Liverpool's Disjointed Attack
The game against Bournemouth was the first time this season that Liverpool had been able to get Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah involved properly.
Prior to that, the wide forward pairing had struggled to influence proceedings on a consistent basis. Diaz, for example, had taken seven shots in his three Premier League appearances. Across matches against Fulham and Crystal Palace, he had an Expected Goals average of just 0.21.
Granted, the sample size isn’t the largest but it was a …
Do Liverpool need an attacker?
All of the focus has been on whether or not Liverpool need midfield reinforcements over recent weeks. The attack has been somewhat neglected.
It is one of those areas for the Reds that, on paper, looks well stocked. In reality, though, it is a little light. At surface level, Jurgen Klopp has five senior attackers at his disposal in Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz, Roberto Firmino and Darwn Nunez. He also possesses Fabio Carvalho and Harvey Elliott could play …
How Liverpool Have Evolved In A Year
In the days leading to last seasons opening games, every single pundit had either Chelsea or Manchester City winning the Premier League. The general feeling was that the return of Cristiano Ronaldo would also propel Manchester United into contention, and Liverpool would be eased down the table.
In hindsight, the uneducated views of nearly all the experts who disregarded Liverpool now seem very foolish. Liverpool had just experienced their most injury-ravished season in history, and had relied on the defensive …
The Silly Season is (nearly) over...
Silly season(n)
1: a period (such as late summer) when the mass media often focus on trivial or frivolous matters for lack of major news stories
2: a period marked by frivolous, outlandish, or illogical activity or behaviour.
There’s been a lot of silliness. It’s roughly two months since the Champions League final. A disappointing end on the pitch to what was nearly the greatest season of all time. A near tragedy off the pitch. We didn’t quite get over the line …
Au Revoir To The Three Musketeers
The Three Musketeers are notoriously a trio of sword wielding heroes, who use their different personas to swashbuckle themselves to victory. The idea is that their mantra of ‘all for one, and one for all’, is enough to see them overcome the most insurmountable of odds. This Sunday in France could well be a fitting finale to another group of three, as the Reds begin their final preparations to Saturday’s match against Real Madrid.
In a Jurgen Klopp reign that …
Aston Villa 1 - 2 Liverpool - Man Of The Match
Luis Diaz
Low key good performance, in a tough contest. The minutes are mounting, and fatigue is starting to show. Diaz had really good moments, and was brilliant in his delivery for Mane’s goal.
He was perhaps less incisive from the right, but he stretched the play and still looked to run defenders at every opportunity …
Villarreal 2 - 3 Liverpool - Man Of The Match
Villarreal 2 - 3 Liverpool - Man Of The Match
Luis Diaz
He changed the game, and is still pushing to become Liverpools most important forward.
He came on after an horrendous first half, and forced the Spanish back line to stretch as he hugged the far touchline. He threatened and threatened, and finally got his goal with a well taken header.
What a signing this man had been, and he was able to relax a stressed fanbase …
Liverpool 4 - 0 Manchester United - The Player Ratings
Alisson Becker - 8.0
A relative spectator for the first half, and did fine things in possession. Was able to stay focused throughout. A very nice outing as sweeper keeper.
Trent Alexander-Arnold 8.0
Brilliant work early on, with a rampaging urgency to help create the opening goal. Was a keen tracker when Sancho came on, and showed fine defensive ability to snuff out that threat.
Andy Robertson - 9.0
Up and down as always, his enthusiasm wasn’t entirely matched by …
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 …