Liverpool and Ajax: two sides rich with European history, and, finally, two sides drawn together on Europe’s biggest stage once again, asked to battle it out in the group stages.
And battle it out, they did. Not in the cleanest of fashions, yes, but on a cold, wet Amsterdam night, the competitive edge was clear as an own goal by Nicolas Tagliafico handed Liverpool the much-needed victory.
Liverpool Return to Winning Ways in Amsterdam
A Welcomed Clean Sheet
After conceding seven goals at Aston Villa, a further two against Everton, added by the loss of Virgil van Dijk, the pressure was on the new-look Liverpool back four to convince those watching on of their capabilities.
That pressure, however, didn’t show as an assured, and dominant performance from midfielder, now forced to turn centre-back, Fabinho ensured the silencing of the Ajax attack, but for a few nervous moments. Even as those shaky moments arrived, though, it was the Brazilian who remained nerveless, clearing from his own line to prevent an Ajax opener in the first half before going onto remain as calm as ever in the second period.
Joe Gomez, tasked with the job of partnering the Brazilian, looked much improved, too, in comparison to previous performances. His pace allowed for little error, and his composure on the ball helped recycle possession as Liverpool pressed and probed. The improved performance should serve spectators with a welcomed reminder of the Englishman’s ability in spite of the previously worryingly displays.
In truth, the performance, though not pretty, was impressive from the Liverpool back four who simply got the job done when many expected them to falter in Amsterdam.
Squad Depth the Key
Before the summer arrival of Diogo Jota, Liverpool were set for another season of seeing the likes of Divock Origi step up from the bench. The drop off in quality was simply too great for a team named champions of England. The arrival of Jota has allowed Jurgen Klopp to rest the front three without having to worry about that drop-off, as proven in Amsterdam.
The Liverpool manager was able to rest the tried and trusted trio of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino, and Mohamed Salah on the 60-minute mark, knowing full well his substitutions would not disrupt the game, but instead, help see Liverpool to victory. And they did.
The front three from the bench of Takumi Minamino, Diogo Jota and Xherdan Shaqiri settled in without hesitation, and, ultimately, helped see their side to an important away win, all whilst the usual trio watched comfortably from the bench.
And that’s the key difference for Liverpool between failure and glory amid a packed footballing schedule. It is that world-class squad depth and ability to rest the so-called more important players and still win an away game in the Champions League, which could prove to be the difference for the six-time winners of the competition.
The game against Ajax, which so crucially ended with a victory, puts an end to a torrid week for Liverpool which started with VAR drama and the injury to Virgil van Dijk. It ends, however, with an assured defensive performance and a reminder of the qualities in which the Premier League champions posses, even without star men.
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