Liverpool enjoyed one of their most memorable wins over Everton on Sunday. Their young team featured several players who showed there isn’t any need for January signings. Here are three who proved just that.
Curtis Jones
We’ll start with the most obvious one. Jones scored a glorious match-winner in what was essentially an ultimate fantasy for the 18-year-old. It’s clear he’s a very exciting talent and one with a future at Liverpool.
Going forward, Jones proved that he can play – and win – against Premier League opposition. He’s versatile, too, able to play an attacking midfield role or out on the left. It’s difficult to see why Liverpool would look to sign anyone who could get in the wonderfully gifted Scouser’s way.
Neco Williams
Williams had a great game and proved beyond doubt that he can play at the top level. He’s obviously not perfect – Williams is still a teenager, after all – but his composure in defence and on the ball is brilliant.
His only real issue is that the right-back in the first XI is 21 and already the best around. But as a backup – for now – Williams looks as good as any signing would be. And he’ll only improve.
Takumi Minamino
Hardly a player whose position is under threat, having just joined a few days ago. But it’s more how Jurgen Klopp chose to utilise his new January arrival that suggests there won’t be further signings.
Minamino played as the striker in the ‘Roberto Firmino role’. So it would seem that Klopp isn’t looking to use a traditional number 9 anytime soon. Instead, we’ll see the more mobile ‘False 9’ that Firmino popularised at Liverpool, with Minamino offering cover for that role for the first time.
No star striker arrival this January, then.
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