Wirtz & Barcola: Why Liverpool's New Stars Are Under Immense Pressure!

Dave Davis returns with another edition of Newsround, looking ahead to Liverpool's Champions League clash with LASK in Austria, with Andoni Iraola facing several important selection decisions.

With Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai all unavailable, Liverpool are missing three players responsible for nine of their 12 goals this season. Dave examines Iraola's injury updates and explains why Florian Wirtz and Bradley Barcola must take responsibility in their absence.

With the pair costing a combined £239million, questions continue to grow over their performances. Dave discusses the criticism surrounding Wirtz, Barcola's adaptation to the Premier League and the need for both players to deliver against LASK. He also examines Milos Kerkez's comments about building a stronger understanding with Barcola on Liverpool's left flank.

Attention then turns to Liverpool's midfield recruitment, with Sporting CP's Sergi Altimira emerging as an interesting option alongside Lamine Camara. Dave analyses Altimira's impressive defensive statistics, passing ability and potential suitability for Iraola's system, while also highlighting highly rated Benfica youngster Daniel Banjaqui.

With Liverpool needing an important European victory and January recruitment becoming increasingly significant, Dave assesses where the Reds must improve both immediately and in the transfer market.
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