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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Darren Wells

5 things spotted in Liverpool training as Reds prepare for Villarreal semi-final

A lot has changed for Liverpool in the last six years - but they'll be very much hoping for the same outcome as their last meeting with Villarreal when they face-off in another European semi-final on Wednesday.

The Reds knocked the Yellow Submarine out of the Europa League back in 2016 to seal their passage to the final where they met Sevilla, managed by Unai Emery. Ironically it is Emery who is in the Villarreal dugout this time as the former Arsenal boss brings his side to Anfield in the Champions League semi-final first leg which could set the tone for the tie overall.

Jurgen Klopp has insisted his team will not underestimate their opponents, who have dumped out Juventus and Bayern Munich so far in this season's competition. With a quadruple still on the cards, the Reds squad looked in high spirits in training ahead of the clash - here's what Mirror Football noticed from the session at Kirkby.

1. Thiago full of confidence

He's arguably Liverpool's man of the moment following his outstanding display against Manchester United last week where he dictated play and run the Red Devils ragged in midfield.

Now Thiago is really beginning to show his worth to his side and will be pivotal if the Reds are to achieve something special in the coming months. It's a far cry from the struggles of last season after injuries and poor form amid Liverpool's crisis had several doubters questioning his acquisition.

Thiago has been in superb form for Liverpool of late (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
(Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Few of his critics are singing from the same hymn sheet now, and in training he was completely relaxed as he did plenty of showboating, catching the ball on his chest, and even performing a cheeky rabona.

The former Bayern Munich man now appears to have settled in perfectly to his surroundings - which can only be good news for Liverpool.

2. Cometh the hour...

Divock Origi turned Liverpool's last fixture on its head and could play a big role in the run-in (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

When you need an important goal and the clock is ticking down, who you gonna call?... Divock Origi.

Ok, so it's not as catchy as Ghostbusters, but Origi's Liverpool journey very much has a Hollywood feel to it - and could be set for the ultimate ending ahead of his likely exit in the summer.

He's already cemented cult hero status, and his contribution in the win over Everton at the weekend was a firm reminder of what he can offer in the big games that really matter. Origi loves the Champions League too, and has plenty of history in the competition.

Klopp will be hoping he doesn't need to call on him too often, but his goal at Anfield on Sunday will have done wonders for his confidence and puts him back in the selection picture.

3. "Strongest players ever"

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has had limited chances but could be called upon (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Takumi Minamino has contributed a number of goals this season (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Much of Liverpool's success has been down to the way Klopp makes every player of his squad feel a big part of the team, even when they're not playing.

Whilst many of the Reds' fringe players are even less likely to see minutes over the remaining fixtures, being fit and ready for action at all times in the event they're called upon is essential if Liverpool are to battle their way to four trophies. And even being content to support and rally their teammates will go a long way.

Speaking after the win over Everton, Klopp said: "The group lives because of the boys that don't always play, they are the strongest players ever; [Alex] Oxlade-Chamberlain, [Harvey] Elliot, [Takumi] Minamino, even Rhys Williams.

"They are in great shape, but the way they behave is why we do these kind of things." Minamino, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Elliott were all pictured in training on Tuesday, and may well have a bigger part to play yet.

4. Joker of the pack

Curtis Jones plays the joker in training (AFP via Getty Images)

If there's one man Liverpool are keen to keep happy more than most, you can bet it's Mohamed Salah right now.

The Egyptian forward's contract talks are continuing to rumble on and are still without a conclusion in sight. Salah only last week delivered his latest nudge for the Reds' decision-makers to get a move on and meet his demands.

Mohamed Salah was all smiles as he shared a laugh with his teammate (AFP via Getty Images)

Thankfully there is still adequate time availableto get a deal done, and thoughts are - at least for now - focused solely on ending this season on a high.

Salah has experienced a mini dip in form of late, but was back amongst the goals with a brace against United last week, and he was all smiles in training as he shared a joke with teammate Curtis Jones. Those transfer rumours seem to be the last thing on his mind.

5. Ready and raring

Luis Diaz will be hopeful of landing a spot in the starting XI vs Villarreal (AFP via Getty Images)

What a start to life at Anfield it's been for Luis Diaz.

The £50m signing has been a revelation since his January switch, and few would have predicted he could be starting in a Champions League semi-final just months after arriving.

That prospect is still yet to be determined, but his performance against United did enough to give Klopp a selection headache as he juggles the wealth of talent at his disposal.

Diaz started on the bench against Everton, so should be fit and fresh for the visit of Villarreal. With Sadio Mane in electric form through the centre and Diogo Jota struggling to make an impact from the left, it could be Diaz who gets the nod.

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