Liverpool's attention has returned to the Champions League after a hard-fought 2-1 win at Brentford on Saturday, with second-half goals from Victor Munoz and Alexander Isak overturning Keane Lewis-Potter's 44th-minute header. The match turned when Brentford's Yehor Yarmoliuk received a red card on the stroke of half-time, and Vitaly Janelt was later sent off for a second yellow card deep into the second half.
Manager Andoni Iraola had plenty to reflect on ahead of Tuesday's home game against Villarreal and Sunday's visit of Brighton to Anfield. Liverpool have won both of their opening European fixtures, beating Atletico Madrid and LASK.
Nmecha emerges as Scott alternative
Liverpool reportedly have an alternative target should they be priced out of a move for Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, whether in January or next summer. The Reds are among several clubs said to be keen on Scott, who appears destined to become a long-term fixture in the England set-up.
However, with the Cherries potentially demanding more than £100m, Liverpool may look elsewhere. According to CaughtOffside, Borussia Dortmund's Felix Nmecha, 26, is a potential back-up option with a more modest valuation of £75.9m. Chelsea are also reported to be tracking the German midfielder, who signed a new Dortmund deal in January, though that is not thought to have deterred Liverpool.
Nmecha is familiar with English football, having come through the Manchester City academy, and would reportedly welcome a return to the country.
Murphy highlights pressing concerns
Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy was troubled by one aspect of the win at Brentford. Despite the three points, he believes the side is too easy to pass through, describing their press as "disorganised."
Speaking on Match of the Day, he said: "The positives: They won the game. Isak scoring, great finish. Munoz has been a breath of fresh air. He's a young lad but he's embraced playing at Liverpool. The two young boys, [Rio] Ngumoha and [Trey] Nyoni did well."
Analysing a passage of play, he added: "Liverpool are too easy to play through, they really are. They're disorganised in the press. I'm not sure whether it's a change of personnel."
"I'm not sure if they're going to need a bit more time. [Florian] Wirtz is playing as a 10 behind Isak. He's not in the right position, they're not ready to press."
"I think at the moment, although Liverpool show moments when they go forward and they've won today, they are far too easy to play against and are conceding far too many chances to be competitive at the top of the table."
