Roberto Firmino - The Defensive Machine
In 2013/14, Luis Suarez made 1.1 tackles per game.
In 2015/16, Roberto Firmino has made 2 tackles per game.
Let’s not dilly-dally, nor wander aimlessly around the point. It’s right there, staring at you in the face, the full, gargantuan influence that Roberto Firmino had had on this Liverpool team, even in a season which most have deemed Europa league focused and building for the future. The sheer scope of Firmino’s ability has been on show this season, not merely …
The Three Dortmund Players Liverpool Need to Stop
Borussia Dortmund are up there with the best teams in Europe this season. They're currently only five points behind Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga. That may sound like a big gap but given just how good Bayern have been this season it's some achievement for Dortmund to even be within touching distance as the season enters its final stages.
Dortmund don't have the luxury of spending huge sums of money. They can't compete with the likes of Bayern, Madrid and …
Firmino: The Bobby Dazzler
The story is familiar. Poor kid from South America, family makes sacrifices to help him on his way, makes breakthrough in his home-country before transferring to a middle-of-the-road European club, performs highly in Europe, earns big-money deal to Premier League.
Most of us are familiar with the tale of Luis Suarez’s career journey and ambition, however, this time it is Roberto Firmino’s story we are narrating.
After failing to impress in a trial with first division Sao Paulo he made …
All Aboard The Lovren Bandwagon
Hands up if you were one of the fans who jumped feet first on to the "Lovren is shit" bandwagon? Hands up if you are one of the fans who would be at the front of the bandwagon organising the Lovren is shit chorus? Who could blame you right? For nearly eighteen months of his Liverpool career, Lovren produced so little. His poor performances greatly outweighed his good ones and we all prayed that he would join the ranks of …
Liverpool Squad Analysis, Part Three: The Forwards
Public perception over Liverpool's forward line has changed drastically from the start of the season; Danny Ings and Christian Benteke started fairly well, whilst Divock Origi and Roberto Firmino struggled, as Daniel Sturridge looked on from the sidelines. Fast forward to late October, where Ings had been ruled out for the season, Benteke was misfiring, Origi and Firmino still struggled and Sturridge was still unfit. All the attention was on Klopp bringing in a new striker in the January transfer …
Can or Lucas? Capital One Cup Starting Spot Showdown
With the dangers of Manchester City’s attack and the energy needed in Liverpool’s midfield, who starts in midfield on Sunday will play a pivotal part in Liverpool’s fortunes.
Emre Can is expected to appear in the middle, but calls for Lucas Leiva’s inclusion have increased, with former Red, Neil Mellor, saying the Brazilian should get the nod ahead of Can.
Lucas played at centre-back against Augsburg on Thursday and has gotten a lot of game time recently because of defensive …
Hot and Cold; why are Liverpool so inconsistent?
Inconsistency has been a hallmark of Liverpool's performances since the start of Brendan Rodgers' tenure in 2012, but why do Liverpool still struggle to put together a string of successive good performances, or put a small handful of fantastic performances in between a sandwich of dull, slow and rather boring ones?
There is no clear answer to Liverpool's contrasting performances over the past few seasons, but a few standout factors, such as injuries, confidence amongst the team, changes in tactical systems, uncertainty …
The Mignolet Problem
What a week it has been so far for Liverpool fans. With the arrival of Steven Caulker on a six month emergency loan, something that split fans' opinions, the news that Joel Matip has allegedly agreed a contract with Liverpool and will walk away from Schalke on a free transfer during the summer, news that will no doubt be greeted with glee once it's announced officially and finally the news that goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has signed a five and a …
Time is the Best Remedy for Benteke's Form
Christian Benteke has been subject to heavy criticism amongst the Liverpool fanbase in recent weeks, with some drawing parallels between his and Andy Carroll's fateful move to Liverpool. Yet in the league, Benteke has made 15 appearances, started on 10 occasions, and scored five, and even chipped in with one assist. In comparison, Luis Suarez in his first season for the club (played 12 in the league), only managed four goals and three assists. When considering these figures, criticism of Benteke …
Three Liverpool Problems Even Jurgen Klopp Cannot Fix
For many Liverpool supporters the arrival of Jurgen Klopp was a godsend.
The charismatic and passionate German has been a breath of fresh air on Merseyside and in English football. He has rejuvenated Liverpool and masterminded incredible away wins at Chelsea and Manchester City. He even made Dejan Lovren look not-so-terrible.
But as much as we all swoon over Klopp's excellence, he is in fact not a god. He faces the same challenges as Brendan Rodgers did. Yes he is …