For a brief flicker Manchester United gave Liverpool fans hope. When Marcus Rashford took the lead against Pep Guardiola’s side, some of us believed it was possible that United would get a favourable result in the Manchester derby.
Of course, that all came brutally crashing down in the second-half. Manchester City completely dominated United by that point, and the goals kept coming. Guardiola’s brilliant pressing game hurt United too much. Phil Foden scored a quick double to turn the game in City’s favour.
And Erling Haaland turned the third into the back of the net, to deal United a cruel blow. City’s third goal was especially cruel in the way it was conceded. Guardiola’s heavy pressing game paying dividends as Sofyan Amrabat was caught in possession and dispossessed.
It was a moment Amrabat will not want to look at. But it was another moment which highlighted just why Jurgen Klopp made a genius decision for Liverpool in the summer.
Wataru Endo was a masterstroke from Jurgen Klopp
Last summer, Jurgen Klopp had a choice between Sofyan Amrabat and Wataru Endo to sign after missing out on Moises Caicedo. In the end, Klopp opted for Endo over Amrabat, who ended-up joining Manchester United.
At the time, Amrabat was probably the most well-known player, having put in some excellent performances at the World Cup for Morocco. Endo, meanwhile, was more under the radar. Fans questioned Klopp’s decision.
But it has proven to be a masterstroke. Amrabat has struggled all season, as highlighted by his error against Guardiola’s side at the weekend. On the other hand, Endo has since become a cult hero at Anfield, and has produced some excellent performances. The Japanese international has clearly been the better of the two players by a long mile.
It just goes to show. Sometimes you have to trust the instincts of the manager. Klopp clearly knows the Bundesliga well, and he very much knew what he was doing by bringing Endo to Anfield.
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