“If it’s true, of course, that is nice" - Liverpool target comments on joining Arne Slot's side 

Liverpool target Azor Matusiwa considers being linked to the club an ‘honor’. The Dutch midfielder currently plays for French side Stade Rennes and has attracted interest from the Reds as they continue their search for a defensive midfielder.

Matusiwa, a product of the renowned Ajax academy, made just one appearance for the club before moving to fellow Eredivisie side FC Groningen in 2019. After impressing in the Netherlands, he joined Stade Reims in France during the 2021-22 season; and following two and a half years at Reims, he moved to Stade Rennes at the beginning of 2024.

Liverpool’s pursuit of a number 6 has been widely documented, with Martin Zubimendi among their top targets last summer. While the Spanish midfielder remains on their radar, the Reds are also exploring alternative options, with Matusiwa emerging as a potential candidate, according to Give Me Sport.

While he may not command the same attention as Zubimendi, the Dutchman could serve as a reliable backup to Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister.

Speaking about the links to Liverpool, the 26-year-old believes that the news reflects the level of his performances in France.

“If it’s true, of course, that is nice. It means that I am doing a good job at Rennes and that is how I have to continue for the rest of the season. I need to carry on helping the team and then maybe something great will come in the future, but I’m not looking at anything like that right now. Of course, it’s an honor if you get linked with a club like Liverpool,” he said (via Rousing the Kop).

With the winter transfer window now open, Liverpool might look to strengthen their squad to boost their chances of winning the Premier League title. Currently, they sit at the top of the table, holding an eight-point lead over second-placed Nottingham Forest with a game in hand.

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Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher lauds Ryan Gravernberch’s impact

While Liverpool are linked to several names in the defensive midfield department, Arne Slot is likely to continue entrusting Ryan Gravenberch, given his impressive performances.

Commenting on Gravenberch, Jamie Carragher described the Dutchman as the surprise of the season and credited him with playing a pivotal role in Liverpool’s success so far.

“I think he’s been the surprise of the season, in a really good way. When he came in last season, I saw him as a number eight or an attacking midfielder. He was a little bit of nothing, if I’m being totally honest," he told Sky Sports.

To think he’s now become one of the most disciplined midfield players in the Premier League right now – playing a vital role in protecting the back four – I think he’s been an absolute revelation this season,” Carragher added (via Rousing the Kop)

Liverpool will face a pivotal run of fixtures, beginning with a showdown against their fierce rivals Manchester United on Sunday, January 5. They will take on another significant test, facing Tottenham Hotspur in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals on Wednesday, January 8.