Van Dijk Doesn’t Need an Armband to be a Leader
A couple of years ago, I wrote an article here on Anfield Index about Jordan Henderson (which you can read if you click here). Essentially, I made a case for Henderson returning from what has turned to be the first in a growing list of injuries for the midfielder. At the time, I felt he was one of Liverpool’s most consistent performers over a two-and-a-half-year period, where he had become a key member of the team.
I had seen glimpses …
Observations as Liverpool Come Back From Behind Against Foxes
Liverpool came back from behind to win 2-1 with Leicester on Saturday after a blunder from Joel Matip saw Jamie Vardy put the visitors in front after just three minutes. Klopp's side responded well though, moving the ball around nicely and creating several chances for the in-form Mo Salah.
It seemed to be an off-day for the Egyptian after he failed to convert two great opportunities before returning to his usual free scoring self in the second-half. Sadio Mané delivered …
Five New Year's Resolutions for Jurgen Klopp
The New Year. A time for reflection, but also time to look forward. Forward for the Reds, forward for Jurgen Klopp.
I doubt the beautiful German will have 'go to the gym more' or 'catch up on the soaps' on his resolutions list, but here are a few Liverpool related issues he might want to consider as one year becomes another.
Keep smiling
I’m not going to lie to you. I had ‘Operation Virgil’ down as my first resolution. Klopp’s …
Van Dijk Makes LFC Unlikely Action Hero
Why do we watch Liam Neeson action movies? On the surface, it doesn't make much sense. He's not exactly Jason Statham or Dwayne Johnson, but after wrestling a few wolves and using his particular set of skills he's somehow an action movie guy.
Liverpool supporters have been telling anyone who would listen that The Reds are one of the top clubs in the world. One minor problem; the club couldn't attract or retain top players. Their targets would slip through …
Five Defenders to Fix Liverpool - #3 Issa Diop
If there are any football fans out there who haven’t yet become aware of Liverpool’s need for an improvement in the heart of the defence, then they are likely living in a willful ignorance of the kind that Liverpool fans can only dream of. Instead, for those clad in Red, a recurring “head in hands” moment becomes more and more grating with repetition – a knack to concede silly goals pervades a side that’s finally clicking into gear and attacking …
Red Rant: We Don't Need No VVD
I’m all for the unsubstantiated transfer rumour. Football itself and certainly Twitter wouldn’t be the same without them.
The incremental steps, when Liverpool is rumoured to be monitoring a player, continuing to monitor, then comes the inquiring, then considering a bid, then surprise competition comes in from a rival club, and on and on… it’s all part of the romance, right?
But for clubs at the level of Liverpool the rule has to be that the romance period can only …
Salah Showing Why We Can't Settle for Second Best
Another game another Salah masterclass, the Egyptian has been the signing of the season by far and his two goals against the Saints puts him at the top of the Premier League goal scoring charts ahead of the likes of Aguero, Morata and Kane. There was a wave of apprehension surrounding the £35 million deal; his form in Italy was eye catching but he had failed to set the Premier League alight the first time around. Klopp was clearly a …
Liverpool 3 - 0 Southampton: Saints put to the Sword at Anfield
The Details
Date: 18/11/2017
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
Background
Premier League football returned today after the final international break of the year. Liverpool welcomed Southampton to Anfield. The Reds failed to score against the Saints in four meetings last season and would be hoping to put things right today.
Joel Matip missed out through injury but Coutinho, Henderson and Mané were all fully recovered and made the starting eleven.
Shane Long replaced Gabbiadini as the lone striker for Southampton while Lemina was still out …
Liverpool v Southampton Preview - Key Battles
Let's rejoice! There is no international football for four months. And Virgil van Dijk is coming to Anfield! Just not the kind of Anfield visit we'd have hoped for.
The Reds host Southampton on Saturday and will look to pile the pressure on former assistant manager Mauricio Pellegrino, as Jurgen Klopp looks for momentum heading into the busiest period of the season. The next two weeks are a defining part of the season, with the Premier League game against Chelsea …
Liverpool v Southampton - Saints won't preach at Anfield
The Details
Venue - Anfield, Liverpool
Referee - Mike Jones
Date & Time - Saturday, November 18th @ 15:00 BST
Current Odds - Liverpool 4/11, Draw 19/5, Southampton 7/1
Form
Liverpool Form
Liverpool, thankfully, seem to be getting over their September and early-October nightmare and, Spurs result aside, have been returning to winning ways. The Reds have an 80% win record in their last five games a very impressive xG/xA record over that period, also (see table below). Much of this season has …