Liverpool ended their 30-year wait for the title in 2020, but Nicolas Anelka could have clinched it 17 years earlier had he stayed at Anfield, says Danny Murphy.
The French striker arrived on Merseyside on loan in January 2002 having previously spent just more than two years within 1999 and then Paris Saint-Germain a year later, Anelka had a point to prove when signed by Gerard Houllier, but it didn't take long for him to make an impression on former"I know he went off to Spain early and maybe people remember that brief time at Arsenal but this guy was super-chilled, not a problem. He came with this reputation of being difficult – no.
Having won the league and cup double the season before, Arsenal ended the 1998/99 campaign empty-handed but Anelka was named PFA Young Player of the Year. Asked if Anelka is underrated, Murphy said: “I think because of his time here because he left Arsenal quite early and then he was away for quite a while then came back and had a spell with us and then Chelsea.
“You know when people are coming off the pitch, it was the first time that people like MO Stevie were going ‘oh my god’. "It’s simple: it didn’t happen because Gerard Houllier wanted to pay a lower salary. It’s acceptable but you have to say it.
Nicolas Anelka Danny Murphy Premier League
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Supercomputer predicts final Liverpool Premier League position in Arne Slot's first seasonLatest Liverpool news and gossip as Arne Slot prepares for his first season as the new head coach of the Reds
Read more »
Man City sent fresh 115 charges hearing message as Liverpool await Premier League outcomeManchester City have denied any wrongdoing after being charged by the Premier League for 115 financial breaches
Read more »
Liverpool transfer wait explained as Premier League investigate new arrivalLiverpool are close to officially signing exciting teenager Rio Ngumoha from Chelsea but the deal hasn't quite been completed yet
Read more »
Liverpool 'plotting £98m double raid' on Premier League club to kickstart Arne Slot eraLiverpool are yet to make a senior signing this summer following Arne Slot's arrival at the club.
Read more »
Mohamed Salah has just sent clear Liverpool Premier League warning with latest social media postsMohamed Salah has been preparing for the start of the new Premier League season
Read more »
Ben Doak transfer latest as Liverpool talks planned over Premier League exitBen Doak is attracting interest from several Premier League clubs with Liverpool set to sit down with the winger and make a decision later this summer
Read more »