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Despite what happened yesterday at Goodison Park, let’s focus on the positives of what was a rather fierce Merseyside derby. Liverpool looked strong from the get-go, and it certainly seemed to have put an end to the demons of humiliation at the hands of Aston Villa.
The negatives of Saturday’s game are obvious, so there’s no point wasting time with them now that the dust is starting to settle. What’s done is done, and Jürgen Klopp faces some great days to prepare his players for a great knockout during the week in the Champions League.
Let’s look at the positives of the match, and there were a few, there’s no question about it. Goals from Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah were taken wonderfully, and there were also outstanding performances from players like Andy Robertson and Roberto Firmino. Much of the preparation for the game was dominated by the prospect of seeing Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcântara together in the same midfield. We got that wish, and it really was a sight to behold.
Thiago looked like a player who has been at Anfield for several years, instead of just a few weeks. You can tell he has been to the biggest stages and has won the most prestigious awards soccer has to offer. The class and poise he possesses on the ball is something Liverpool have been crying out for in the middle of the park since Xabi Alonso left a decade ago.
Leaves a bit of a bitter taste in the mouth that Thiago might as well be ready for a spell on the sidelines. It should be noted that it is not confirmed, but it will dampen spirits a bit after the 29-year-old performed so well in a tough encounter.
He is not the tallest of the players, yet many times we saw him pass in front of the opposition as if they weren’t even there, and that’s before you get into his passing range. The standout pass was when he threw a ball to Mané, leading to what everyone thought was a victory goal from Henderson. Much of what will be talked about will be about the offside decision, but that would hurt Thiago’s pass. It was a prominent reel ball type, that’s for sure.
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He then backs that up with Henderson coming back to the side that proved, once again, why he’s a riveted starter on this Liverpool team. Leading by example and not letting any Everton player rest for a moment, a true captain performance. His bonding game with Thiago was something to behold, and it certainly exceeded the seismic expectations we all had before kickoff.
Henderson and Thiago have dominated the conversation so far, but let’s not forget Fabinho’s performance at Goodison. Very often when he does his job well, he goes unnoticed and doesn’t make headlines, and this was one of those occasions. The Brazilian picked up a lot of fumbles and exchanged good passes with his midfield teammates. He, along with almost every other red jersey player, played like they had a point to prove.
This was the first time Jürgen Klopp was able to see what many would consider his dream midfield in action, and he did not disappoint. All three players fit in well and certainly won their individual battles in the middle of the park in what was, for the most part, a frenzied match at Goodison.
A case could also be made for including Gini Wijnaldum in the mix for a spot in top midfield. There is still a question mark about his future, with his contract expiring next summer, but at least for now it’s part of Klopp’s plans for the season.
We can only hope that Thiago does not face a long period without being available for selection. The last two performances he has performed justify the commotion that surrounded him before and after his arrival. Add an extra ingredient to Liverpool’s midfield that no other player provides. Not a criticism of the rest of the team, Thiago is just a one-of-a-kind player that any team in the world would be grateful to have on their books.
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