Champions League Statement as Liverpool Find Another Gear at Anfield

Liverpool secured an important 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid at Anfield to begin their Champions League campaign with three points.

Speaking in his post match reaction on his YouTube channel, David Lynch described Liverpool as “good value for it” and highlighted several encouraging aspects of the performance.

Here are Lynch’s five key takeaways from Liverpool’s Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid.

Champions League victory backed up by numbers

Lynch’s first major takeaway was the importance of Liverpool getting a victory on the board, particularly at Anfield.

He said: “I always think the pot one games at home as well are vital to win because if you win those it really does set you up for the rest of the fixtures then to go on and finish in the top eight.”

The statistics supported Liverpool’s victory. Lynch highlighted 14 shots to Atletico Madrid’s nine, with Liverpool recording 1.69 expected goals compared with Atletico’s 0.81.

Liverpool also recorded four big chances to Atletico’s one.

“I think those statistics show that Liverpool absolutely deserved to win this one,” Lynch said.

His second takeaway centred on Liverpool’s improvement after half time. Lynch felt the first half offered evidence that there was more to come, particularly with Liverpool recording 17 touches in the Atletico Madrid box compared with four for the visitors.

He explained: “There were aspects you could see there where Liverpool could kick on, could improve, could be the better side in the second half.”

Iraola tweaks make Liverpool stronger

Lynch’s third takeaway focused on Andoni Iraola’s ability to change the game.

After Atletico’s shape caused Liverpool problems, Lynch said Iraola made adjustments at half time and “you’d have to say they absolutely worked”.

He added: “All the good parts of Liverpool’s game kicked up a level and all the bad parts started to be masked.”

Liverpool’s ability to control Atletico Madrid following those changes particularly impressed Lynch. Atletico managed only 0.25 xG during the second half despite needing a goal.

“To limit them for the majority of the second half when they really desperately need a goal to 0.25 expected goals is absolutely massive,” he said.

That ability to manage the contest represented Lynch’s fourth key takeaway.

He explained: “To be able to manage games is hugely important, particularly when you play such a relentless schedule.”

Szoboszlai shows huge potential

Dominik Szoboszlai was among the individual performances Lynch highlighted.

“Such a Dominik Szoboszlai performance,” was his assessment, with the midfielder scoring and recording the most chances created, most touches and most completed dribbles.

Lynch identified an area for improvement in Szoboszlai’s pressing, explaining that he can be “too easily beaten at times”.

His overall assessment remained extremely positive.

“The potential is through the roof,” Lynch said. “He suits that eight, I think, down to the ground.”

Barcola offers exciting signs for Liverpool

Lynch’s fifth takeaway concerned Bradley Barcola, who made his first Liverpool start.

Barcola failed to convert three big chances worth 0.74 xG, although Lynch was encouraged by how regularly he found himself in dangerous positions.

“The main positive, as I say, is he’s getting in the position to miss them now,” Lynch explained.

His verdict on what that could mean for Liverpool was emphatic: “If he keeps doing that game after game, this guy is going to score a lot of goals for Liverpool.”

For Lynch, the overall picture following Liverpool’s 2-1 Champions League victory was extremely encouraging.

“The building blocks are so clearly there for me that I’m very, very excited about what this team is going to produce going forward.”

Liverpool have their first Champions League victory on the board, and Lynch believes the signs are already emerging of what this team could become.