Capital One
Cup quarter final away to Southampton. On paper, tricky to say the least. A
goal down within the first forty-two seconds? No problems! Many have been surprised
at how little time it’s taken for Jurgen Klopp to implement his football
manifesto at Liverpool Football Club. Since his arrival on that second week in
October we’ve seen signs of it – most notably away from home, against the likes
of Chelsea and Manchester City.
Whilst I
agree with this view, prior to his appointment, I’m not sure many of these
people knew just how good the players at Klopp’s disposal were. Simply put,
while I truly admired Brendan Rodgers, by the same token he simply wasn’t getting
the best out of his players and although it may appear to be indictment on the
former Liverpool manager, his successor must take a great deal of credit for
the shift in mentality.
Add the
combination of Klopp’s guidance and the playing group’s collective ability and
you have a team that – in my opinion - can challenge on various fronts. Once
again, tonight we witnessed how damaging this team can be, absolutely
demolishing a Southampton side that are no slouches themselves. It was a major step
forward for the Reds, who now face Stoke City in the Carling Cup semi final.
Ratings
as follows:
Adam
Bogdan - 6: Could do nothing for the goal and other than picking the ball up from
the back of his own net, the Hungarian had little to do.
Connor
Randall - 7: Grew into the game after picking up a yellow card
so early on. The youngster made a very good account of himself in Nathaniel
Clyne’s absence.
Martin
Skrtel - 7: Like Bogdan, had little to do throughout the
match. Some say a centre half is at his best when his name is barely mentioned
throughout the telecast of a match. Can’t really argue with that.
Dejan
Lovren - 7: Despite the earful he copped from the St Mary’s faithful, he once again
gave a good account of himself in the heart of Liverpool’s defence. Made a
vital challenge early in the second half when Southampton tried clawing their
way back from 3-1 down. The Croatian continues to grow in confidence.
Alberto
Moreno- 7: Some may say he switched off for Southampton’s opener, but it’s
questionable as to whether he was actually switched on to begin with. From
there he grew into the game and provided a rasping shot which looked like the
third until his teammate, Divock Origi, claimed to get a feather on the shot.
Also provided an assist for the fourth, well and truly atoning for his first
half error.
Lucas (C)
- 8: His
organisational skills are paramount to how Klopp wants his team to play. The
Brazilian didn’t put a foot wrong. Although he will never grab the headlines,
his work will never go unnoticed by the Liverpool faithful.
Emre Can
- 8: It’s
hard to believe the young German is only 21. He was imperious. His pass for
Sturridge’s second among the best assists of the season, thus far. Very unfortunate
to pick up his fifth booking of the season, meaning he misses the weekend’s
trip to Newcastle.
Joe Allen
- 7: Failed
to get a kick in the first ten minutes, but like many of his teammates, grew
into the game. His pass for Sturridge’s opener was sublime. Another who won’t
grab headlines, but once again, the little Welshman provided a tidy display.
Adam
Lallana - 7: Solid for the duration of the match. Along
with Lovren, he copped the booing treatment from the home fans. Like Lucas,
Lallana is an essential cog in the machine which Klopp operates. He hasn’t
shown up on the score or assist sheet as many might have hoped, but his role in
this team is an important one.
Divock
Origi – 9 (Man of the Match): Not only did he score his first Liverpool
goal (in slightly fortuitous circumstances), he added a further two; the second
a rollicking shot that beat Maarten Stekelenburg at his near post. The young
Belgian looked so much more comfortable with another strike partner. His performance
will give Klopp a nice selection headache ahead of the weekend’s trip up north.
Daniel
Sturridge – 8: Back with a bang. His performance really had it
all and encapsulated Daniel Sturridge as the footballer we all know he can be.
The finish for his first was trademark Sturridge; making something difficult
look easy. His second highlighted just how good his movement is off the ball.
Even with aid of perspective, should he stay fit, the sky is the limit for this
football team.
Substitutes:
Jordan
Ibe - 8: Introduced to counter Southampton’s change of formation. The
swashbuckling Englishman provided an assist for Origi’s second, while scoring
one of his own; a very well taken effort, which was reward for his recent good
run of performances. Will only grow in confidence playing with the likes of
Sturridge.
Jordan
Henderson – N/R: Another game to build up his match fitness. The
Englishman may be knocking on the door of the starting XI this weekend now that
Emre Can is suspended.
Brad
Smith – N/R: The young Aussie looked bright, providing a great cross
for Origi’s third. The left back appears to be an able deputy for Moreno.
By Simon
K.
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