The draws against Chelsea, Manchester City, Brentford and Brighton have really highlighted the loop in an almost perfect Liverpool side. A team that parades some of the best players per position compared to other teams have recorded two loses so far this season.
Thiago Alcantara and Naby Keita of Liverpool (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
The aforementioned games highlighted their shortcomings in game management that has often hampered the Reds this season and go some way to explaining why they are now six points behind the moneybags, Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table, who doesn’t look to drop any point soon after their derby win over their city rival, United coupled with the run type of opponents in their remaining games.
Those games had shown the importance of Thiago Alcantara and Naby Keita. The Reds seem to struggled without the two against high-pressing teams. Game management, which is known as one Jurgen Klopp men’s strength has now been more of weakness without the two former Bundesliga stars, maybe worsened by Gini Wijnaldum departure.
The midfield is the most important part of the team that allows a team dictate play at the expense of the opponents. When we’ll structured, they ease the burden on the defence and get the attackers services to leverage.
The evidence can be clearly seen in games where the two played, giving the best portion of the game. Naby Keita and Thiago Alcantara provide the much needed calm and composure in the hustle of the midfield, as well as executing their defensive duties excellently.
This attribute will surely be needed in their quest for the second league under Jurgen Klopp. Their hope winning will be much dependent on the result against Citizens and Brighton away from home. The run of games that will need them to dig deep to earn the maximum points.
Keita’s overall performance against West Ham on Saturday, including a last ditch effort to stop Antonio showed his importance and how vital his contributions will be in their last lap for the league while Thiago’s quality will also help (Liverpool are yet to lose when the Spaniard starts).
On other news, Roberto Firmino, Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara are all back in training in preparation for the second leg of the UCL against the Italian Champion, Inter Milan. The trio who missed the game against West Ham on Saturday. Roberto (Firmino) will return to action for the first time since the reverse leg at San Siro where he scored after coming on at half time.
Author: Muhammad A, AHMAD
