Thiago - The Master Controller
Outside of Anfield, The Allianz Arena and The Camp Nou, the penny may have finally dropped.
I recall when Liverpool signed Thiago Alcantara being asked some peculiar questions. It mostly regarded his goals and assists record, and whether he was a better player than this player or that. To appreciate his brilliance is to understand the role Thiago plays in his version of football, and his version is nothing short of spectacular.
In the aftermath of yet another massive Liverpool …
UEFA Champions League: The Latest on Liverpool F.C.
Liverpool football club is steeped in history and success, formed in 1892, they have won everything a club can win. The club has seen ups and downs like any other sports team. But their record speaks for itself. They are the most successful team in English football along with Manchester United, totalling 66 league titles and cup wins each.
This year though, they can surpass Manchester United by winning the UEFA Champions League for the 7th time. While Liverpool has …
Liverpool 3 - 3 Benfica - The Man Of The Match
Bobby Firmino
A man loved by the Reds' support, the players, and most importantly the manager.
His work rate was impressive, and his goals a lovely sight. With so much talent in the Reds' forward options, Bobby can still have his high moments.
Showed tremendous intelligence in his pressing, and movement off the ball.
Two very well taken goals, and could be a starter more and more as the reds hunt more glory …
Liverpool 3 - 3 Benfica - The Player Ratings
Alisson Becker - 7.0
Always great to see his commanding presence on big nights at Anfield. Would have been relieved to see a brilliant chipped goal by Nunez chalked off for offside. 31 minutes saw a clinical finish fly past him, as Benfica drove on. His handling was assured, as Benfica started to test from wide positions after the break. Was unlucky in the one-on-one for Benfica’s second goal. The melee at the end couldn’t dampen the occasion.
Joe Gomez …
The Back Up Boys
With only a handful of games left in the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup this season, Liverpool now (more than ever) need to utilise the full depth of their squad. After watching Manchester City glide into red territory time and time again this past Sunday, the end result has to be seen as a positive. To head to the Etihad and hold out for vital point, needs to be taken as a good result, all things considered. Forget …
Operation Man City
So Liverpool took total control of their Champions League last eight tie with Benfica, whilst Manchester City crept over the line against Atletico Madrid. Both teams won, that is fact, yet the second leg for each will be offering much different scenarios for their respective managers.
Liverpool have delved into full rotation mode, essentially since the turn of the year. City were 14 points clear, and it’s apparent that a post AFCON game planned was ushered in (by Klopp) to …
Naby: The Big Game Player
Naby Keita has been one of Liverpool's best players this season, and perhaps the Reds' most underrated performer. His impact is so understated, I even marked him a little low in the match ratings on Tuesday, as the Reds bested Benfica 1-3. It’s only on a rewatch (and after viewing his match stats), that I saw how endlessly effective he was, and the 7.5 I marked probably deserved a solid 8.5.
The perfect Klopp facilitator, appears to be the little …
Observations: Against Benfica, the real Naby Keita stood up
In a recent interview, Naby Keita said 'I don't believe we've seen the real Naby Keita just yet. I've had quite a few injuries & I'm trying to get back to full form & fitness. Recently I've felt 100%. It's my aim to try and establish myself and be seen in the world of football either this season or the next.' Well Naby lad, if you wanted to be seen, then tonight you did everything right to make it happen. …
Benfica 1 - 3 Liverpool - The Man of the Match
Luis Diaz
This could well have gone to Ibrahima Konate, if not for the mistake and brief period of poor play at the start of the second half. The man of the match must however go to a player that was at times unplayable, and perhaps the man that has decided the tie.
Luis Diaz worked relentlessly, drove with a fierce intent, and was a constant out ball for Trent. A great piece of movement and assist for the second …
Benfica 1 - 3 Liverpool - The Player Ratings
Benfica 1 - 3 Liverpool - The Player Ratings
Alisson Becker - 7.5
A relative spectator in the first half, with only a couple of minor chances created. Was a lot busier after the break, as the home sides ramped up their efforts. Could do nothing for the goal conceded, and was assured as Liverpool weathered the storm.
Trent Alexander-Arnold 7.5
Looked confident from the off, with a willingness to show strength at both ends of the field. 34 minutes …