Liverpool vs Ajax. A glimpse into the future?
I’m a bit strapped for time this week so rather than a complete ratings, I thought I would just concentrate on the role our academy players played in last nights victory.
Klopp said after the game that it felt like one of our biggest European nights since he’s been at the club. I’m not sure too many would agree with that particular sentiment but I do understand his point. To be without 3 out of 4 of our first choice back line and our first choice keeper and still keep a clean sheet against a free scoring Ajax team, is a great achievement.
Kelleher has taken a bit of stick from some of the fan base, myself included but he put in a really solid performance, with one great save in particular second half to keep the scores level. Confident, good distribution and would have been my pick for McMOTM.
Neco next and a much improved display. I’m not going to get too excited by the assist, if we’re being honest it was an overhit cross with his weaker foot but still. I was happier with his all round game though, keeping it simple and tight defensively. Do I ever see him as a starter for us? Probably not but hopefully he’ll continue to develop and either be adequate backup or we can make a few quid off him.
That brings us to Curtis Jones, the current jewel in the academy’s crown. Brilliant take for the goal but as impressive, was his decision to gamble on the keeper making a mess of it and be in the right position. The keeper duly obliged and Curtis gets himself a Champions league goal to his name. He’s only going to improve and perhaps unlike the other two mentioned, I can see Curtis having a long career with us.
Finally Herr Klopp. Jurgen seems to have the capacity to mix and match formations, lineups, academy players, players playing out of position, anything that the game can throw at him and still produce a performance that more often than not, delivers the result we need. It’s a testament to his tactical acumen and his legendary man management and it rubs off on the players. There’s been interviews with Hendo and Robbo recently and they make no excuses about injuries etc. In fact, defiance is probably the tone they use when quizzed on the various issues this season has thrown at us.
Next up, Wolves at Anfield and it’s going to be another patched up defence. I’ll be hugely surprised if Kelleher doesn’t keep his place and injury dictates that Neco will start again. Robbo could really do with a rest but can we leave him out against Wolves? I’m not so sure we can.
Whoever plays, I have faith in Klopp he’ll get it right. He’s earned that much. Thoughts on the academy players then troops? Future mainstays or handy squad players just passing through?
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