Klopp delights in "outstanding" performance of Takumi Minamino
Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp was hugely impressed by the performance of former RB Salzburg star Takumi Minamino against Lincoln City.
Minamino, along with Curtis Jones, bagged a brace in the 7-2 win at the LNER Stadium. Xherdan Shaqiri, Marko Grujic and Divock Origi were Liverpool's other goalscorers.
Speaking at his post-match press conference, Klopp had some special words of praise when asked about Minamino's display in the Carabao Cup win.
"I loved Taki’s game tonight, to be honest – it …
Liverpool Advance Thanks To Lincoln Assassination
Liverpool will play Arsenal in the fourth round of the League Cup after they thumped Lincoln City 7-2 away.
A brace of goals from both Takumi Minamino and Curtis Jones, as well as further strikes from Divock Origi, Marko Grujic, and Xherdan Shaqiri sealed the much-changed Reds' passage into the next round.
The game was seen as a shop window for some of Liverpool's fringe players and Shaqiri, in particular, would have done either his prospects of remaining part of …
Could Minamino Offer Midfield Magic?
Takumi Minamino's Anfield career hasn't really taken off yet.
Despite some bright moments, including a well-taken goal -- which was part of an overall impressive cameo -- in the Community Shield versus Arsenal, the Japanese international is yet to hit the heights of his Red Bull Salzburg form yet.
The 25-year old introduced himself to the Reds' faithful with a brilliant performance for the Austrian's at Anfield in last season's Champions League.
Salzburg eventually found themselves on the receiving end …
Could 4222 Shape Be Liverpool's Next Tactical Step?
As much as Arsenal fans on the internet will tell you otherwise, the Community Shield is a glorified friendly and its importance should be framed as such.
There were, however, some interesting takeaways for Liverpool in their 1-1 draw -- and subsequent penalty shootout defeat, again -- with the Gunners at Wembley.
Namely the switch in shape from the Reds' usual 433 alignment to a 4222 shape or, as its also known, the box midfield.
https://twitter.com/JDNalton/status/1299753022894018561?s=20
In every pre-season since …
Time for Brewster to Oust Ineffective Origi
On Thursday night, two Liverpool strikers suffered very different fortunes.
It was an evening to forget for the Reds, whose lack of intensity and focus was plain to see in a rather insipid defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates.
As a last throw of the dice in the second half, Jurgen Klopp turned to Divock Origi as one of his substitutes, looking for another moment of inspiration from the Belgian.
What occurred was a cameo that has become far too …
Manchester City 4-0 Liverpool: Observations from a night to forget
For Liverpool, Thursday's trip to the Etihad peaked before it had even begun. The side who had come out on top last season in the most agonising circumstances were reduced to rolling out the red carpet for the most dominant champions in Premier League history as they took to the field.
The final score was the consequence of defensive sloppiness and charitable finishing against City writ large. Psychologically, you could say Pep Guardiola's men have laid down a marker. Liverpool …
Jurgen Klopp's Tactical Conundrum
Liverpool players are often accused of being too reliant on the system they’re being deployed in. It’s used as a criticism and as a way to downplay the achievements of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.
“In other teams, they’d be nowhere near as effective.”
And while this might be true, it’s actually adding weight to the managerial ability of Jurgen Klopp. The former BVB boss is often written off as a passion merchant and what he does tactically …
Key Stats from another goalless derby at Goodison
Liverpool were back in Premier League action for the first time in over three months and it was an absolutely rubbish game of football. A 0-0 draw at Goodison Park feels like a story we’ve heard before, and sadly Liverpool’s wait for the title will now extend beyond their home game against Crystal Palace on Wednesday as they dropped points for just the third time all season.
The Lovren Effect
Dejan Lovren replaced the injured Joël Matip with fifteen minutes …
Player ratings as Liverpool complete annual Goodison draw
The Premier League is well and truly back. Excitement at seeing Keita in the team, Milner picking up a needless yellow and Liverpool drawing 0-0 at Goodison Park. Almost like we never stopped, right?
Admittedly not the best game ever for the neutral, Everton should have won truth be told. Still, we have an actual game of football to analyse, so let's get going with the ratings.
Alisson dazzles
Alisson Becker (8): If this game is played similarly three months ago, …
Lacklustre derby should reinvigorate lethargic Liverpool
After waiting eagerly for 106 days for Liverpool to get back into action, the Merseyside derby was in all honesty quite a languid affair.
The hype far outweighed the action, as Liverpool toiled but rarely troubled Everton, who had the better chances at Goodison Park, but the spoils were shared as Merseyside welcomed back Premier League football.
There were positives to take on the short trip back to Anfield; Naby Keita looked incredibly sharp and was easily Liverpool's stand-out man. …