Liverpool recorded a 4-1 victory over Genk in the Champions League on Wednesday. The Reds were assured in possession and showed a number of flashes of brilliance on their way to a comfortable victory over the Belgian champions. Perhaps the most satisfying part of the victory was the attacking midfield lineup that Jürgen Klopp named, now he has to stick with it.
The Reds midfield has been impotent at best for large portions of the season. Liverpool’s approach play has lacked inventiveness and this eventually cost the Reds a win against Man United, well that and Martin Atkinson. Jürgen Klopp has had to rely on the brilliance of his front three for Liverpool’s unbeaten start to the season.
The boss has consistently selected a midfield that features Fabinho behind two out of the three of Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Gini Wijnaldum. Fabinho is the best defensive midfielder in the world, playing another defensively minded player with him in midfield is far too negative for a team as attacking as Liverpool.
Wednesday night saw Jürgen Klopp fully unleash his midfield for the first time this season. The Reds started with Fabinho, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita in the middle of the park. The Ox netted twice to repay the gaffer’s faith. Keita was fantastic throughout the game, he was tenacious in the tackle and determined with his pressing – more importantly he was always looking to move the ball on quickly and he consistently displayed the flair that the Reds have missed in their approach play.
This attacking midfield lineup is what Liverpool need to overwhelm teams that sit back against them. Now Jürgen needs to stick with this successful trio. Of course, pragmatism dictates that in certain games the inclusion of Henderson will be needed in order to thwart strong opposition. However, when we are strong favourites, Klopp needs to back Fabinho by playing Oxlade-Chamberlain and Keita.
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