Markus Babbel picks out Liverpool’s best player and makes bold title prediction

Euro 96 winner Markus Babbel scored the opening goal for Liverpool in their 2001 UEFA Cup success in his debut season in which he also won the FA Cup and League Cup.

In a Ladbrokes: Fanzone exclusive, the former Germany defender talked about Liverpool’s comeback against Fulham, named the Reds’ best player this season, discussed Mo Salah and gave his prediction for Wednesday’s trip to Sheffield United.

Fulham perfomance sums up Liverpool

Liverpool’s win over Fulham was a really important win for them because it shows the mentality that this team have. They were down, and with two minutes to go, they got the equaliser, and then scored the winning goal. That performance sums up Anfield…they never give up. OK, Fulham are a middle-of-the-road team, but they are very difficult to play against. It doesn’t matter what happens in the game, Liverpool always believe they can come back from it.

I am actually surprised with how well Liverpool are doing. If you look at the midfield, it’s completely new. They brought four new players in alongside [Curtis] Jones and [Harvey] Elliott who were already there. The heart of a team is the midfield and I am just surprised it is going well so early. I thought they might struggle, but the results are there to see and they just need to keep it going.

Mac Allister is the standout Liverpool player right now

I don’t think there is anywhere obvious that Liverpool can strengthen as they have a top team who have really come together. I don’t think they need to do anything in the next window, although, we all hope that Mbappe will come! That would be a fantastic transfer. He is a player who makes a difference. He’s one of the best players in the world.

I think [Alexis] Mac Allister is the standout player right now. I am surprised that he adapted so quickly especially given the size of the club. The World Cup really gave him the confidence he needed. Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of my favourite players. I love to watch him. He is a proper player. Defending wise he may not be the best, but going forward he is doing some fantastic things and he is scoring important goals.

I would understand if Mo Salah took huge offer from Saudi Arabia

I don’t think Mo Salah will be leaving Liverpool anytime soon. The good thing is he has a contract and it’s in the club’s hands. He is a player you love to watch and you want him in your team. He is a game-changer and makes special things happen for this team, so I really hope he stays. Every supporter loves him, the city loves him, the club love him, but I don’t know if he would get the same love in Saudi Arabia. Listen, you can’t be 100% sure that he stays with so much money on the market coming from Saudi Arabia. If an offer of 150-200 million came to the table, you would say as a club, we have to do it. At the end of the day, it depends what Salah himself wants too. He is on a top contract now, but I understand if he took a huge offer from Saudi Arabia.

Salah is one of Liverpool’s greatest players, no doubt, but for me, it is difficult to say who is the best. Every area there is a special player and Liverpool is full of unbelievable players. The best I have played with is Sami Hyypia. He was an amazing defender, a top professional and always 100% ready. I think the biggest surprise package was Jamie Carragher. I met him when he was a young player and I was thinking he wasn’t bad, but to then see his career improve every year was class and in the end he became outstanding. He did so much for the club too.

Sheffield United v Liverpool: Blades must show fans they’re still alive

These are tough games you know. If you look in the past, Liverpool always had problems against these teams. This is again a very important game and it’s not as easy as everyone thinks. Sheffield had a massive loss against Burnley last weekend, so they have to show their supporters that they’re still alive. Obviously, though, I think Liverpool will have the quality to win this.

Arsenal, Man City, and Liverpool are the three I think can win the title. They have the players, the mentality and quality to go all the way. It will boil down to how many injuries they encounter. If I were  pressed to pick one team, I think Liverpool will win the title. Jurgen Klopp is a magic man.