Liverpool may be suffering more and more midfield injuries, but it doesn’t seem to be affecting the Reds and their style of play. The team has continued their great run of form and still holds a comfortable lead at the top of the Premier League.
Liverpool Are Thriving Despite the Midfield Injuries
Who Is Missing
Liverpool is missing James Milner, Fabinho and Naby Keita in midfield. These men have been key in the Red’s season so far making a combined 33 Premier League appearances.
Keita, in particular, got injured at the most inopportune moments for him. After making a big-money switch from RB Leipzig, the Guinean has struggled. But, before his groin problem, the midfielder had started showing his worth. This was especially evident in the Club World Cup semi-final where Keita ran the game and scored a lovely goal.
As for Milner, the midfielder has been his usual self. Reliable and unbothered, the Englishman has played in several positions including left-back. He has chipped in with two assists and goals. The most memorable being a last-second penalty against Leicester City.
Finally, Fabinho has also been crucial. Before his injury, the Brazilian was in the midst of establishing himself as one of Europe’s best defensive midfielders. He hasn’t made a single defensive error this season. That’s without mentioning the absolutely incredible goal that he scored against Manchester City.
But even without these players, Klopp’s men have found a way to thrive.
The Men Who Have Stepped Up
While some teams may use midfield injuries as an excuse, Liverpool’s remaining midfielders have used it as a reason to take their games to another level.
Chief among those is Jordan Henderson. The midfielder has played in a deeper position since Fabinho’s injury and has been brilliant. He’s been so good that even opposition managers have been singing his praises.
“Henderson is the best midfielder in the world in his position,” said Flamengo manager Jorge Jesus. “Jurgen Klopp] never drops him, but the two offensive midfielders, [Naby] Keita and Wijnaldum, sometimes are replaced.”
Speaking of Wijnaldum, the Dutchman has also been solid, despite spending a small period on the sidelines. He has scored two goals and has a 90 per cent pass accuracy in the Premier League this season.
And then there’s Curtis Jones.
The young scouser has impressed this season. First, there was the winning penalty against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup. But another moment caught the footballing world’s attention.
As Liverpool battled Everton, the ball broke to Jones who took a wonderful strike that found the top corner. Anfield went wild.
In addition, Adam Lallana has also stepped up and been solid. Finally, new signing Takumi Minamino enjoyed a solid debut, but still needs time before his form really takes off.
Players Figuring It Out
While other teams may complain, Liverpool’s players just step their game up. If they continue to play like this than their 30-year wait for a league title will surely come to an end.
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