martin Skrtel

Klopp’s First Miracle? Transforming Liverpool’s Defence

Liverpool secured their third win of the week against Swansea, and in doing so extended their time without conceding a goal to 226 minutes. The clean sheet highlights perhaps the most surprising aspect of change since Klopp’s arrival - the sudden sturdiness of Liverpool’s defence. Whilst there have been strong attacking performances, particularly against...

The Brilliance Of Emre Can

Emre Can, what can I say about him? He's one of the brightest stars currently in the Liverpool team. His ability to play a number of positions, whether it be wasted in defence, ala the Brendan Rodgers era or in his more natural midfield position makes him an invaluable member of the LiverpooI set up....

Manchester City 1 Liverpool 4: Player Ratings

Liverpool turned in a Klopp-terclass performance away from the home, at the home of a real top team. The team put in a performance which conveyed the view that they are beginning to absorb the vision of the new manager. Good times ahead ahoy!  Simon Mignolet (6.5) - Simon had a really straight forward game,...

Klopp vs Rodgers – What’s Changed So Far?

It feels odd for me to write this but Jurgen Klopp's appointment as Liverpool manager wasn't welcomed by everybody. Some fans still felt Brendan Rodgers had it in him to turn it around. The media and pundits, well they didn't welcome a foreign coach replacing a 'bright, young, British talent" at a historically big...

Klopp, Comparisons to Spurs and Starting Afresh

When one hears the terms ‘spineless’, ‘bottlers’ and ‘fucking hilarious’, the only thing that could and should immediately spring to mind is the universal sign for ‘slap yourself in the face, kick yourself in the crotch’ style comedy… Tottenham Hotspur. The token orange in your Christmas stocking, a milk-less bowl of own brand cereal,...

Liverpool and the lack of quality goals conceded

I know it sounds like an odd title. Of course any goal conceded is a bad goal but my disappointment and anger subsides when a goal is of good quality. The sort that annoys you even more because you can't even moan it's that good. You're left speechless and quietly impressed by it.  The...

Which Loaned Out Players Will Thrive Under Jurgen Klopp?

Jürgen Klopp is a manager that can really get the best out of a player. The German’s ferocious manner and attitude can act as the catalyst for big performances as his charges take the lead from their manager and play at the same tempo Jürgen prowls at the touchline. This is probably his biggest...

Lucas Leiva – Tackles, Interceptions and Over The Top Praise

Liverpool fans are a sentimental bunch. I often think supporters are quick to jump to the defence of long serving players Martin Skrtel and Lucas Leiva because they're the two remaining players from the Rafa days so kind of remind people of Istanbul. It's silly of course because neither player happened to be at the...

Steven Gerrard: We Need Our Centre Back

“He’s big and he’s fucking hard.” He was our Captain. He was our Leader. He was our “Never-Miss-Set-Piece-Taker.” Now, he is our biggest regret. When Gerrard left for LA Galaxy, I was pleased. I was excited to see a new team, a new Captain, going in a new direction. Maybe the disappointment of the 14/15 season was...

Is ‘Average Liverpool’ Just a Media Narrative?

Even before Jurgen Klopp took over as Liverpool manager the English media had been pushing the idea that this Liverpool side is average. The same media were the ones praising the signings of James Milner and Christian Benteke saying they'd take the Reds up another level. So how can a team finish 6th last...