As the group stages draw to a close it’s time for one last look at how those linked with Liverpool fared at the Under 21 European Championships.
Despite the links with Dominik Szoboszlai taking centre stage in the news cycle, the ever-present speculation surrounding the Reds’ transfer business continues to rumble on.
As ever I’ve taken a look at the stats and performances from those who could yet end up at Anfield next season…
BOBBY FIRMINO: BEST IN THE WORLD
This time I’ve taken a look at the England result as Harvey Elliott took the limelight from fellow Red Curtis Jones, as usual, stats are via Sofascore…
England 2-0 Germany
Having starred up until this point, Jones was left on the bench for the already-qualified England and Elliott was brought into the starting lineup. The former Fulham starlet didn’t disappoint however as having taken the lead through Middlesbrough striker Cameron Archer, Elliott netted a sublime solo goal to double the advantage.
Overall the Liverpool ace enjoyed 60 touches, completed 86 per cent of his passes and provided two key passes during his 90-minute outing.
It was yet another surprisingly bit-part role for Celta Vigo sensation Gabri Veiga as the attacking midfielder only came on for the final eight minutes in Romania.
The 21-year-old took nine touches, completed all seven of his attempted passes and was successful with one cross in his cameo display.
Surely a more prominent role beckons…
Netherland 1-1 Georgia
A disappointing tournament for the Dutch culminated in a draw with relative minnows as they crashed out.
Ryan Gravenberch tried his best to inspire his side, getting 112 touches, taking two shots and successfully completing 89 passes. The Bayern midfielder also won eight ground duels and carried out one dribble.
Micky van de Ven – who could be Spurs bound – didn’t enjoy his finest outing of the tournament as the Dutch bowed out. The Wolfsburg defender made two clearances and was accurate with 98 per cent of his passes. However, he also lost out on 5/8 ground duels and committed two fouls.
Switzerland 1-4 France
The French sauntered into the knockout phase with a resounding victory as two heavily linked targets Thuram and Manu Kone started alongside one another again in the midfield.
The OGC Nice starlet shone brightest of all in his 70-minute outing – winning nine ground duels, making two key passes and completing all four dribble attempts.
It was a wholly different story for Kone however as the Borussia Monchengladbach destroyer hobbled off early on and was later spotted leaving on crutches.
Redmen Reacts
Thuram, Thuram, Thuram! Simply unstoppable in full flow, this was another performance that should further impress anyone watching on and hopefully that includes the scouts from Anfield.
Unfortunately, the injury could rule out Kone from any move to Merseyside, whilst Van de Ven looks to be London-bound.
Finally, Veiga’s absence from the starting XI remains a mystery and it seems almost impossible to think that a player with 11 La Liga goals from midfield in a struggling side won’t feature more heavily as the rounds go on.
