Liverpool fans here in the Tavern are raising a glass or two tonight, as they see their side edge ever closer to Champions League knockout stages.
The Reds have been lacklustre for pretty much the duration of the season so far. Punters here had predicted a title challenge, but after only 11 games being played, these claims have slowly been withdrawn as hopes diminish as Anfield Road succumbs to silence.
However, it’s a different story in the Champions League, as they go unbeaten to sit in the top spot. With a European trophy triumph looking somewhat unlikely, the need to finish in the top 4 has gotten a whole lot more heated with 6 impressive sides hunting down the 4 spots.
Liverpool of late, have been riddled with injuries, to be fair. With key men such as Sadio Mane and Nathaniel Clyne gutted to be missing out after starting so dominantly in the early stage, youngsters have been given their shot as Klopp looks to enforce a touch of youth on proceedings.
For a manager that everyone would’ve loved to have at their club, the German has been the receiver of an awful lot of criticism. Firstly the failure to sign a defender has gotten him into a heap of trouble, with his current backline failing him at every step of the way.
Still, having performed impressively of late, all of this negativity seems to have quietened down.
However, some players have shone to get the club into the fine European position and contributed to some Premier League success, so they deserve their recognition.
So as Liverpool fans celebrate a European win here in the Tavern, here’s a look at 3 Reds players that have surpassed expectations so far this season…
Mohamed Salah
Its remarkable that a player who just didn’t get his chance for Chelsea to be back in the Premier League with a new side scoring goals left, right and centre.
Or, the tale of a certain De Bruyne all over again.
Liverpool won’t complain as the Egyptian has netted 10 times for the club, as he cements himself as their top goalscorer. His electrifying pace and incredible dribbling ability has had defenders contemplating their defensive qualities as no one can deal with the man.
For a team that is cursed with so many injuries of importance, it is vital that they can keep this man out of trouble for them to be on course for their best shot at a title.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
The 19-year-old right back has gained an awful lot of exposure to first-team football this season, in becoming a regular Champions League starter he has gained some vital experience.
Having chipped in with 2 goals so far this season, he’s made a valuable contribution towards the Champions League success. Looking to have a whole load of promise, he offers Liverpool an incredible free kick ability, lightning pace and unimaginable composure for a young man.
With a bright future on the cards for the young man, it’s important for him to continue to take his chances and with some luck can become a regular. With Gareth Southgate reaching out to youngsters, he’ll be chancing himself on pushing towards a call-up in the future.
Roberto Firmino
The Brazilian maestro has had arguably his best season with the Reds, having scored 7 goals and assisted 4 just a quarter of the way through, he has been inspirational in Liverpool’s attacking dominance.
If there’s a goal for the Reds, you can count on this man being involved in it. As a part of the most dangerous pairing in the Premier League, any defence faced with the task will find it a horror show.
The Brazilian has been inspired under Klopp, but the new system that’s been adopted, along with the signature of Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah has been the breaking point as they form what is almost a brotherhood.
So with you Liverpool fans having found your new king of the Kop, we wanted your thoughts?
