Gini & Emre - The Need to Replace System Players
The summer window is now gone, and the next two windows will require some short and long term thought, with many areas now requiring you attention. Where the defence was strengthened (in the form of giant Ibrahima Konate), we are now witnessing a midfield dilemma, one that should have been avoided. The process of recruitment will have surely taken a hit (given the pandemic), but in order to both maintain and build the playing squad, ways forward needed to be …
Is James Milner better than Gary McAllister?
James Milner is a Liverpool legend.
A few months into his career at Anfield, it appeared as though he might’ve been more Joe Cole than he was Gary McAllister. For a period of time, it felt as though a Milner performance was a 6/10 and a yellow card was guaranteed. In his defence, though, this was during the final few months of Brendan Rodgers’ time on Merseyside and most, if not all, players failed to really impress.
But then he …
Why Losing Wijnaldum Wouldn't be a Disaster
Georginio Wijnaldum is an incredibly versatile, incredibly intelligent, and above all else incredibly important midfielder in this Liverpool team. He never gets injured, he never puts in less than a 6/10, he does the job that Klopp asks him to do week in, week out and there’s a reason that he is almost always on the team sheet when fit.
Wijnaldum has started 19 of Liverpool’s 20 league games this season and started 32 last season, on top of 11 …
Four Years of Jürgen Klopp - Part 3: The Klopp Game
As we celebrate the four-year anniversary of Jürgen Klopp’s arrival at Anfield this month, I’ll be reminiscing about some of the crucial games and moments that have stood out over that period. You can read the first two parts of this series here and here Now it’s time for Part 3:
Liverpool 4-3 Borussia Dortmund - 14 April 2016
Liverpool XI: Mignolet, Clyne, Lovren, Sakho, Moreno, Milner, Can, Lallana, Firmino, Coutinho, Origi
Subs: Sturridge, Leiva, Allen, Skrtel, Smith, Ward, Ojo
…
A time for reflection as Klopp's success shows no signs of slowing down
During a time where Jurgen Klopp and his backroom staff will be enjoying some well deserved time off following the Reds' 100 per cent start to the Premier League campaign, it represents a perfect opportunity for reflection.
Reflection on how a certain German manager was able to transform a squad of nearly-men to kings of Europe. Reflection on how this oiled winning machine of a team were able to surpass and achieve a club record of 13 consecutive league wins and …
Why Liverpool should sign Emre Can
The professional way in which Emre Can left Liverpool may mean the door is ajar for him to return to Merseyside. There have been no links, no rumours, but with the Germany international not included in Juventus’ Champions League squad, the writing appears to be on the wall for his career there.
Maurizio Sarri reportedly tried to sell him in the final weeks of the window. Having failed to shift other midfielders, the former Chelsea man tried to lighten the …
Fabinho: Banishing Ghosts of Emre Can - And Then Some
When Emre Can was allowed to leave Liverpool to move to Juventus in 2018, many questioned whether Liverpool had made a mistake.
The German midfielder allowed his contract to run down before inevitably joining Juventus on a free transfer, leaving many fans scratching their head as to the club's decision to let him go.
However, fast forward a little over 12 months, and a man by the name of Fabinho has not only quashed the above scaremongering from Kopites, but …
Is it time to reconsider Jordan Henderson in a midfield two?
The selection of Jordan Henderson in a midfield pivot has long been met with derision by Liverpool fans, but is it time to reconsider the skipper's capabilities in the position?
Henderson was often the main midfield driver during his earlier years at the club, moving in from right midfield to partner Steven Gerrard in the title run of 2013/14, often described as 'doing the running for two' whilst Gerrard sat back and pinged balls around the pitch in his twilight …
Midfield musings, a new identity and tactical potential for Liverpool
With Liverpool cruising to a 3-0 win over Watford on Saturday evening, Jurgen Klopp maintained the 2 point deficit to Man City. Another clean sheet and a highly satisfying win, albeit with a dogged rather than spectacular performance.
There's a certain symmetry to our away results against Watford since Klopp took over from Brendan Rodgers. From the pitiful 3-0 reverse in his first season, to a thrilling 3-3 draw last season which pointed to our underlying defensive deficiencies. To then …
Liverpool's Premier League Lineups - a Stats Analysis: Part 2
In part 1 of the lineup analysis, I had a look at our goalkeepers and defense. Part 2 will focus on midfield and attack.
The midfield
Even after Karius' nightmare performance in Kiev, the midfield is still Liverpool's weakest line going into 2018/2019. Emre Can is likely leaving, James Milner will be 33, Jordan Henderson is injury prone and not consistent, the Ox is injured, Gini Wijnaldum has a tendency to disappear at times and Adam Lallana had the worst …