Three Liverpool stars really improved their standing in the squad vs Ajax. Three more, however, can certainly do better than Tuesday.
Shining
Curtis Jones
Of all the Liverpool stars who shone vs Ajax, Jones shone brightest. The 19-year-old undoubtedly improved his standing, proving he can step up on the big stage even when the more experienced players can’t.
Jones is developing into an incredible player and Tuesday was a wonderful reflection of that. He consistently threatened the Dutch goal and may have secured himself a starting place for the rest of the year.
Neco Williams
Williams needed this. The Welshman has struggled this season, frequently looking out of his depth.
While the first-half wasn’t perfect, Williams stepped up in the second. He looked far more solid and his teasing cross eventually brought the winner.
It was the big moment he’s been looking for and Williams can, hopefully, kick on from this.
Caoimhin Kelleher
No player increased their standing more than Kelleher. He’s gone from a forgotten member of the squad, better known at U23 level, to someone who will surely start for Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday.
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The Irishman played well without being truly outstanding but it was more than enough. We could well see quite a bit more of Kelleher.
Dull displays
Mohamed Salah
A frustrating night for Salah. Teammates continuously failed to find him with passes but the Egyptian also didn’t finish his few chances well.
That’s three blunt performances in a row from Salah, who can hopefully find his best form on Sunday against Wolves.
Sadio Mane
Mane looks tired. Even though he didn’t start against Brighton, the Senegalese winger still didn’t look at his sharpest vs Ajax.
Hopefully, the five days between now and Wolves work in his favour and we can’t see him facing Midtjylland next week.
Mane likely just needs rest because this was far from his best display.
Diogo Jota
The first game in a while where nothing came off for Jota. He made poor decisions, some poor passes, and just didn’t seem to click.
Not that it’s a worry at all – this was bound to happen. Jota has been electric since arriving at Anfield but not every game will be perfect.
The interesting thing now is to see how he rebounds against his old club.