LIVERPOOL’S DUE CREDIT

As it stands, they are the only team in the English Premier League with a 100% record; Liverpool have played 6 games and won them all. Man City and Chelsea recently lost their claim to that record; and while it is still early to talk title credentials for Liverpool (especially the reasons why they will not win it…because of their legendary bottling habits), it should be noted that Chelsea (2014/2015 & 2016/2017), Leicester City (2015/2016), and Man City (2017/2018) were on top at around this period in their respective title-winning campaigns. It guarantees nothing for Liverpool but you can’t argue about any credit they’ve earned at this point. They deserve every single credit.

Let’s talk about the squad. It looks like a title-winning squad with key components like tricky Brazillians (Firmino, Fabinho), tenacious Africans (Mane, Keita), confident Dutchmen (Van Dijk, Wijnaldum), simple Englishmen (Henderson, Milner), all guided by a German conductor (Klopp). It’s fair to say that the club has paid a lot of attention to what it really needs.

Starting from the back is Alisson, who has been a major upgrade to Karius and Mignolet. The Brazilian shot-stopper oozes confidence everytime the ball is around his area. It doesn’t matter how many goals he has conceded. You’d actually think he has saved every shot on target. He can do that to you, even when you’ve seen the score. He’s that good. I’d want him on my team. No wonder Liverpool can easily go for goals anyhow. They don’t believe they’ve conceded or they CAN concede.

The Centre-back pairing must have Van Dijk in it; whether it’s with Lovren, Gomez or Matip. If the big Dutchman isn’t there, there will be a problem (as we will find out in games, this season, where he will not be used). His ability to organize and ACTUALLY defend rubs off on whoever partners him…and that helps the entire defensive unit. He’s capable of getting a goal or two as well. Just have him in the box and put the ball in the air. Few can battle him in the air. Very few.

In midfield, all the central players are ball-players of the highest caliber. Even the ones that are tasked with the ‘dirty work’ are good enough to be playmakers. Fabinho and Keita are good at both creating chances and reclaiming possession. It’s a rare gift. Add that to the likes of Wijnaldum, Henderson ad Milner and you have one of the most intriguing midfields in the EPL.

Up front, enough epistles have been written about the front 3: Mane, Salah, Firmino. Ably supported by Shaqiri, Sturridge and Lallana, goals are not a problem. The flying full-backs Trent-Arnold and Robertson are superstars on the flanks. Chances are guaranteed in every game.

On top of all these is a manager who has won against the big boys before. Klopp’s time at Dotmund is defined by his sheer audacity to wrestle the Bundesliga title from Bayern Munich; keeping it away from the ‘traditional rulers’ for about 2 years. He’s very keen on doing it again. It will be much sweeter doing it with the likes of Man City, Chelsea, Man United, Arsenal, Tottenham and (of course) Everton watching. Just like when Guardiola savoured achieving the exact feat last season, Klopp will be looking for his moment as well. He’s certainly on the right path.

Liverpool will be hard to stop with the arsenal they have. Many will point to their defensive structure (or a lack of it) as one reason they won’t go all the way. Some say that injuries (from playing in too many competitions…don’t forget that Sturridge, Gomez and Lallana have physio appointments already booked despite being fit…for now…lol) could play a role as well. In my opinion, I think the level of their ambition will decide. How badly do they want to win it? Can they show it in every game…even when they’re not winning? That, for me, will decide it for them. Regardless, I’m excited to see how far they can go.

Later.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *