Martin Keown has warned Liverpool FC that they’ll need to be prepared for the threat posed by Sheffield United star Oliver Norwood on Saturday.
The Reds will make the trip to the promoted side as Jurgen Klopp’s men look to secure their seventh successive Premier League victory.
The Premier League leaders have the chance to establish an eight-point lead at the top of the table before Manchester City take on Everton at Goodison Park later in the day.
Liverpool FC’s defence hasn’t been as airtight as it was last season, with them managing to keep one clean sheet in their opening six Premier League games so far.
Northern Ireland international Norwood has impressed for Sheffield United since their promotion to the English top flight.
Although the Blades midfielder hasn’t scored a Premier League goal yet, Norwood helped Sheffield United to secure a credible 2-2 draw at Chelsea FC earlier this month.
Former Arsenal defender Keown believes Liverpool FC need to be prepared to stop Norwood if Klopp’s men harbour ambitions of keeping a second clean sheet of the season.
“If Sheffield United are to upset Liverpool in Saturday’s lunchtime encounter, a week after securing a 2-0 win over Everton, then Oliver Norwood will be key,” Keown told the Daily Mail.
“Liverpool will be aware of what he can bring. Norwood is so crisp in possession. In all of the Premier League, only Jorginho has hit more passes into the final third than him.
“The 28-year-old drops deep, gets the ball then hits it into the channels. Normally, those passes are meant for his wing-backs, but George Baldock and Enda Stevens could be a bit preoccupied at Bramall Lane on Saturday.
“The hosts will play a back three but as Liverpool’s full backs – two machines in Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson – push up, that could become a back five.
“Norwood will be ratting around at the back, too, but he will look to get his head up whenever he gets the chance. He will fire those diagonal balls of his into the channels for his strikers to chase instead.”
Liverpool FC will return to Champions League action on Wednesday night with a home clash against Red Bull Salzburg.
The Reds suffered a 2-0 defeat by Napoli in their Champions League opener in Italy last time out.
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