please log in to view this image More distance and sprintsthan in any other league game, quite a big difference as well
It's quite funny how Redknapp and Macca were speaking before the game about how Klopp isn't reinventing the wheel by encouraging a pressing game, and Rodgers had already implemented this. Rodgers doesn't have a clue about pressing - he thought running around like a headless chicken is pressing. We won a lot of tackles and forced so many errors today as a result of clever and efficient pressing, and it will only get better.
Very encouraging stuff today. You can see the glimpses of what Klopp is looking for, hunting zones in packs and often winning the ball back as a result, just the lack of quality up top really showed today, though Origi did show a very glimpses himself, he's still very raw and needs to be eased in to it, unfortunately Klopp had no choice today. Sakho again, immense. One of his more unnoticed qualities is his ability to recover, he often tackles on the front foot but he is always quick to get back and return to position when he doesn't win the ball. I'd like to see a midfield trio of Allen, Can and Henderson when all fully fit.
Midfield badly needs Henderson - he should come in and replace Lucas. Firmino in for Lallana, Sturridge for Origi.
I'm not Lallana's biggest fan, but for him to lose his place based on todays game would be harsh, I thought he was more effective than say coutiniho (who is my one of my favourite players).
Lallana was ok today but he won't be losing his place based on this one game. He'll be losing it to a superior player.
On paper there is no arguments that Firmino is the better player, but he hasn't shown much so far ( you could argue that Rogers didn't know how to use him) but with the new manager every player deserves a chance.
There's been no evidence of that in a Liverpool shirt. Sure, Firm hasnt played for Klopp yet but he's been worse than Lala. Lala appears to have more the athleticism Klopp requires too.
Firmino is one of the hardest working attacksrs you're likely to see. The evidence may not be in a Liverpool shirt, but it is based over their respective careers. Firmino's Performances and stats at Hoffenheim were amongst the best in the world over past 2 years, and that's at the age of 22. Lallana had 1 decent season at Southampton where he scored a career best of 9 goals. As I've said before, Lallana is an ok player but he's mostly style and no substance. If he learnt how to play quicker and with more intelligence, then he'd be a very good player. But at 27, he's unlikely to develop that skill although Klopp and his team could possibly get more out of him. And I'm sure Klopp will be judging players throughout their careers and not just their time at Liverpool. Firmino is a player Klopp wanted to sign because a) He is creative, b) scores goals and c) has speed.
I agree with both of these points Jim, thing is we are basing that on previous clubs and managers so we should be focusing on what happens from now on.
I really hope we see the Firm that everyone thought we had signed this summer. Until then he shouldn't be an automatic shoe in. He needs to earn his position not just walk back into the team.
Not necessarily - it's like saying Rickie Lambert has been average for most of his career, but once he joined Liverpool, we should ignore everything prior? Lallana had one decent (not outstanding) season at the age of 26. I'm sure Klopp would factor that in when evaluating him because he needs to know if there is anything he can work with and develop.
I understand what your saying and there are so many variables that can have an impact, Maybe Lallana while style and no substance because of BR's use of him. I mean Coutiniho looked dogshit today, could he be suffering from Klopps system? (again it's only one game under the new manger and that would be a silly conclusion to jump to)
Fair point - Coutinho is being double marked now, and he's effectively being marked out of the game. It's what happens when you become the focal point of the team. Before, we had Suarez, Sturridge, Sterling. Now it's basically just Coutinho. Get Sturridge and Firmino, players will have more space to operate.
In a 4231, I think Coutinho will be on the right With Firmino playing centrally. Klopp wants his wide men to play as inside forwards and not wingers, so Coutinho cutting in from the right to go onto his left foot maybe how he will be used. Will be interesting to see what happens when everyone is fully fit.
Been on 12 hours and too tired to do a full rating, but I have to say Sakho was captain material yesterday. Moreno would rather try to buy a foul than simply clear the ****ing ball, and Origi looks a Championship player, at best. Not a bad result for our reserves though.
