff have been tracking his situation at RB Leipzig for two years, according to sources.

No actual move to sign him has been made, though. There is caution being applied here.

The club have cash but have been very careful about adding to the squad over the past year, as they are wary of upsetting the balance and vibe. They are also having to be particularly sure that anyone who is brought in can handle the competition they will face for a starting role.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MhyToyUfks

Werner has always been an interesting option because of the release clause in his current contract—which this week has been revealed as €30 million (£25 million), according to German channel Sport1 (h/t Mirror).

The exact figures have taken a long time to become public knowledge. Figures around him have previously remained tight-lipped over the trigger number—and €30m is lower than many people within the game had expected. Others told B/R they still believe the actual number is more like €58m—but that still represents  good value for the player.

Privately, Leipzig boss Julian Nagelsmann has advised Werner not to move to the Premier League at this stage, sources informed B/R. Obviously they want him to stay and build on their current project, but further than that, there is a genuine concern it could impact on the momentum he has been building because the consistency of games will not be guaranteed.

A move to Liverpool would be difficult for pretty much any player in the world to turn down right now. Football broadcaster Jan Aage Fjortoft also interviewed Werner last week and is convinced the player's flirting with Liverpool was intentional.

Werner’s flirt-strategy with Liverpool is smart. The fans will love him for it. Timo Werner is a good guy by the way. I like his way of speaking openly about this. Wish more players left their cliches at home.

— Jan Aage Fjørtoft 🇳🇴 (@JanAageFjortoft) February 22, 2020

Werner's speed and agility are understood to be two key elements that are intriguing to Liverpool, while the club also know they could use him in various ways across their front three. He has scored 27 goals from 33 appearances in all competitions this season—including four from seven games in the Champions League—and the fact he is still only 23 years old and has a good chance of leading Germany's attack at Euro 2020 adds a certain pedigree.

This is all important given Liverpool are already having to think about life without Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino.

It's not an imminent problem; Liverpool think all three players will still be with them next season. But they know that top Champions League clubs have an eye on all of them—so an offer could arrive at any time, in theory.

For Salah and Mane, it is felt that Barcelona or Real Madrid will become options. For Firmino, Bayern Munich is emerging as a genuine next destination as they begin to whittle down figures who could potentially replace Robert Lewandowski if he leaves.

On top of this, a new forward is interesting to Liverpool this summer as sporting director Michael Edwards has begun thinking of the impact the Africa Cup of Nations will have on them in January 2021—with Mane and Salah sure to be included.

There is another issue for Liverpool when dealing with a pursuit of Werner—Chelsea have now shown firm interest too. 

They touched base over a deal in January, and they did the same with Jadon Sancho at Borussia Dortmund.

Sources say Werner prefers Anfield as a destination, but a charm offensive could yet sway his thinking if Chelsea were to make him an influential part of their next step.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8u-1r6FFYJA

Management at Chelsea are beginning to wonder about how to keep Tammy Abraham sharp and firing, and one thought right now is that bringing in a grade A frontman might kick him on to a new level.

The Blues have been stuttering over a move for Lyon's Moussa Dembele, and Werner's release clause undoubtedly would prove less of a gamble than the £83 million being touted by Sky Sports for the France under-21 international. 

It should be noted that Bayern Munich have held an interest in Werner, too. But that door seems to have closed in recent months.

"He won't stay in Germany if he moves clubs," one source confidently told B/R. "If he leaves Leipzig it will be to test himself in a different league." 

Liverpool have held themselves back from any contact so far over Werner, but that is expected to change. Once they have wrapped up the domestic title, pathways to new signings for the summer window will begin to open.

The Reds have become experts at keeping transfers quiet—think of the deal they sealed for Red Bull Salzburg's Takumi Minamino out of the blue in January. So it would be something of a surprise if the media reveal any major deal first.

But now that Werner's desire to join Liverpool is an open secret, we wait to see if the club see him as a man who can become part of the dynasty they aim to build. 

Listen to Dean every Wednesday on the B/R Football Ranks podcast. New episodes every Wednesday. Subscribe here. 

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Jurgen Klopp has said he "cannot believe" Premier League leaders Liverpool tied the record for consecutive wins in the English top flight after coming from behind to beat West Ham United 3-2 on Monday. 

David Moyes' side briefly led at Anfield but succumbed following second-half strikes from Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane. The victory meant Liverpool—22 points clear at the summit—equalled Manchester City's 2017-18 record of 18 successive wins, as well as tied the club record of 21 straight victories at Anfield.

The Merseysiders will end their 30-year wait for a top-tier title provided they can take 12 points from their 11 remaining matches, and Klopp appeared in awe of his side after the game, per the Daily Mail's Dominic King:

"I never thought it would be broken or equalled. We did it, and I cannot believe it happened to be honest. Whatever will happen this season is an effort of all of us.

"But you are right it is very special. We all know that these numbers are very special. But we are in the situation, and we want to react. We said at the start of our time here that we wanted to create history and write our own stories and the players have clearly taken that seriously.

"The numbers, of course, are unbelievable, we know that it is special. But we have to be ready to fight to the end as everybody is fighting for everything right now. Now we prepare for the next one at Watford on Saturday and we have to be 100 per cent for the next one."

Georginio Wijnaldum opened the scoring after nine minutes, but Issa Diop swiftly equalised before Pablo Fornals put West Ham ahead after half-time. Lukasz Fabianski spilled Salah's tame-looking shot through his own legs in the 68th minute, and Mane was well-placed to volley home the decider nine minutes from time:

Liverpool's streak of 21 successive home victories matches the club record assembled between January and December 1972 when the team was managed by Reds legend Bill Shankly.

Trent Alexander-Arnold was named man of the match following his two assists—for the initial breakthrough and Mane's winner—but the right-back was also quick to focus on Saturday's visit to Watford in Week 28:

After ANOTHER boss performance, @trentaa98 has a message for the fans 👏🔴 pic.twitter.com/WYBebLqNAj

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 24, 2020

The Reds could secure their maiden Premier League crown at home to Crystal Palace on March 23 if they fail to drop any more points before then. 

Rivals Manchester United remain the only team to have taken points from Klopp's side this season following their 1-1 draw at Old Trafford on October 20. Liverpool's last top-flight defeat was a 2-1 loss away to current holders Manchester City on January 3, 2019.

The leaders looked as though they missed injured Jordan Henderson after conceding more than once in a single league fixture for the first time since they thrashed rivals Everton 5-2 on December 4.

Henderson's replacement, Naby Keita, failed to bring the same commanding presence:

Never thought I’d say this, but Liverpool are really missing Jordan Henderson aren’t they? #LIVWHU

— ᗷIᒪᒪ ᖇIᑕᕮ 🎙📻 (@billrice23) February 24, 2020

Missing Henderson’s energy and assertiveness in the midfield.

— Leanne Prescott (@_lfcleanne) February 24, 2020

Liverpool could finish this season's Premier League campaign with a record 112 points if they win each of their 11 remaining games. City's 100 points in 2017-18 is the current benchmark, per the official Premier League website.

It would also be a new Premier League record if they were to stay on schedule and clinch the title in March, with United holding that honour after they sealed the 2000-01 trophy on April 14.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has said the club are looking to recruit players who are prepared to compete for their place in the side.

Per Goal's Dejan Kalinic, the coach recognised the perception held by some that his side are the world's best can both help and hinder them in the transfer market:

"It's easier if players see you as that. If they see you are successful, it's easier to get into talks with players.

"But on the other side, it's more difficult the better your team is because they ask questions like, 'where and when would I play?'

"We need players who want to be part of this, who want to fight for their spot, who want to make the next step together with us, who want to develop and improve so that's it."

Jack Sear of the same outlet shared further comments:

Klopp: “It depends on what you want – is it a good age for selling? Probably not. But is it a good age for performing? Yes. So there’s a lot of things we have to think about. It’s an interesting period.”

— Jack Sear (@JackSear) February 23, 2020

It's hard to dispute that Liverpool are the best team in the world this season.

They're the reigning European champions—having reached the last two UEFA Champions League finals—and they're also the world champions having won the FIFA Club World Cup in December.

What's more, after racking up 97 points in the Premier League last season, losing just once in the process, they're already on 76 in this campaign after 26 matches having picked up 25 wins and one draw.

As a result of their incredible form, they're 19 points clear of Manchester City atop the table, and they're likely to extend that lead significantly before the Citizens next play a league fixture:

Forthcoming fixtures for Liverpool and City. pic.twitter.com/YmCu0cgSG1

— Andrew Beasley (@BassTunedToRed) February 22, 2020

They've also shipped just 15 goals in the league, which is the best defensive record in Europe's top five leagues.

Sports scientist and coach Simon Brundish offered further insight into their defensive prowess:

Liverpool are the only team in the big 5 leagues of Europe not to have given away a penalty or concede an Own Goal

Best defence in the world

— SimonBrundish (@SimonBrundish) February 22, 2020

The Reds' success has come from consistently strong team performances.

As such, there's little weakness to be found in their first XI, so unless the club splash out on a marquee superstar player, any incoming recruits will need to earn their position in the team.

For example, Liverpool spent an initial £39 million to sign Fabinho from Monaco in the summer of 2018, and he didn't even play for the club in the Premier League until October 20 that year.

Given everything they've won since and are likely to win in the coming years, there will likely be no shortage of players willing to follow a similar path.  

Liverpool can take another step towards the Premier League title on Monday when they host West Ham United at Anfield.

The Reds are 19 points clear of Manchester City, who beat Leicester City 1-0 on Saturday. They come into the game on the back of just their third defeat in all competitions this season after losing 1-0 to Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League last time out.

As for West Ham, they are 18th in the table, one point from safety.

                      

Date: Monday, February 24

Time: 8 p.m. GMT/3 p.m. ET

TV: Sky Sports (UK), NBCSN (U.S.)

Live Stream: Sky Go (UK), NBC Sports App (U.S.)

Odds: Liverpool: 3-20), Draw: 7-1, West Ham: 16-1

Odds courtesy of Caesars Palace.

                

The Irons have the unenviable task of attempting to become the first team to take points off Liverpool at Anfield in the Premier League this season.

Liverpool have won 25 of their 26 league games in this campaign, with their only draw coming against Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Opta's Orbinho put their 76 points in perspective:

Liverpool have more points this season than Manchester United managed in winning the title in 1996-97. Still 12 games to play.

— Orbinho (@Orbinho) February 17, 2020

The Reds faced West Ham at London Stadium on January 29, when they picked up a routine 2-0 win courtesy of goals from Mohamed Salah and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain:

They will be without captain Jordan Henderson, who suffered a hamstring injury against Atleti on Tuesday. Football writer Leanne Prescott believes his absence will be a significant blow to Jurgen Klopp's side:

Could’ve been a lot worse but Henderson is going to be a massive miss over the next few weeks. In the form of his life as the lynchpin of the side and so influential at both ends of the field. Ox/Keita will need to step up in his absence.

— Leanne Prescott (@_lfcleanne) February 21, 2020

Even so, it's difficult to imagine West Ham getting anything from the game.

David Moyes' outfit didn't manage a single shot on target as they were beaten 2-0 by Man City on Wednesday.

The Times' Henry Winter wasn't impressed:

West Ham need to wake up fast. They are 18th and sleep-walking towards relegation. They have some good players, Fabianski, Cresswell, Ogbonna, Rice, Antonio etc, & Noble is all heart, but their tactics/mindset were far too cautious. No urgency, little pace. Start Bowen. #MCIWHU

— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) February 19, 2020

West Ham have won just three league matches since September 22, and they are without a win in seven games in all competitions. Their most recent victory came against Gillingham in the FA Cup on January 5.

Liverpool have won five of their past six meetings with West Ham, and they have not lost to them in any competition since February 2016.