In the Champions League, a captivating player who desired a comeback for England captured the eye. If Luis Díaz is any indication, Liverpool will be interested in signing him
It’s possible that Ajax had high hopes for Tuesday night’s Champions League match against Liverpool at Anfield, but ultimately it wasn’t to be.
Instead, a late winner from Jol Matip gave Liverpool the advantage and ensured they won. The biggest shock, one that will have ripple effects across the rest of Europe and for the other clubs in the Champions League, happened in Portugal.
The London-based team, led by Antonio Conte, was expected to be one of the competition’s dark horses, but after Tuesday night, bettors may have altered their thoughts.
Under the floodlights of the José Alvalade Stadium, Sporting Lisbon totally outplayed Conte’s team, scoring two late but well-earned goals right before the finish of the game.
To add insult to injury for Tottenham, one of the designers of their demise in the green and white was a graduate of their very own institution. Although Marcus Edwards’ replacement scored the game-winning goal in stoppage time, the English attacker had put in a standout effort for the first 91 minutes.
Trent Alexander-frequent Arnold’s colleague at the England youth level, 23-year-old Edwards, completed four of his seven attempted dribbles against Tottenham. In the last third of the field, he was the focal point of most of Sporting’s attacks and added two vital passes.
Given that he contributed to six goals in eight games this season, some have even stated that his recent play merits a call-up to the England national team. His lively and diligent performance in a false number nine position was undoubtedly eye-catching.
We’ll have to wait and see if Gareth Southgate pays attention to those words, but given Edwards’ age profile, explosiveness, and versatility (he can play in any position across the front three), he should at the very least be on Liverpool’s radar.
Julian Ward has already established a reputation as a shopper who enjoys and has many relationships in the Portuguese market. Luis Daz (stolen from under Tottenham’s noses) and Darwin Nez, respectively, were Liverpool’s previous two significant transfers from outside the United Kingdom, and Edwards undoubtedly has the ability to do the same.
He won’t be cheap, and Sporting values him at £52 million (Telegraph), according to the release clause. However, after spending more on Nez, Edwards might be given serious consideration if Portugal continues to experience growth.
Most importantly, he has already expressed interest in joining the Premier League and returning home. After the game, he stated that he would eventually like to return to the Premier League.
When questioned about if he would like to play in England’s top division in the future, Edwards responded to BT Sports, “Of course, it’s my home, of course, I want to come back there one day [to the Premier League].”
Liverpool would do well to realize that dream if he keeps playing the way he is currently. For the time being, Ward and his coaching staff should definitely keep an eye on him. The following Portuguese acquisition will be a success if it performs even half as well as Luis Díaz.
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