A Darwin Evolution
This week Darwin Núñez signed as a Liverpool player, in a deal that could eventually reach £85m. The guaranteed outlay is around the £63m mark (£20m upfront), and if the full fee is to be paid to Benfica, then that would be a mark of extreme success by the player. The cost is of course substantial, but then so is the player.
I’ve never really cared who cost this or that, only that the right tools were afforded to our …
Newcastle 0 - 1 Liverpool - The Player Ratings
Alisson Becker - 7.5
The nervy situations were inevitable, but this man dealt with such moments like the worlds greatest keeper should. The chances for Newcastle were limited, but everything was smothered by the giant Brazilian.
Joe Gomez - 8.5
Effort and tenacity in abundance. He was up and down the line constantly, and looks like the relative freedom is being basked in. The odd cross field ball was on point, and the crossing was pretty good too. The defensive …
Observations: The Reds celebrate Jurgen's new contract with a win
Today Liverpool were the calmest ones in the room. Many fans will have been increasingly nervous as the seconds ticked by and the scoreline stayed at just 1-0, but despite a few misplaced passes, the Reds stayed as calm as you like, defended the space, and gave up nothing to see out the win. Newcastle had a measly 4 shots in the game, all of which were from considerable distance and didn't give Alisson much trouble. Joe Gomez, rotated in …
Observations: A Fun Little Kickaround
Well that was a bit of a lark, wasn't it? Liverpool made through to the semi-finals of the Champions League after an exciting 3-3 draw at Anfield with Benfica to finish 6-4 on aggregate. Jurgen Klopp named a heavily rotated side, and at times it definitely showed. After the match, the gaffer explained that he'd made a last minute decision to change the back line, so this 4, who'd never played a competitive match together, had 20 minutes to figure …
Observations: The Great Rivals don't give each other an inch
Similar to their first clash at Anfield, Liverpool and Man City were the better team for one half each at the Etihad. Man City stifled Liverpool and broke through after waves of pressure, then in the second half, the Reds closed down the paths through and created a number of quick attack opportunities.
The first half display from Liverpool was largely due to City's excellent press. Guardiola tweaked the team shape for the game, using a 4-2-3-1 with Sterling as …
Observations: The Reds, like a boulder rolling down a hill.
Against Arsenal, Liverpool had one of their slowest first halves of the season. It seemed like the Gunners had a real foothold in the game, and although they didn't create much, neither did Liverpool. But we will not be stopped. No matter what you throw at these boys, they'll plant their feet, grit their teeth, and walk on.
It was another superb line-up today, as we are slowly getting used to having week in and week out. Even the sight …
Arsenal 0 - 2 Liverpool - The Player Ratings
Arsenal 0 - 2 Liverpool - The Player Ratings
Alisson Becker - 8.5
A pretty routine first half for the giant Brazilian, with possession of the ball more apparent than anything else. Made a great stop early in the second half as the game opened up. Didn’t have much to do after that, but his moments were once again critical.
Trent Alexander Arnold - 7.0
Martinelli certainly gave him worrying moments in the first half, with his smart movement. A …
Liverpool 0 - 1 Inter Milan - Match Report
Liverpool 0 - 1 Inter Milan - Match Report
The first half was a game of frustration for both sides, with neither giving much away through the opening period. Both Joel Matip and Virgil Van Dijk could have scored from tremendous Trent deliveries, and Alisson was alert enough to parry away a good cross come shot from Hakan Çalhanoğlu. These great teams appeared intent on cancelling each other out, which of course suited the reds far more.
The second half …
Liverpool 2 - 1 Norwich - The FA Cup 5th Round Player Ratings
Liverpool v Norwich - The FA Cup 5th Round Player Ratings
Alisson Becker - 7.5
Back in nets, with some game time needed before the weekend. Had very little to do through the first half, other than an early and late flurry by Norwich. Wasn’t at fault for the goal, and produced a great save late on. His vocal leadership was needed.
James Milner - 7.0
The vice captain, now confirmed as the back up right back, came back in. …
Liverpool 2 - 0 Leicester - The Player Ratings
Alisson Becker - 7.5
Back after international duty, and a good stop early on from Maddison. Was fairly routine after that till the break. Rarely called into action in the second break, but was in command throughout.
Trent Alexander Arnold - 7.5
A little loose with a pass early on presented a chance for Maddison, but recovered to sting the keepers hand with a smart left footed shot. A nice corner to find Virgil created the first goal, as frustration …