Liverpool Analysis: Diogo Jota Messages Sadio Mane As Marko Grujic Raises Transfer Question

Grujic raises a transfer question

As Jurgen Klopp’s first signing, Marko Grujic will always have a particular place in Liverpool’s history books.

That, however, has seemed the most the Serb would achieve at Anfield after spending the last two years on loan at Hertha Berlin and, heading into this season, he has not played for the Reds since December 2017.

But the unusually early schedule for this season’s Carabao Cup has given the midfielder an unexpected setting in which to shine.

Grujic was neat enough last week in Lincoln City, improving his speed against League One opponents and scoring his first Reds goal in the second half.

Arsenal offered a much more severe challenge. And he more than delivered, helping Liverpool dominate the engine room battle while at the same time proving to be a threat in the Gunners’ area on set pieces with his height.

The Reds remain open to offers for Grujic with Borussia Moenchengladbach in the box to reach a deal before the transfer deadline on Monday night.

This performance will have at least strengthened Liverpool’s hand at the negotiating table.

And, if the asking price isn’t reached, Klopp will know he has another defensive midfield option he can rely on.

Jota sends a message

Diogo Jota proved enough during his brief cameo on Monday that he is not one to stand at the ceremony.

And Liverpool’s £ 41m new signing gave further proof against Arsenal that when it comes to gaining attention, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah can expect a little more competition.

Only in the first half, Jota was involved in a dispute with Arsenal midfielder Dani Ceballos, an Iberian rivalry, for sure, and could have caused a penalty from the same player.

He also hit a header that was brilliantly stopped by Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno, the ball falling for Takumi Minamino to hit the bottom of the crossbar from a matter of meters shortly before half-time. A costly mistake in the final analysis.

Early in the second half, Jota was hit from behind by Grant Xhaka, typically fake and contrite. The Portuguese dusted himself off and moved on.

And, while Jurgen Klopp has stated that they will use him primarily on the left, Jota’s ability to run from a center position saw him rush to a good pass from Curtis Jones before getting another excellent save from Leno.

However, the evening was less encouraging for Divock Origi, who appears to have slipped further down the pecking order on the attack line. His missed penalty in the penalty shootout was certainly not the best moment.

Williams on the double

Social media rarely represents the general consensus, especially when it comes to soccer.

The vocal minority will always make the loudest noise and, following last week’s Carabao Cup victory in Lincoln City, Neco Williams found himself in the line of fire.

Get more reactions with our Blood Red post-game podcast HERE

Sure, it wasn’t his best performance. But it was still a strange reaction from some fans after a 7-2 win.

Indeed, Reds assistant coach Pep Lijnders was forced to comment that fans should, well, support.

Williams, for his part, did not appear too disturbed by the strength of this performance, which highlighted the qualities that caught the attention of Jurgen Klopp in this tie last season, when the Welshman made his senior class debut.

The 19-year-old more than defended himself against Arsenal’s £ 72 million man, Pepe, with a determined and tough defensive display and, more importantly, he was more composed when in possession.

Alongside him, the namesake Rhys Williams was equally impressive in his first start at Anfield, less dependent on Virgil van Dijk compared to last week and growing in confidence during the second half when he was alongside Joe Gomez.

Liverpool’s exit from the Carabao Cup may make another loan deal for the center-back more likely. Based on this evidence, a league club, after spending last year at Kidderminster Harriers, would be a welcome step forward.