Jermaine Pennant does not believe Chelsea midfield pairing Enzo Fernandez or Moises Caicedo (who cost a combined £222m) would get into Liverpool’s starting eleven.

Speaking to Safest Casino Sites, Pennant said that neither player is currently performing at a higher level than Ryan Gravenberch or Alexis Mac Allister:

“You can’t tell me any of Chelsea’s centre-midfielders would replace Liverpool’s on current form. Caicedo has been good this season, but in the number six position, I’d take Ryan Gravenberch over him. In the advanced midfield position, I’d go with Alexis MacAllister over Enzo Fernandez as well – so I don’t think either of Chelsea’s big signings would get in over them.”

“When I look at Chelsea, it’s not been their midfield that’s stood out for them, it’s been the likes of Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke in the more attacking positions. So at the moment, neither Caicedo or Fernandez would get into Liverpool’s squad.”

Liverpool were prepared to pay £110m for Caicedo

Pennant is probably correct that Reds boss Arne Slot wouldn’t swap his midfield for Chelsea’s at the moment but it’s clear that the Merseysiders were desperate to have at least one of the pair in their squad.

During the 2023 summer transfer window, a bid of £110m was lodged by the club for Caicedo, only for the player to turn down the offer in favour of a switch to Stamford Bridge.

Winning the midfield battle will be key to victory

If Liverpool do beat Chelsea on Sunday evening, it would demonstrate that the Reds’ midfield is superior as Pennant claims.

The corresponding fixture last season ended in a 4-1 win to the home side but nobody expects things to be as straightforward this time around. Slot’s men have yet to be truly tested this campaign while their opponents have already put in some impressive performances under new head coach Enzo Maresca.

Find out who is in Liverpool’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here