Lol I know your game. Could Benteke be better used as a Plan B coming off the bench, rather than starting? ...
No, I like Benteke in the side, he offers something different and makes us less predictable. We can play through the middle but with Benteke in the side teams can't just show us the wides areas like they were doing. I'd prefer a Ings or Studge alongside him but that's not going to happen under Klopp and his 4231 system. Not sure who I'd prefer up top when they're all fit but I do think its an area that can be improved in time.
As the main striker, I think it has to be Sturridge IMO. His pace, ability to work the channels and his link up play with Coutinho and soon, Firmino could be devastating. Shame we can't rely on him!
To be fair to Darren Benteke, the service wasn't great to him, was it? Not his best game for sure, but it wasn't entirely his fault. The poor run you mentioned, and which gave Owen apoplexy, was a one off. If he'd scored a hat-trick no-one would remember that one mistake.
You're right - Clyne and Moreno were really poor in terms of their crossing last night. But worrying that unless we lump it long or cross, can he contribute in other ways? ... I don't know mate - it's not a one off in my eyes. His running and movement is quite poor - yes, he does run around more than i expected. But he needs to improve where he runs, which space to run into and the timing of those runs. Hopefully Klopp can develop this side to his game.
He's looked better with Coutinho on the pitch. Even before his last injury there seemed to be some understanding developing. It's not there with Firmino yet, who's still finding his feet.
I'm with you that he needs to improve those areas of his game. Time in a settled team might benefit him in that respect (never easy to settle when you're new in the side, in and out through injury, 2 managers in a few months etc). I do think we will have a really good set of options if we can get Benteskey, Studge and Ings fit at the same time (miracles may happen).
I'm not convinced about Studge being the lone striker in a 4231. He likes to pull wide left too much for that role imo.
Moreno's crossing was very poor last night. Its a shame because his crossing had been brilliant for a couple of games but people will only remember the negatives
I was impressed with Ibe and Firmino yesterday and I think once we have a fully fit team, there's more poetry in motion waiting to be written. Looking ahead - Who do we think will be the first to leave? I can't see Allen staying, he offers very little.
I thought Firmin was a bit quiet but maybe that's because I thought he was great in the last two games and my expectation as risen? Glad to see Ibe play like his old self. The difficult part is maintaining that level of performance though.
It was a tidy performance with some excellent running, passing and intelligence. He does the basics so well - that lay off to Ibe to set up the goal looked simple but it was a great first time pass into the path of Ibe - the awareness and intelligence. Plus his skill at the start of the game for Milner. Not to mention his work rate - he's perfect for Klopps attack.
I know he said he likes him but I really can't see it. Milner has arguably been our worst player and is usually the first one subbed off - taking of the captain is quite bold. Not to mention moving Milner from CM to right wing... I think as a utility squad player - great, keep him. But it's the fact he's on such a huge wages which makes him vulnerable to being sold.
I wouldn't say either of those I mentioned was outstanding but it's the little touches, positioning and all round football intelligence that Firmino has that I like and coupled with other intelligent plays like Coutinho and Sturridge and really promising youngsters like Ibe and Randall, we have the makings of a team growing together and going from strength to strength. I'm not getting carried away, just find it so refreshing to see the lads wanting to play again as if it means something.
