Hes more physically prepared to deal with prem level forwards I think, so yeah agreed, he done well in his last game.
Ok. So I know you've all been waiting with bated breath for my take on the Bobby or Jota thing. No? Never mind - here it is anyway. Purely on form, there's no doubt Jota should start, imo. However, if we forget form for the moment I don't think it's a straight swap at all. From what I've seen of Jota so far, he isn't very different in style to Mané or Salah, which means we'd have three broadly similar players out there. This is fine when they've got the freedom of the opposition half like Atalanta gave them, but not necessarily such a good thing against a more solid defence. Firmino on form gives us something different to unlock defences, so we have a more varied attack. Back to today's world, and Firmino isn't on form, so for now I'd start with Jota and see how we get on, and bring Bobby on if it's just not working, to at least try something different. Also, of course, it's City today - and they're hardly the most solid defenders themselves.
I was thinking of Klopp's opinion rather than my own, but yeah. Phillips is older and more experienced as well. Williams looks like he may develop into the better player ultimately, but he's young, a bit green and it's such a crucial position. If Nat makes some Lovrenesque cock-ups, then Rhys might get a chance sooner rather than later. Depending on whether it's Matip's turn to be injured or not, of course.
The thing with Klopp is that he habitually eases players in to the team over a few months with mainly sub appearances or cup games. I remember when Fabinho was dominating games but then he'd revert back to the 'Brexit' midfield for the next big game. Simiarly, Jota's impressed massively in his games but against a team such as City, he knows and trusts that Firmino knows the system and players around him inside out. I don't agree that it sends out the wrong messages though, he's got history of easing players in; Jota would be no exception and it would be stated as such. Firmino knows Jota's hot on his tail for a starting spot and Jota himself knows he's pushing close already. I wouldn't want to call which way he'll go, but I won't be surprised either way. Defensively is also an interesting choice. He appears to be going with Williams in the CL and Philips in the league. I know Rhys has done well, although he's been barely tested and covered by those around him, but he's so inexperienced at this level and not physically developed yet either. He's far better with the ball than Nat, but in games like this, just a bang average, solid and more experienced defender should be his call. Can't wait for this game whatever lineup we field
As was pointed out to me (I'd forgotten), Phillips isn't in the CL squad, so Williams was about all we had to go with. This is not criticism of the lad, he did well, but I think Nat would have been given the game if he'd been available.
Virgil Van Williams grabbed his chance with both hands though, been superb in all three appearances. Nat wasn't bad in his appearance either tbf
