So our form is bad, but a few alterative have had a run out in the cup. So who deserves a game in the league as we try to turn things around? Lucas at CB? Stewart at DM? Smith at LB? Texeira in AM? What changes should we make?
Smith at left wing ahead of Flannagan on games where we need width, don't trust Moreno Stewart has to be tried at defensive mid. Tex should be given a go in place of Lallana too.
I'm still not a fan of Smith yet, but Stewart and Chirivella both were miles better than what Hendo, Milnerm Lucas or Can have dished up recently in the middle. Teix was more effective than Milner's been as a forward and I'd go back to look at Brannagan too. Lucas as a CB, erm, he organised well and is constantly talking which we lack, but he's just not a CB and can't deal with set pieces. Also, Ward has to get some game time in the league or what was the point?
I think Stewart looks a great option. Teix, Chirivella and Branno all are good low cost squad options
Lucas next to Sakho would be quite funny... Probably worth a go tbh. All Sakho needs is to be organised. Shocking when he's wondering around chasing. Lucas next to him would kick him into touch.
ward - purely because of how bad our seniors are. smith - very good with his forward runs, better crosser of the ball than morono. stewart - his performances against west ham deserve it texeira - well overdue a start in the league but for somereason not rated by rodgers or klopp ilori - like to see him alongside sakho in skrtels and lovrens absence
Smith deffo for me, looks a real player and well better than the other options Then also Tex and Ilori after tonight, play Tex for 60-70 minutes then bring on Sturridge or Origi for him or something since they are inly just coming back and need protecting a bit Dunno who I'd partner Ilori with as I don't rate or trust any of our other CB options
Am I the only what that thought Ilori was shocking tonight. Couldn't find a pass, out of position and clearly gave away a penalty that the ref luckily didn't see.
Stewart was decent but looks raw. And by that I mean he is a little clumsier than Lucas is for example. Turns a bit slower, bumbles into challenges, isn't too accurate passing the ball. But all of those are traits that regular game time can improve. I'd slowly continue giving him these opportunities. Smith - well, I don't think he's better than Moreno. It's up to them to prove to Klopp who can adapt more. They're both young, but not youngsters. IMO Moreno's experience at his age is the difference - by 21 he had played a role at Sevilla and while you lot dislike him, I think he's a bit of a scapegoat at Liverpool. Often he's our only attacking option which leaves him exposed. Others stepping up would lighten his load. Defending needs to improve but Smith's does as well. Tex - should probably start more in the league. Very much reminds me of Coutinho and Suso. Ilori has earned a shout for the first team. Chirivella and Brannagan should continue with the sporadic appearance in cups and brief league cameos. They're promising but need more time to settle in and get on the ball more.
Post injury I would agree. Like a headless chicken tbh. Someone needs to be next to him telling him what to do. Carragher would have deafened the ****er by now.
Said this many times he's a talented player but needs that experience next to him, if we get that experience into our back 4 a lot will change in regards to our defensive worries.
Lucas actually played well at CB - he's a better CB than DM that's for sure. But I wouldn't have him in defence - Ilori looked very good IMO, didn't get beaten all night (may be wrong), overall good on the ball, and brilliant covering and recovery pace. I like Smith going forward - he makes some great runs and does put the ball into some good areas, but he's so poor defensively that he makes Moreno look like Maldini - always out of position and doesnt even look bothered to come back and defend. Stewart has been the most surprising one - really didn't expect anything from him but he brings some energy and bite to the midfield. Looks limited technically but I think he has a chance. Pedro is the big star of the academy - I thought both he and Stewart did a really good job in midfield - better than Hendo, Lucas and Milner. Pedro does look lightweight but his style is all about finesse - positioning and grace on the ball. Tex continues to impress - looks so composed on the ball. Replace Lucas, Hendo, Milner and Lallana with the players above - take the chance because these young lads can actually play football. They're not afraid to get on the ball or sh*t themselves when they're surrounded. Our crap performances are very little to do with effort or mental strength - we're just simply not good enough. These youngsters played against a strong team and should have won.
Thing with Sakho is that he's a good player playing sh*t. Hopefully he can get back to the high levels.
He wont unless he has someone talking to him imo, he's not ready to lead a back line and unfortunately neither are any of our defenders. When our DM comes in and does a better job of organising than any of our CB's it shows how desperate things are at the back.
1. Two years ago I described teix as a sumptuous player. You can see it in him but he's got about 6 months to listen to Klopp and adapt physically. If he doesn't he won't play. 2. Stewart has done ok. He's shown he's got the idea tactically. Not sure he's good enough but he's done ok.... keep developing physically I think with games. 3. Pedro. Good experience. Park that one for now 4. Ilori. If the option is toure then he's earned a start. 5. Smith. Moreno is a liability. Has to have earned consideration. 6. sahko... he's 26? If he needs minding now he'll always need it. 7. Flanno. Better than Clyne negative game. Hard as nails again. Get him on pitch 8. Benteke.. awesome kid this
