Damon Savenelli discusses three talking points from Liverpool’s 2-1 win over West Brom.
Liverpool continued their winning form with a 2-1 win over West Bromwich Albion on Saturday. Goals from Sadio Mane and Philippe Coutinho helped the Reds secure all three points. This win now means the Reds have not been defeated in seven matches – Klopp and his men are off to a great start. Here are three things we learned from Saturday’s match.
Adam Lallana is underrated
Until recently, Adam Lallana was seen as an average player. In the past year, the former Southampton skipper has flourished under Klopp’s leadership.
Lallana is oftentimes a guaranteed starter. Liverpool fans have always appreciated the Englishman’s work rate, but there was always something missing from his game. Under Klopp, Lallana has certainly found what he has been missing. Rather than just working tirelessly to win the ball, Lallana now has a purpose to his game.
His superb dribbling and passing now help to connect the Liverpool midfield to the Liverpool attack. Due to a groin injury, the 28-year-old came on as a sub on Monday night against Manchester United. As soon as the match kicked off Lallana’s presence was missed. There was a disconnect between the midfield and attack, which meant it was difficult to get the ball into attacking positions. Once Lallana was subbed on in the second half, he immediately bolstered the attack.
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The game against West Brom made supporters realise how instrumental Adam Lallana is to Liverpool’s attack. I believe Lallana is severely underrated amongst other fanbases, and even by some Liverpool fans. With three goals and three assists, Adam Lallana is off to a great start.
Joel Matip is proving his worth
Signed on a free from Schalke 04 this past summer, Joel Matip has performed wonderfully. Standing at 6’5”, the Cameroonian’s sheer height allows him to win almost every aerial duel that he partakes in.
On Saturday, Matip was involved in a few crucial defensive clearances. A powerful and graceful defender, Matip is always there to stop the opponent’s attacks. The number 32 was all over the pitch, once again showcasing his ability. Arguably the best part about Matip is the fact that he did not cost a single pound. While clubs such as Manchester United, Manchester City, Everton, Chelsea and Arsenal were spending £12-£50 million on central defenders, Klopp was negotiating a bargain.
Although Liverpool has struggled to keep clean sheets thus far, it seems as though Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren have formed a formidable partnership (sorry Sakho fans).
Firmino and Mane are beginning to form a deadly partnership
With seven goals and three assists between the two of them, there is only one word to describe this duo: deadly. Roberto Firmino continues his stellar form with 12 goals and 5 assists in 2016. Sadio Mane’s Liverpool career has also gotten off to a great start. The two attackers have EPL defences all over the place.
Firmino’s technical ability and Mane’s raw pace, complement each other incredibly well. This was on display on Saturday. The Brazilian found some space and played a stunning ball into Mane who finished off the goal coolly, giving the Reds a 1-0 lead. Hopefully, there is plenty more in store from these two.
The Reds now sit joint top of the table with Arsenal on 20 points each. Klopp’s men will face off against Spurs in the Football League Cup on Tuesday.
Those were the three things we learned from Liverpool vs. WBA. If we missed anything, let us know in the comments below.
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