The long-awaited end of nearly a decade without scoring in a red shirt is finally in sight for the defender, who has revealed a tactical adjustment made by Arne Slot that may help him break his goal drought at the club.

However, this milestone could have come under more significant circumstances had the summer transfer window unfolded differently. He acknowledged that a potential move to Newcastle was “very real,” with Mail Sport previously reporting that he nearly transferred to St James’ Park, with Anthony Gordon moving in the opposite direction.

“It was definitely a genuine possibility,” he told reporters in the mixed zone following Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Girona on Tuesday night. “My focus has always been on the club, but I recognize how fortunate I am to be here—this summer marks 10 years.”

“I don’t take that for granted. In my opinion, it is the best club in the world. It quickly became a matter of adapting and getting back into the rhythm. It felt good to put that uncertainty to rest. That’s football. I firmly believe in concentrating on the present.”

“To be at a place for 10 years and not…”