Liverpool finally managed to beat West Bromwich Albion in a tight game that finished 2-1, ending their woeful form over the past few games. Prior to this match, Liverpool drew in the Merseyside Derby after back-to-back losses versus Aston Villa and West Ham, claiming just one point of the available nine in the last three Premier League games. Liverpool also lost in the Champions League tie versus Swiss side FC Basel, and it took them penalty shootouts to take care of Middleborough in a Capital One Cup game. This victory comes as great relief to boss Brendan Rodgers, particularly when coupled with the fact that the next week’s international break could’ve had a bad psychological effect if they had drawn or lost to the West Midlands side. In this piece, we shall note what we learnt from Liverpool’s season so far.
It’s the same old story with the defence
The Merseyside club conceded ten goals in seven games, just as many as they scored, while they kept a clean sheet in only one game. The defence has been below par and most of the goals have been conceded due to lack of communication or improper marking, especially during set pieces. Dejan Lovren has had a shaky start to life in the centre of the Liverpool defence. His aerial contribution leaves much to be desired. Goalkeeper Simon Mignolet needs to be more vocal and commanding in the penalty area.
Lallana was an amazing buy
The purchase of Adam Lallana was initially written off as overrated, but the Englishman proved his doubters wrong; his performances in every game has been excellent and he’s given his one hundred percent effort in all. His creativity, footballing intelligence and unpredictability works well in the left flank of the Liverpool midfield, suddenly cutting in with quick feet and taking an effort on goal. His one-two pass with Jordan Henderson leading to a sublime finish taking Liverpool into the lead was an outstanding move.
Borini should be above Lambert
Rickie Lambert was a very good buy, he was bought cheaply, he scored regularly for Southampton, he is experienced and a committed cover for the other strikers. But he should start cup games, not Premier League games. He’s a target man, very similar to Mario Balotelli. Fabio Borini, on the other hand, is young and full of energy; he will run at over-hit passes and try to create something. That kind of pressing and energy is very useful, especially against the tired legs of the opposition. He can be used as a decisive option from the bench.
Balotelli is not effective as a lone striker
Mario Balotelli is used as a costly scapegoat for Liverpool’s uninspired performances recently, and his reputation in England has just multiplied that. However, the 24-year-old has rather shown good work rate and determination to prove the sceptics wrong. Better return in terms of goals is expected by supporters, but Balotelli just isn’t the loan man up front kind of a player, and thrives on having another striker for support. He linked up with Daniel Sturridge really well, and that could be a partnership to watch out for when the English international comes back from injury.
Marković needs time
Lazar Marković has amazing potential; anyone who has good knowledge of the game can see that. However, the Serbian was overhyped before he played in England, and hence, the expectations when added to the physicality and speed of the English game which he had never experienced before made life tough for him. He was constantly bullied off the ball and he couldn’t create anything meaningful with his dribbles. With time, he’ll gradually improve and become an important member of this squad.
Spanish duo is Liverpool’s fullback future
Alberto Moreno and Javi Manquillo have been exceptionally consistent with their performances. They both attack with a lot of pace and incision, providing delicious crosses into the box. Moreno scored his first league goal in spectacular fashion after running almost the length of pitch and slotting the ball precisely into the bottom right corner, while also showed accurate crossing ability, notably the one for Balotelli against Ludogorets which proved a decisive goal. Manquillo has been very solid while defending and also ran deep into the opposition defence, as shown when he won the penalty against Ludogorets which proved to be the winning goal. When Jon Flanagan gets back, he’s going to have a tough time trying to claim the right back role with Manquillo’s impressive performances and Glen Johnson’s return to fitness.
Henderson is Liverpool’s best player currently
Jordan Henderson put in once again a stellar performance showing how important he is to the Reds. His pinpoint long balls are essential to Liverpool’s play and his tireless pressing and harrying of the opposition has made him the most efficient ball winner in Liverpool’s squad. The fact that he makes 3.4 tackles per game and 1.9 interceptions while also scoring a goal and assisting three this season shows his proficiency in both defensive and offensive parts of his game. His late runs into the box are literally what won Liverpool the last game. This attribute can make him a goal-scoring midfielder, something Liverpool would adore to have especially after the loss of Luis Suarez.
Everything will be better when Sturridge is back
The striker guarantees you one thing: goals. Once he is back, the dynamism and chemistry of the Liverpool side that amazed spectators last season will be present and the midfielders will have one more player to run after their through passes. The 25-year-old recently signed a new long-term contract with the Merseyside team and nothing would be a better return than a comprehensive win against Queens Park Rangers.
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