Player Ratings: F.C. Rubin Kazan vs. Liverpool F.C. - 0-1

 

Jürgen Klopp's men travelled to Russia for their Europa League match against Rubin Kazan. An eleven hour jaunt across Europe. Historically, English teams come home empty handed from Europe's east, where wins have proven hard to come by.

Klopp left no stone unturned, it seems. Rather than leaving key personnel behind at Melwood, the plane east consisted of a full squad. This says a lot of Liverpool's new manager, in my opinion. Every game and every competition this club competes in is important. I believe this notion has been lost over the last couple of years. Liverpool exist to win trophies and to do that the club needs its best players on the pitch.  

In yet another act of defying the odds, Liverpool came away with a victory and although it may not have been pretty at times, as they say, the only important thing in football is the result. A 1-0 victory away from home will be very much welcomed, not to mention another clean sheet; the third under Klopp, thus far. Three wins on the spin and although 1-1 draws can be a nasty habit, so can winning, and it seems the Reds are starting to realise this. The win now puts Liverpool in a good position to qualify for the Europa League group stages. It's also a nice shot in the arm ahead of their clash with Crystal Palace on Sunday in the Premier League.

Player ratings as follows:

Simon Mignolet - 6: A very quiet night for the Belgian, who probably needed a blanket at times due to the cold weather. 

Nathaniel Clyne - 7: Once again dependable and got forward well throughout.

Dejan Lovren - 6: Not a lot to do, but dealt well with what came his way. Strong in the challenge and looked good next Sakho.

Mamadou Sakho - 7: Once again imperious. Didn't lose a challenge all night and made a brilliant last ditch tackle during Rubin Kazan's most dangerous moment in attack.

Alberto Moreno- 6: A steady performance from the Spaniard. Provided nice width in attack whilst largely untroubled in defence.

Emre Can - 7: Along with Joe Allen, controlled the midfield. Once again, a tireless effort from the German.

Joe Allen - 7: A very tidy performance from little Welshman. Kept the ball moving and helped keep the shape when Liverpool found it hard to break down their opposition in the final third.

Jordan Ibe - 8 (Man of the Match): The young Englishman was Liverpool's most dangerous player and capped off his impressive display with his first Liverpool goal. An intelligent run and a very well taken goal. Very much looking like the player we saw last year.

James Milner (C) - 6: Almost opened the scoring within the first three minutes; his effort clipping the crossbar. Was also denied a goal in the second half. Tried hard but you feel he has a lot more to give this team.

Roberto Firmino - 6: Appeared frustrated throughout large parts of the match, however played a very clever ball to Ibe in the lead-up to Liverpool's match winning goal. The class is certainly there. With more game time, he will improve.

Christian Benteke - 6: Like Firmino, found it hard to break down Rubin Kazan's defence. Looked far more threatening once Liverpool went a goal up.

Substitutes:

Adam Lallana - 6:  A second half introduction. Looked dangerous on the counter attack.

Lucas - N/R: Introduced in the last ten minutes to help hold onto the lead.

Martin Skrtel - N/R: Liverpool's last substitution. Came on in injury time to run the clock down.

By Simon K. 

 

Player Ratings: Chelsea F.C. vs. Liverpool F.C. - 1-3

That's why we love the game of football. For all the dowdy days and indifferent results we endure as supporters, they are worth it just to experience the moments of complete and utter euphoria. Ladies and gentlemen. Without tempting fate, it very much feels like Jürgen Klopp has arrived in the Premier League, getting his first league win as manager in emphatic fashion. Yes, Liverpool have finally beaten a "top four" team (I hear the ironic sniggers considering Chelsea's current predicament, but you catch my drift) - a feat as rare as hen's teeth during Brendan Rodgers' tenure. A goal down at Stamford Bridge inside four minutes and you just wondered how on earth Liverpool would get themselves back into it, given the notable lack of goals and the damning statistics of picking up points once going a goal down.

Klopp works fast, though, it seems. If this result is anything to go by, the shift in mentality with this group of players appears to be seismic. The improvement, no doubt largely due to a six day break between games for a lot of the starting eleven. It also helped that most of Chelsea's starting eleven played 120 minutes midweek in the Capital One Cup away to Stoke.

Much will be made of Jose Mourinho and his current position at Chelsea. I won't speculate nor waste your time in any diatribes on the subject. Why? To put it bluntly, I don't like the man, therefore I'll choose not to speak about him. The day was simply about Liverpool. A win that defines a new era in the club's history. That's how much this victory means and, indeed, rates.

Player ratings as follows:

Simon Mignolet - 6: Apart from picking the ball up from the back of the net, it was a surprisingly quiet afternoon for the Belgium. Made a great recovery from Oscar's long range effort in the second half, after being initially caught off the line.

Nathaniel Clyne - 7: Liverpool's creative outlet in the first half, continuously marauding up and down the right hand touchline. Won several fifty-fifty challenges in the second half, too. Ever-present defensively and continues to improve in the final third. A player with a higher ceiling than most in the current squad.

Martin Skrtel - 8: His best performance in a back four formation for as long as I can remember. Commanding in defence with several important blocks. Had Diego Costa in his pocket all afternoon and had he made more of their altercation in the second half, the Spaniard would have been sent off.

Mamadou Sakho - 7: Yet another fine display from the Frenchman. His ability to read the game a real feature of his. Barely lost out in an aerial duel all afternoon and looked solid next to Martin Skrtel. A term not usually associated when the two are mentioned in the same sentence, however their partnership seems to be developing nicely under Klopp.

Alberto Moreno- 5: Not the best game from the young Spaniard, who reverted back to old habits, ball watching for Chelsea's opener. Unlike previous weeks, he also looked quite loose in possession throughout. Almost sealed the match late on with a counter attacking raid, which produced a good save from Asmir Begovic.

Emre Can - 7: A tireless effort from the German who provided able assistance to Lucas in controlling the midfield. Still needs to improve in possession but his work rate can't be questioned.

Lucas - 8: Grew into the game and dominated the midfield in imperious fashion. Had it not been for Countinho's brace, the Man of the Match honours would have been his. In the last fifteen years no other Liverpool player has continuously defied the odds as much as this man. A testament to his character. Despite the shower of plaudits, he probably should have been sent off for a second bookable offence prior to Philippe Coutinho's second goal.

James Milner (C) - 5: Despite the euphoric result, it was the skipper's worst game thus far for the club. Lost Cesar Azpilicueta for the first goal with a poor challenge and looked laboured in possession on numerous occasions. Was rightly substituted just after the hour mark.

Adam Lallana - 7:  Worked tirelessly off the ball, incessantly pressing in the attacking third. Was involved in some bright lead-up moments, none more important than the dummy for Christian Benteke's match sealing goal.

Philippe Coutinho - 8 (Man of the Match): The two goal hero. Rather sloppy in possession at times, but two superbly taken goals, which were both of the highest quality. Ended his goal drought, not to mention his previous lean run of form. A performance many would only dream of in the Premier League, particularly away from home against the reigning champions. The little maestro will hopefully kick on from here.

Roberto Firmino - 7: Despite playing in the unfamiliar role of lone striker, the Brazilian played his part, displaying some clever turns and found space where most wouldn't. Provided a clever pass to find Coutinho for the opening goal. Like his Brazilian teammate, he should garner a lot of confidence from this performance.

Substitutes:

Christian Benteke - 7: Proved to be the outlet Liverpool were crying out for up top. Took his goal like a proper goal scorer and was involved in everything positive for Liverpool in the attacking third. Going about his business in fine fashion and with very little fanfare. Brendan Rodgers' parting gift, it seems.

Jordan Ibe - N/R: A good substitution by Klopp, as the young Englishman provided an outlet on the counter. Heavily involved in the lead-up play for Benteke's goal. Preceding this, could have found himself on the score sheet with an effort which was deflected wide. Seems to have his groove back. 

Dejan Lovren - N/R: Introduced in injury time to run down the clock.

 

By Simon K.

Player Ratings - Capital One Cup: Liverpool F.C. vs A.F.C. Bournemouth: 1-0

Relief? Jubilation? A bit of both? Yes, the Capital One Cup was the source of Liverpool’s first victory under Jürgen Klopp. Although against somewhat weaker opposition in Bournemouth, Liverpool themselves weren’t at full strength, either, as Klopp looked to blood several younger players such Cameron Brannagan, Connor Randall, and Joao Carlos Teixeira. Not only was it a brave decision, it also proved to be the right one.

Although the Reds struggled to break their current trend by scoring no more than one goal, the positive was at the other end of the pitch, where they managed to keep a clean sheet. Adam Bogdan once again proved an able deputy to incumbent, Simon Mignolet, with several saves, one arguably the match-winner, in many respects.

The improvement of the back four will be a welcoming sight to many Reds supporters. Although it’s very earlier days, the signs are there of a defence that is improving. This is where games will be won, and moving forward tonight was a good springboard for the club in its quest to gain three points on Saturday at Stamford Bridge.

Ratings as follows:

Adam Bogdan - 7: Provided three great saves in the first half. His first kept the Reds in the game. Made an important save late on, too, which further demonstrated his abilities to step into this team and contribute. Although Simon Mignolet is the undoubted first choice at this moment, Bogdan has proven he can do the job, should he be called upon.

Connor Randall - 6: Struggled early on, but like many of his teammates, grew into the game and took up some nice positions in the final third. More performances like this will leave little doubt in the manager’s mind that he is capable to cover for Nathaniel Clyne, should Jon Flanagan struggle to come back from his knee injury.

Kolo Toure (c) - 5: Lasted just twenty-seven minutes before being substituted with a hamstring injury. Made one crucial header from a Bournemouth set-piece.

Dejan Lovren - 6: The much maligned Croatian put in a solid display on his return from injury. Very strong in the tackle and although he was bailed out late in the game by Nathaniel Clyne, he was assured for the most part. A sound comeback.

Nathaniel Clyne – 7 (Man of the Match): Despite playing out of position at left back, Liverpool’s liveliest summer signing was superb and capped off an all-round display with his first goal for the club. Still has more room for improvement, which is an encouraging sign for the England International.  

Joe Allen - 6: An up and down night for the little Welshman. Gave away the ball on numerous occasions, however worked very hard off the ball and helped keep the shape in midfield. Looked far more comfortable with Lucas’ introduction to the game. I feel he is a Klopp type of player, but needs to be more consistently assured on the ball.

Cameron Brannagan - 6: Didn’t appear overawed by the occasion. Struggled to get into the game, but off the ball he pressed well in a midfield that functioned as a unit. Will continue to grow with more game time, most probably in the Europa League.

Joao Carlos Teixeira - 7: It’s hard to believe this was only his second appearance for the club; his first at Anfield. It's also hard to believe he's older than the likes of Emre Can. Unlucky not to score with this back-heel towards goal. Looked a threat from set-pieces, too; a quality that Liverpool have severely lacked all season. Could very well break into the first team. An interesting option for Klopp.  

Jordan Ibe- 7: Looked lively from the outset, beating his man and getting to the by line with consummate ease. Like most wingers these days, his end product needs work, but with age and talent on his side, should improve this facet of his game.

Roberto Firmino - 7: Like Ibe, was very lively, constantly finding pockets of space in the final third. Should have put the game to bed midway through the second half, but other than that, it was a good performance from the Brazilian.

Divock Origi - 6: Once again, struggled to get into the game. His lack of movement in the final third made it difficult for him. Would be more suited with a strike partner. Plenty of time to work on certain aspects of his game.

Substitutes:

Martin Skrtel - 6: Played majority of the match in Toure’s absence. Looked assured and largely untroubled alongside Lovren. 

Lucas – 6: Introduced midway through the second half to shore things up. His presence lifted the intensity in the midfield, where Liverpool overran their opposition as the game wore on.

Adam Lallana – N/R:  A late introduction in place of Firmino. Continued to press in the final third.

By Simon K.

 

 

 

Player Ratings: Liverpool F.C. vs Southampton F.C. - 1-1

Jürgen Klopp’s first game at Anfield in the Premier League. That alone should have been a cause for celebration among many Reds aficionados. The result? Slightly disappointing. Even more so, considering the Reds weren’t too far away from securing three points. However, to say Southampton didn’t deserve a point would be an unfair statement. You could define Liverpool’s performance as lacklustre throughout parts of the match and until Christian Benteke was introduced at half-time, the Reds didn’t look likely. At times, Southampton looked threatening going forward on the break, but they too were also lacklustre throughout parts of the match.

If it’s one thing Liverpool supporters will have learnt over the last three games it’s this: the current situation requires time. This is no quick fix and Jürgen Klopp knows this as good as any other person.

I can’t emphasise the next two points enough. Patience. Solidarity; the principles this club was built on are now required more than ever. Don’t worry about the noise outside; the overwrought social media commentary, not to mention the drama of the written word from a section of so called football “experts”. These facets which encompass the hysteria of modern day football should be curtailed by our club’s principles. Things will turn. We just need to keep strong and think of two things. Patience. Solidarity. 

Ratings as follows:

Simon Mignolet - 6: Despite a brief wobble with his distribution in the first half along with one save from Virgil Van Dijk, it was another quiet evening for the Belgium. He did his best to keep out Sadio Mane’s equaliser, but it was beyond him.

Nathaniel Clyne - 6: Solid and dependable throughout. I get the feeling Klopp will want a bit more from him in the attacking third, but his defensive capabilities are undoubted.

Martin Skrtel - 6: Made several timely interventions, in particular one glancing header which kept the ball from falling to Graziano Pelle. Arguably his best game under the new regime.

Mamadou Sakho - 7: His impressive form continues. Largely untroubled and won majority of his aerial duals with conviction. Struggled to get into the match-day squad under Brendan Rodgers, now arguably the first name on the team-sheet.

Alberto Moreno- 7: Another great display from the young Spaniard. His tackle on Mane will dominate many a highlight reel. His incursions in the final third will be a welcome sight, despite the fact they failed to impact on the score sheet.  

Lucas – 7 (Man of the Match): Liverpool’s best player. Won countless tackles in the centre of midfield. Provided he can continue to stay fit, will be a permanent fixture in the midfield under Klopp, who evidently holds a great deal of trust in the Brazilian.

Emre Can - 6: Provided plenty of industry, but lacked creativity. His best work was done off the ball and not on it. Will look for further improvement. 

James Milner (C) - 6: Another up and down display from the England International. Provided a superb cross for Benteke’s opener, but then gave away a needless free kick which led to Southampton’s equaliser.

Adam Lallana - 6:  Tidy display from a player who – despite what some may suggest – continues to improve under new management. You feel he just needs a goal to really kick on from here.

Philippe Coutinho - 6: By his standards, the little Brazilian was poor. Gave away the ball in key areas of the pitch and was lucky his mistakes were not punished by Southampton on the counter attack. If Liverpool are to recapture their attacking zest, his form needs to improve. Benteke in front of him will help his cause.

Divock Origi - 5: Poor. Three games in eight days appeared too much for the young Belgium, who - simply put - wasn’t at the races. Substituted at half-time.

Substitutes:

Christian Benteke - 7: An imposing introduction, putting himself about from the opening whistle in the second half. Capped off the game with a header of world-class quality. Scorer of great goals and a great goal scorer? Time will tell, but the signs look positive for the man known as Big Ben. The big question is his long-term fitness.

Roberto Firmino - 6: An encouraging cameo from the Brazilian. Looked very bright with the ball in tight areas. A shoe in to start in the League Cup against Bournemouth in midweek. Could very well start at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, too.

Jordan Ibe- N/R: Introduced late in an attempt to hit Southampton on the counter. Won a corner, but didn’t have time to provide much else.
 
By Simon K.

 

 

Player Ratings - Liverpool F.C. vs F.C. Rubin Kazan: 1-1

Jürgen Klopp’s first game at Anfield. An interesting night, but before there is an overwrought inquisition from those that fail to understand the mechanics of football, an awful lot of credit must go to Rubin Kazan. To play away from home for fifty-five minutes with ten men and manage a point is no mean feat.

To those who thought it would be a foregone conclusion and three points in the bag to Liverpool on the basis of having a new manager (I include these so called “experts” in that, too); here’s the thing. The man now occupying the summit of Liverpool Football Club was appointed to eradicate the bad habits which had crept in under his predecessor. These things take time and some will do awfully well to remember that. Rome wasn’t built in a day. 

Furthermore, while the atmosphere at Anfield was much improved, here’s a message to those who left the ground early. Do you leave the cinema before the final scene? Very poor form and while I welcome objectivity, there is simply no room for it on this topic.

Ratings as follows:

Simon Mignolet - 6: Made one fantastic save which kept Liverpool in the game. Apart from that, he endured a quiet night. A noticeable improvement in his distribution, looking to move the ball much quicker.

Nathaniel Clyne - 6: Was caught out for Rubin Kazan’s opening goal. Looked unsure in the final third, too, however delivered two good crosses; one of which Christian Benteke should’ve at least hit the target.

Martin Skrtel - 6: The much maligned centre-half was initially caught too deep for Rubin Kazan’s opening goal. The Slovakian’s detractors will probably find a way to lay blame on his doorstep for the lack of communication with Clyne for the goal, however there’s not much he could have done on that front.

Mamadou Sakho - 7: Followed up his Tottenham performance with yet another imposing display. Liverpool’s best player, with several timely challenges which had the KOP chanting his name. Easily one of the most important players in the current squad and displays the desire required for this club.

Alberto Moreno- 7: One of the big improvers under Klopp. The young Spaniard’s energy has increased, while his defensive awareness has improved in leaps and bounds over the last two matches. His ability to track back has been a feature.

Joe Allen - 5: Was largely anonymous throughout his first-half outing. Substituted at half-time. One could argue that he was subbed as he continues on the road to full fitness. On the flipside, one could also argue that he was hooked.

Emre Can - 6: Liverpool’s goal scorer had an indifferent night. Carelessly gave the ball away on numerous occasions, but his will to win the ball back was a highlight. The young German is merciless in the challenge and once he improves his ball retention, he will be a key figure in this side.

James Milner (C) - 6: An up and down display from the England International. Plenty of industry, but lacked the final product. The performance was a summation of his Liverpool career, thus far.

Adam Lallana - 7:  Liverpool’s best player along with Sakho. All his performance needed was a goal. It appears we’re witnessing that extra twenty percent Klopp eluded to earlier in the week. Has more room to improve with his final pass but the ability is clearly there.

Philippe Coutinho - 6: Another quiet outing from the little Brazilian. Once Benteke assumes the role of number nine, I suspect we will see a vast improvement from him.

Divock Origi - 6: Was involved in the lead up to Liverpool’s equaliser. Apart from that, he barely had a sniff. His first touch is good, but still very raw. A big ask for such a young player with so little experience to lead the line.  

Substitutes:

Lucas - 6: Helped keep Liverpool’s shape in the second half. Won several tackles and already you can see that he has become one of Klopp’s entrusted soldiers in the dressing room.

Christian Benteke - 6: Put himself about and came close to the winner, hitting the woodwork. Should have done better with Nathaniel Clyne’s cross, but given this was his return after a one month lay-off, expectedly he lacked the sharpness. Will score goals provided he can stay fit and string together a good amount of games.  

Roberto Firmino - 6: Another player back from injury, he made some intelligent runs off the ball in-between the lines. It’s evident that there’s a quality player here. I imagine Klopp will feel he has some good things to work with regarding the Brazilian playmaker.

By Simon K.

 

 

Borrowed Time's First Birthday

As of today my first book, Borrowed Time, is one year old! Big thanks to those who have purchased a copy.

To mark the occasion, we've slashed the price (sleazy car salesman pitch, or what?). Pick up a copy from Amazon, iTunes, Barnes and Noble or Kobo for $3.99 AUD. Save you going to the currency exchange, that works out to be $2.90 USD and for my British comrades, 1.86 GBP. Cheaper than a cup of coffee from some hipster brewer joint! I believe it's even cheaper through Google, so break your leg to get over to the Google Play store. All the relevant links are located to your right hand side.

Stay tuned for further news regarding my second instalment in the vein of gritty realism. All going well, The Straight & Narrow, should be released by the end of this year. Just in time for Christmas. More to follow shortly.

Hugs, kisses, and all that hoo-ha.

Simon K.

 

Player Ratings - Tottenham Hotspur Football Club vs. Liverpool Football Club: 0-0

Well, they say International breaks are non-eventful. Much of the football world possessed intrigue at the news that Jürgen Klopp was appointed as the new manager of Liverpool Football Club. Those who support the club have been in a state of delirium ever since (I won't lie, I still am). Let's be honest; there hasn't been this much hysteria with a managerial appointment since Chelsea appointed Jose Mourinho back in 2004.

The feelings are hard to pinpoint. Walking down the street then breaking into a foolish grin with the stirring thought of "this guy's ours!" Let's just say it's a time to be feverously optimistic as an LFC supporter.

So, with a change in Liverpool's managerial "hot seat" (it isn't that hot, by the way. The man has all the time he needs, as far as I'm concerned),  I thought of manufacturing a few changes of my own. Check-in here after every match. I'll be doing my best to update you with player ratings.

As coincidence unfolded, Klopp's first Premier League match in charge against Tottenham Hotspur was indeed the same fixture in which Rafael Benitez took charge for the first time as LFC manager. To continue on this path, the same result followed. As subplots go, both Klopp and Benitez also signed their respective contracts in the same Liverpool hotel. A theme developing...?

Although the match ended in a nil all draw, the signs were positive, against a very good Spurs team, who seem very much on the up, with only one loss to their name this season, which came on the opening day at Old Trafford against Manchester United.

Against Spurs, we witnessed a snapshot of Klopp's master plan. Higher pressing and a far more aggressive style of play off the ball. Gegenpressing. Chaos football. Welcome, Jürgen. It's going to be "wild".

My player ratings as follows:

Simon Mignolet - 8: Man of the Match. Made several important saves, including one of his best in a Liverpool shirt against Clinton Mua Njie, who didn't do much wrong in his attempt to put Spurs ahead. Mignolet's shot stopping abilities have never been questioned. In fact, I would imagine his YouTube compilation would prove compelling viewing. His distribution remains a concern, however Klopp will move to try and rectify this aspect of his game.

Nathaniel Clyne - 6: Very aggressive off the ball and won several fifty-fifty challenges higher up the pitch. He seemed to defend as a wing back at times, covering for Can, whose pressing higher up the pitch was relentless.

Martin Skrtel - 6: Endured a tough tussle with Harry Kane, but made some timely interventions throughout. More suited to the sweeping role, so it will be interesting to see how Klopp assesses his style of play in the coming weeks. He's survived the cull from four different managers, so it wouldn't surprise me if he once again defies the odds.  

Mamadou Sakho - 7: A performance which illustrated why he is the best centre-half at the club. The away fans were singing his name and from there he grew from strength to strength. His goal line clearance was his major contribution in a day where, all told, he didn't put a foot wrong.

Alberto Moreno- 6: A very solid performance by the young Spaniard, who dealt with Njie's attacking threat for the most part. One who will certainly benefit from Klopp's pressing tactics.

Emre Can - 7: The young German was tireless in his preferred position of central midfield. His pressing was unremitting throughout, where his ability to break up play in key areas of the pitch led to several half chances on the counter attack. He also came close to a winner late on. Will no doubt flourish under Klopp.

Lucas - 6: A steady no-frills performance by the Brazilian statesman. He goes about his business proficiently, which will no doubt please his new manager. Another player who defies the odds year-in-year-out. Along with Can, provided good protection for a back four that hasn't been afforded such luxuries for the past six months.

James Milner (C) - 6: As many predicted, the skipper was shifted from the central midfield out to his more accustomed right hand position. Tucked in well  at times and given time, should strike up a solid partnership with Clyne on the right hand flank. We are yet to see his best, but his work ethic should please his new manager.

Adam Lallana - 7:  Started off the game brilliantly, breaking Spurs' backline with some impressive incursions. He drifted in and out of the game, but his pressing off the ball was impressive. Certainly a player who could shine under Klopp, provided he can stay fit for a prolonged period of time.

Philippe Coutinho - 6: A quiet day for the little maestro, but that was more to do with Spurs' ability to press off the ball. Both sides cancelled out one another for the most part, with Coutinho's opposite number in Christian Eriksen suffering a similar fate. A spate of injuries to Liverpool's strikers has hindered Coutinho's consistency this season.  

Divock Origi - 6: It was the young Belgium's first start in the Premier League and one which almost produced a goal. Really, he should have scored with his header hitting the underside of the bar. Did well in what could be described as somewhat of a baptism of fire. Raw ability, but possess all the attributes to contribute this season.

Substitutes:

Joe Allen - N/R: The Welsh International came on late to shore things up in the midfield. His ability to move the ball quickly is a quality Klopp will admire, so it will be interesting to see where he fits in.

Jordan Ibe - N/R: A nice cameo from the young Englishman. His direct style of play will prove important against tiring opposition. Created the opening for Can's effort late on, which went just wide.  

By Simon K.