Liverpool legend names two West Ham players Liverpool should target if they’re relegated | OneFootball

Liverpool Analysis After Crystal Palace Win and West Ham Transfer Talk

Palace Performance Raises Questions

Speaking on Molby On The Spot for Anfield Index, Jan Molby offered a measured assessment of Liverpool’s recent win, as he joined Trev Downey to break down events.

Reflecting on the victory over Crystal Palace, Molby was clear that the scoreline masked deeper issues. “I don’t quite think that was the story of the game against Crystal Palace either,” he explained, before adding, “for long spells before we scored the first goal, we struggled to get through them.”

Liverpool’s difficulty against Palace’s structure stood out. “We spoke about that system that they played, the three, four, two, one. We found difficult. They closed down the passing lanes,” Molby said, highlighting a recurring tactical challenge.

Even with the win secured, he remained unconvinced by the overall performance level. “I thought they gave as good as they took Palace. They created their chances. You can see they’re a well drilled team,” he noted, offering credit to the opposition while questioning Liverpool’s control.

Consistency Without Conviction

Molby’s wider concern centred on Liverpool’s recent run of results, which he described as positive but not entirely convincing. “So now it’s the third consecutive Premier League win. And without being, I think we’ve been unconvincing in all three of them,” he said.

That theme continued as he compared recent matches, including Fulham and the derby. “I don’t think that the Derby was pretty convincing either,” he added, reinforcing the idea that results have outpaced performances.

There was a sense that Liverpool are progressing, but without a clear identity emerging. “There’s enough there for you to pick holes in that performance against Crystal Palace without being able to put your arms above your head and go, well, we turned the corner here now,” Molby explained.

Instead, he framed expectations more cautiously. “We go from game to game and we win more than we lose,” he said, suggesting that consistency in results may be the most realistic short term aim.

West Ham Options Catch the Eye

Attention then shifted to recruitment, with West Ham discussed as a potential source of talent for Liverpool. Molby did not hesitate when asked about possible targets.

“Well, again, I would take two,” he said, before naming Jarrod Bowen as a standout option. “Bowen would be one of them,” he added, before clarifying his reasoning.

“There’s not many Jarrod Bowen, almost as near as you get to Mo Salah in terms of what he brings,” Molby stated, underlining Bowen’s stylistic suitability for Liverpool’s system.

He acknowledged a difference in output but emphasised the tactical fit. “He obviously gets nowhere near the same amount of assists and goals, but in terms of the profile and how he plays,” he said, indicating Bowen’s value beyond raw numbers.

Fernandes Identified as Exceptional Talent

Molby was even more emphatic when discussing Mateus Fernandes, describing the midfielder in glowing terms.

“I think he’s exceptional. And I mean exceptional,” he said, leaving little room for ambiguity. His expectation of Fernandes’ future was equally direct. “That boy ain’t staying at West Ham, regardless of what happens.”

He expanded on the player’s qualities in detail. “He’s got it all. He’s mobile. He’s technically very good,” Molby said, before drawing comparisons to elite midfielders. “He reminds me a bit of the two Portuguese midfielders who run and dominate at PSG.”

The conclusion was emphatic. “This boy’s the real deal,” he added, signalling strong approval of Fernandes as a potential Liverpool target.

Outlook for Liverpool

Across the discussion, Molby’s analysis painted a picture of a Liverpool side delivering results but still searching for clarity. The win over Crystal Palace may have extended momentum, but questions remain about performance levels and tactical fluency.

At the same time, the links to West Ham players such as Bowen and Fernandes suggest a forward looking approach, one focused on refining the squad profile.

As the conversation with Trev Downey showed, Liverpool’s current position sits between progress and potential, with results keeping them competitive while performances continue to invite scrutiny.