Sunday, August 26, 2018

Dream start for Liverpool


The Liverpool back-four that was once branded as the most vulnerable among the top four teams in the Premier League, is now the most threatening and strongest in the league. The entry of the bulky Virgil Van Djik from Southampton during last season's transfer has given the Reds a huge boost, especially a much more convincing defensive wall that's now capable of holding up against any teams. 
Defensive issues has been Liverpool's major loophole over the years, but now it is merely looking a topic not to be talked about. The departure of Martin Skrtel, Daniel Agger and Jamie Carragher left a huge worry factor in the Anfield outfit and it was time Liverpool invested on players that would guard the goal at its best. 

Klopp, often regarded as one of the most technical managers in football history, once again proved his tactics when he absolutely brought a huge rotation system to the line-up. The current Liverpool back-four looks deadly as how Manchester United would line-up those days, with the likes of Van Djik pairing up against a much more confident looking young lad, Joe Gomez and the two sprint kings on the flanks, Trent Alexander - Arnold and Andrew Robertson. 

At just 19 and 24 respectively, Trent and Robertson have tremendously matured in terms of reading the game so well like a veteran, providing opportunities that you would expect strikers to bury it easily. These two lads have certainly played major roles in Liverpool's key transformation and last season's triumph over major teams have proved likewise. 


Liverpool have bagged three wins in three in the new season, and the other talking point is definitely the clean sheets they have kept. Huge credits to Allison, the new recruit from Roma who has so far stepped up so well at the back and for making some amazing saves in the latest match they played, against a stubborn Brighton. 

Goalkeeping issue solved at the expense of Allison's arrival, giving Klopp a sense of relief that he can now expect no more careless mistakes. Allison is a world class goalkeeper, the type of clinical and physical movements he brings to the game would make a whole lot of difference to Liverpool's counter-attacking style. 

Just as good as the back-four is for Liverpool, they are no less effective in the front as well. We have seen Mane and Salah on the score sheets so far, soon Firmino will as well. The depth that this Liverpool squad have is insanely amazing. Finally, Klopp has the freedom to rotate his players knowing that even if he rests his first team, he can rely on a power-packed second team. 

We are yet to see Fabinho hit the ground and when that happens, imagine the intensity of the midfield. Naby Keita is already showing potential of living up to the expectations, and you know you have to when you're wearing the famous number 8 jersey. 

Klopp will definitely not be ready to rest the tireless James Milner because at 32, he is just everywhere and the type of energy and leadership qualities that he has is simply incredible. Milner is one of those versatile player that's been widely used to play in many different roles such as on the wing, midfield and full back. 

We hope to see more Shaqiri as the season progresses. We know how crucial Shaqiri's contribution can be to the current Liverpool playing style. Liverpool's quickness in counter-attacking has proven that finally they have players who are capable of making nothing into something. 


Sunday, August 12, 2018

Liverpool's new-look midfield, a major threat this season



So, is it finally happening for Liverpool? Is it finally finally coming home? After relatively waiting for over 30 years now, can Liverpool's key signings finally step up to the gear and bring home the silverware? As much as I wish for that to happen, it still remains a doubt because they were not able to win major trophies even when they had the likes of Suarez, Sterling, Gerrard, Torres, Mascherano and a list of major game-changers. 

Liverpool have done well under Jurgen Klopp but the signings of Naby Keita and Fabinho could take them to the next level. Both the lads arrived precisely at Anfield during the transfer window to bolster Liverpool's midfield options. 

Over the years, Liverpool have suffered major problems at the back and midfield, but the arrival of Virgil Van Dijk helped boosts the confidence of the back four and it is starting to look even more threatening with the arrival of Keita and Fabinho. 



Klopp is a hero, a fighter, a coach that's never willing to settle for small achievements. His ambitious attitude was well implemented on Liverpool last season when he took them to the brink of Champions League glory with a midfield trio of James Milner, Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum. Milner, in particular, was a revelation in Europe, although all three deserved credit. It was an impressive effort, a one that should go down memory lane because what are your chances when you have teams like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Juventus and PSG competing in a single tournament. 

Klopp has upgraded his midfield. The arrival of Naby Keita from RB Leipzig has long been anticipated but that does not make it any less exciting. The signing of Fabinho from Monaco underlines the commitment to quality in the centre of the pitch. These two players, 23 and 24 respectively, will definitely be able to bring more depth and excitement to Liverpool's midfield play. 

Keita is a goal threat and a creative player too, one who will support the front three in the final third. He covers the ground quickly and wins the ball back high up the field. Fabinho is no lesser than that, he can provide the physical presence and possesses good vision on field, and certainly a much-needed holding midfielder for Liverpool. 

Klopp is clearly encouraged by the options now at his disposal and expects both men to fit in well. Keita is very sharp in challenges, good presence of mind in counter-pressing and one who always wants to win the ball ahead of his opposition teammates. 



Another close-season signing, Xherdan Shaqiri, from Stoke City, will certainly provide more attacking options for Klopp. Shaqiri's ability to squeeze in tight defensive walls makes him a huge threat, and his powerful shots and early visions are factors to look out.

Who will make way for Fabinho and Keita seems less obvious. Wijnaldum is vulnerable. At 32, Milner may be expecting to resume utility man duties after his Indian summer. Adam Lallana is back to help out but he is just as comfortable in the front three and his flexibility hints at another solution that the new signings could provide for Klopp. 

It is clear that Klopp's team can beat just about anyone in a one-off game. They showed their credentials in the Champions League and when they beat Manchester City three times in a single season. At their best, they can certainly beat the BEST! 

Liverpool also have something that they never for years now, depth. They have the ability to change things up if necessary. They can rest key players and still remain strong, allowing them to compete on multiple fronts as the fixtures will pile up - something that has been an issue in previous Premier League tilts. I just can't wait to see Fabinho and Keita hit the grounds!