Football News: Player Overview Of The Liverpool v Southampton Match

Well, I don't think Liverpool could have aptly described their season in just one match, but I stand corrected. The match also highlights just how much work needs to be done. However, rather than focusing on incoming, I think a lot of attention needs to be made to player sales.

For me, we are over encumbered with deadwood. Players that either do not have the ability any more, or the desire to be better. This match exemplified that very fact to me.

Honestly, I think we need to gut this team. Bring in a few more hungry players, promote the youth and use the Europa League to develop them.

I'm going to give an overview on what I thought of today's performance, from each starter. Apologies for the length, but today had me speechless and baffled. You would think, on Milner and Firmino's last Liverpool outing, they would have shown more.

Keeper.

For me, we should take whatever is offered for Kelleher. He has survived on a reputation based upon his penalty saving heroics, not his overall contribution. He was horrendous today. I could not believe how poor he was. He doesn't dive, just drops to the floor. Competent Goalkeepers know how to launch themselves across, to make themselves big while doing so, Kelleher literally drops like a stone. I'd take 10 million for him, he is nowhere near 25. If we over-value him, ala Phillips, then we will be stuck with him.

Right Back.

Trent, shocking defensive awareness, illustrated for what must be the hundredth time. This system is a short term fix for a long term problem. However, the solution is actually really simple, in my eyes. Move Trent to RCM, and bring in a proper and better balanced right back. Trent is a creative genius, who can affect play to great effect further up the pitch. However, the space he leaves on the transition is amateur at best, asking Fabinho or Hendo to fill it is laughable. Sometimes a simple problem has a simple solution, and Trent needs to be moved to midfield.

Centre Backs.

Matip, thank you for your service, but it will not be needed any more. I get that Klopp likes him, as a player and a background personality, but he has regressed beyond what we need. He was poor today, headless without Van Dijk's constant guidance. 15 million seems fair, sell and bring in a real challenger at the back line.

Gomez, I will admit I have never, ever, rated him. And, with good reason. He was shocking, worst player on the pitch. He has no awareness of danger and retreats so far when one on one that he would end up caught in the goal net, if the striker doesn't instead play it around him. Don't care if he is English, he is bottom Premier League level and will never be more. 10 million, probably less.

Left Back.

Tsimikas, honestly don't know. He wants to fight for every ball, will wade into any 50/ 50 challenge, but my fear is that he doesn't have the brain to make these complex decisions. He vacates his space so often, Robbo does the same but has the pace to cover. Tsimikas does not. Honestly, not sure whether to sell. Would not lose sleep over it. We need money to finance future moves, and he is a sellable asset. 15 million, maybe 20, at a push.

Defensive Midfielder.

Fabinho, it hurts to admit but his regression has shown no signs of abating. I love Fabinho, was over the moon when we signed him. That player is no more. This Fabinho plays in slow motion, runs in slow motion and reads the game in slow motion. We desperately need an upgrade. No matter what system we use next season, it will fail as long as Fabinho is at its heart. 30 to 40 million, as many teams may not be aware of the issues yet.

Centre Midfielders.

Milner, not sure why he started to be honest. Grateful for what he has given but his powers have been waning. And not just as a player, but as a leader too. I hear so many people talk about Milner being a great leader, then will turn around and say this season has gone to the dogs because of a lack of leadership. For me, Milner should have been sold two years ago. The fact we didn't was negligent. Fantastic on his day, but we have seen the worst version of him for two years now.

Curtis Jones, the only player in the first half who was playing with any fire or desire. Was looking to get on the ball while others hid, pressed opposition down with real intensity. Let down by his midfield partners that failed to follow his example. Jones will be a great squad option, as long as he avoids injury. His resurgence came at the same time as the teams, coincidence? Interesting what happens when you put in a player with desire and motivation to do better into our midfield, that lacks both components.

Right Wing.

Salah, frustrated me to no end. He could not care that there were other players in better positions to receive the ball and score. All he cared about was getting that 20th goal of the season. He never looked up, always angling for a shot on goal, regardless of angle. Will give him benefit though as he provided goals and assists this season, that were sorely needed. Still think he was poor and anonymous, but suspect that was due to structure and tactics rather than his own commitment. Still, think we should consider selling before he walks out on a free. Could still get a lot for him. However, would not mind if he stayed either.

Left Wing.

Jota, did what he does best which is put the ball in the back of the net, twice. Was looking to probe often, but teammates rarely found him or even looked for him. He has been a vital spark to this team. Potentially also our best finisher when you consider his conversion rate. Will be a great front 3 option moving forward, must not be sold because he can tip a match to our favour even when the cause looks hopeless. Very few like this. Those that say sell, would regret it.

Striker.

Firmino, what a player. Yes, he cost us a goal, and a very stupid one at that. But, his contribution since joining under Rodgers, has been second to none. Incredible player that I will miss dearly. Needed to go the season before, however. The fact we lose him on a free is criminal.

And, on this point, I want to talk about Klopp this season, not just this match. For me, he is the reason Liverpool have competed at the very top these last five years. No one else could have done it, especially when you consider the fortunes he is battling against. He has give me my biggest highs as a Liverpool fan.

However, this season is his fault. His stubbornness, failure to adapt time after time, poor decision making has cost us Champions League football. He has been the worst manager this season, without question. I have been left baffled by him and, if he does not get things right next season, then he should be let go.

From our midfield crying out for reinforcement for 3 years, to ignoring viable targets in pursuit of the one, leaving us threadbare. To his substitutions, tapping up of players, embarrassing statements in press conferences. He has been awful and holds the majority of the blame for our regression, with FSG included.

My hope is that Klopp can find a ruthless streak, gut this team and start again. However, my fear is that he can not reinvent on his own work, struggles to say goodbye to player that have done so much for him. The best managers in the world knew what needed to be done, I only hope Klopp has it in him too. Although, considering we let 4 players walk out on frees, tells me what I already feared.

Fingers crossed next season improves, I suspect any success may come down to the performances of Gakpo because he has been nothing short of sensational since joining. He will become the heartbeat of this team, ala Firmino. Only time will tell.

Written by LFC-S MANGO May 28 2023 20:23:53