The Reds in the Transfer Tavern are very merry about Liverpool’s league position, but like fans of every team, they still find something (or someone) to moan about.
There have been a number of players who haven’t covered themselves in glory at times this season for Liverpool. Karius, Lucas, Henderson and Lovren all spring to mind. However, some of them have been singled out rather unfairly.
Football fans are notorious for having short memories, so I have chosen two players who have consistently repeated mistakes and shown little sign of improvement.
Einstein defined insanity as doing something over and over again and expecting a different result. As such, the manager and coaching staff at Liverpool should take some responsibility. Ultimately, however, the buck rests with the players.
Klopp may feel hamstrung by the lack of depth in certain positions meaning that he has little choice but to persist with certain players. However, injuries permitting, there are enough senior and youth players to rotate players who are not playing their best.
A reminder that no individual is guaranteed to start is healthy for both the team’s morale and their performances.
Do you agree with my choice of these TWO players? Let me know in the comments below.
Nathaniel Clyne
The England international has long played at the top of the game for both club and country, but like the rest of the established England fullbacks, his defensive abilities are second to his attacking talents.
Clyne’s positioning especially can make for painful watching, regularly being caught in no man’s land or napping in the opposition’s half. Not dissimilar to Victor Moses, Clyne uses his great speed and strength to get back and help the defence. A flying tackle looks good on Match of the Day, but the top teams will exploit his failings.
Equally as frustrating is after he uses his attacking instinct and impressive speed to get into good positions, he fails to deliver a telling final ball. He needs to consistently produce crosses of the same quality that saw him assist Lallana against Middlesborough on Wednesday.
With Trent Alexander-Arnold chomping at the bit on the touchline, Clyne should be taken out of the team and reminded that no one is safe from the chop.
Georginio Wijnaldum
The Dutch midfielder has started to de-anonymise himself in Liverpool’s midfield in the last few months, chipping in with a few goals and assists to boot. However, there are questions over whether he still exerts enough influence on a game.
I don’t believe he does. He has scored the same solitary goal as captain Jordan Henderson, but has assisted just half the amount of his fellow midfielder. This is from a player in a more advanced role.
Kevin Stewart should replaced the Dutch international. This would free up Henderson to play in Wijnaldum’s position, while ensuring that Liverpool retain a solid defensive screen.
