Former Manchester City midfielder Nigel de Jong has tipped Liverpool to compete strongly for the UEFA Champions League title this season.
During an interview with BeIN Sports, Nigel de Jong has offered his thoughts on Liverpool’s chances in the UEFA Champions League this season. The former Manchester City midfielder believes that the Premier League giants have what it takes to progress through to the next round and are even strong contenders for the trophy with a fully fit squad.
de Jong’s comments come just a day after Liverpool’s victory over his former club AC Milan on Wednesday, in the opening matchday of the Champions League this season. The Merseyside giants left it late to secure a hard-fought 3-2 victory at Anfield, with Jordan Henderson scoring the winner.
Speaking to BeIN Sports after the victory, as reported by Inside Futbol, de Jong has tipped Liverpool to do well in the competition this season and possibly win the coveted tournament, if they can avoid an injury crisis.
“Liverpool are always going to be a contender especially because they have experience in winning the Champions League,” de Jong said on beIN SPORTS.
Liverpool were the European champions in 2019 when they beat Tottenham Hotspur in an all-English final. The successful 2018/19 season was followed by the club’s first-ever Premier League title in 2020. But after a disappointing 2020/21 campaign, the Reds have fallen off the radar a little bit when compared to the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea, who are current European champions.
De Jong, who played in the Premier League previously with Manchester City, making almost 150 competitive appearances, believes that Liverpool should easily stroll through to the next round, despite being drafted in a group involving FC Porto, Atletico Madrid and AC Milan.
“The group is difficult, but I don’t see them getting knocked out in group stages. I think Liverpool will go through to the next round,” said the Dutchman, who is clearly confident about the chances in the Champions League this term.
However, one of Liverpool’s former attackers Michael Owen doesn’t share the same attitude and has even pointed out several issues with Liverpool’s first-team in a recent segment with BT Sport.
With pundits clashing over the club’s fate this early in the season, it will certainly be worth keeping an eye on Liverpool this term as they look to restore their glory after a disappointing 2020/21 campaign.
