The former City defender insists that not one player from Anfield would make the grade at his old club at the moment, including Virgil van Dijk
None of the players in Jurgen Klopp's current Liverpool squad would get into Pep Guardiola's starting line up at Manchester City, according to Joleon Lescott.
The Reds are currently top of the Premier League by two points, having played one game more than the reigning champions.
With only two months of the 2018-19 campaign remaining, City are still the masters of their own destiny, after chasing down a seven-point gap at the summit at the start of 2019.
Liverpool's form since the turn of the year has seen their chances of landing a first league crown in 29 years decrease dramatically , but there could still be plenty of twists and turns in the race between now and May.
A number of Anfield stars have stood out with their consistent displays this season, especially Virgil van Dijk, who has been a constant presence at the back for Jurgen Klopp's side, helping them to earn the best defensive record in the top flight.
Lescott, however, does not believe that a single member of the Reds contingent could force their way into Guardiola's first XI at the Etihad Stadium, and he insists that Aymeric Laporte has been just as impressive as Van Dijk this term.
“Both Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp will each be happy with their own team and their players suit their styles of football," Lescott told talkSport on Thursday.
“I’m not sure I’d take a single one of Liverpool’s players for Man City’s team, but it’s fair to say both have put together great squads.
“From a Man City perspective, I have been very impressed with Aymeric Laporte this season, who has arguably made a similar impact to what Virgil van Dijk has at Liverpool.”
Man City have the chance to return to the top of the table when they travel to Fulham after the international break on March 30 , while Liverpool host Tottenham the following day.
Lescott, who played for City between 2009 and 2014 and picked up two Premier League winners' medals in the process, went on to back his former employers to retain their crown, insisting that the Reds have blown their chances of glory already.
“I expect Manchester City to go on to win the Premier League," he added. "It is interesting that they’ve been able to overtake Liverpool so quickly.
“I don’t think it’s a surprise that Man City have won the games they have, but rather that Liverpool have dropped points in recent weeks.
“Earlier on in the season, the title could have been Liverpool’s to lose but they threw the opportunity away with a bad run of games where they didn’t achieve what they should have done. It’s now in Manchester City’s hands and I don’t expect them to let it slip.
“Retaining the Premier League title will be Man City’s biggest achievement and to become the first side to do it since Sir Alex Ferguson retired from Manchester United is another camel off their backs in the city.”
VanishPrasad
105
That's just mind games, Liverpool have Brazils No.1 Allison, worlds best defender Van Dijk and a handful of other talents
kayomo
91
he's not far from d truth,though I disagree a little bit,van dijlk can partner laporte,sadio mane can rotate wt sterling,allison can also share wt ederson,but aguero is far better dan forming,y Salah and Bernardo are almost equal,my opinion
Adam7
86
And no Joleon Lescott would get in Liverpool’s team...
Nesaiknruy_Legend
64
False, partially true but not entirely. Alisson is better than Ederson or st the very least equal. Van Dijk walks into any defence including Barca and Madrids so why couldn't he walk into Citys? Other than that though the midfield is completely dominated by City players and the forwards arguably too cos reality is liverpool's forward line is carried by a system which works very efficiently. Klopp turned 16 goal a season Salah into a machine, but would he do the same without Klopp? I dont think so. Mane possibly ahead of Sane but with Sane potential he edges Mane out. No one else really gets into the City team, maybe Robertson too as Mendy is injured. Otherwise City do dominate in most positions easily.
Zukacemnos
64
I can understand why Lescot made the statement, he was a former city player and saying that he's still a city fan will not be far from the truth. The problem with most of these ex players is that they make themselves popular by analysing and criticising clubs and coaches alike on supersports but when the job is given to them, they flutter and disgrace themselves. Examples are Thierry Henry, Paul scholes,Nievel etc. Ferdinand has started too and Lescot keeping up with him,soon one club will start thinking that they understand football very well and will offer them contract, then they will drag them into relegation zone and eventually resign or get fired.
rinackmpt
59
its true Lescot very true but i will salut Liverpool for competing very well against the stars of City
lopacdkn
53
Lescot only said he's not sure he'll take any player in the present Liverpool squad straight jnto the present Guardiolar Manchester City side and the reason he gave is the difference in the style of play that suits the players. Furthermore, he stated the fact that both City and Liverpool managers have built great teams. That's to say he agrees the current Liverpool under Klopp are a great side. I think we should look at the perspective he's coming from first before crucifying him. I don't think he meant to be disrespectful to the Reds. He says...''Manchester City perspective...'' which he explained as the style. I think it's true that a play may be excellent but he may not necessarily fit into a particular managers format or style, but that doesn't mean such a player is not great.