"He is the one we really have to look out for" - John Barnes names Crystal Palace player who could cause problems for Liverpool
Football pundit John Barnes has warned Liverpool about Crystal Palace winger Eberechi Eze, who could potentially cause problems for them in their upcoming match. The two sides will face off in the Premier League on October 5, with the Reds visiting the Eagles at Selhurst Park.
It will not be an easy game for the hosts, who have struggled to find form this season. The Eagles are on a poor run of form, having failed to win in seven games in the league. In their last match against Everton away from home on September 28, they lost 2-1, and these poor results see them sit in 18th place on the league table.
Compared to Liverpool, though, their form is in rather sharp contrast. The Reds have lost just one game in six, winning five and leading the race at the top of the table. With their current form, the visitors are widely expected to take all three points at Selhurst Park.
However, according to former Liverpool man John Barnes, they will have to be wary about Eberechi Eze. Barnes spoke about the 26-year-old winger on the Seaman Says podcast, explaining (via TBR Football):
“Against Palace I don’t think they will dominate us in midfield. Talk about Van Dijk and Konate, they are strong, Mateta causes problems because he’s big and strong, but if you come up against those two at the back, the physicality won’t cause problems.
“Eze is the one we really have to look out for, Jordan Ayew was dangerous with his dribbling and stuff, same with Olise, but I’m looking at Palace and I don’t think they’re as attacking a threat as they were last year.”
Arne Slot will certainly be aware of Eze's potential to change the game for the hosts. The England winger might have just one goal in six Premier League games this season. However, his 11 goals in 27 league games last season means he is still a threat for the Reds.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot expects challenge from Crystal Palace
Reds head coach Arne Slot has spoken about Crystal Palace ahead of their weekend clash, telling the press that he expects a challenge from the Eagles. Despite their poor run of form, Palace drew against Chelsea and Manchester United in recent weeks, showing their ability to play well against big clubs.
Slot stressed the need to be wary when facing the Eagles, as he said to the press (via Liverpool FC):
"The weird thing or maybe that's not weird, but they got some results against United and Chelsea, two top teams. The other results were not as they would have probably wanted it. Last season they finished really strong. Lost one or two good players, that's also clear."
The Dutch manager will hope he can lead Liverpool to success on the weekend and retain their position at the top of the table.