In the end, what matters is the results and the pride they bring. Any Reds player would have been in a horrendous 2-0 win in an instant, and the lack of injuries for the Reds or anyone else was a nice change from recent games. There was still plenty to enjoy, with new derby debutants shining and making a big impact on the afternoon’s events. However, this doesn’t mean it’s all positive and there are some concerns on the minds of some fans right now. On our left we now have everything.
In attack, Liverpool certainly have options in that area and Luis Diaz seems to be the favorite at the moment in that role. The Colombians weren’t at their best in this game, but they still won us a penalty and we were probably unlucky that it wasn’t checked by VAR. If not Diaz, then, say, Diogo Jota, Cody Gakpo, and Darwin Nunes have all proven capable of filling that role. Jurgen Klopp wanted everyone to be ready in this situation and they all jumped down the left, including a spin run with everything but a final pass or finish.
There are plenty of options on the left side of midfield with Ryan Gravenbirch starting the game where most of his teammates are inaccurate. The Dutch youngster was sent off after an impressive performance with several successful dribbles and a passing accuracy of 97%. The £34m former Bayern Munich player has Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Premier League, Luis Diaz, Jurgen Klopp, Ryan Gravenburch, Andy Robertson, Kostas Tsimikas, Virgil van Dijk, Diogo Lotta, Cody Gakpo , Darwin Nunes and others. This one. Alexis McAllister, Joe Gomez and Anfield pushed Curtis Jones into a starting spot. That was until Alexis McAllister completed six trials before getting the chance to play in his current position at the club.
It may be horses, but now every player can assert their rights. With Andy Robertson’s shoulder injury requiring surgery and keeping him out until the new year, the options at left-back are causing some concern. Kostas Tsimikas failed to shine in this game and many United players looked to him to allay their concerns. Anfield will always have their backs, but there was a palpable sense of tension when the Greeks were under pressure or their distribution became disorganized. He wasn’t the only one, but it was no wonder the left-back appeared unrecognizable after 62 minutes.
Of course, Joe Gomez has been suggested as an option and Chambers and Scanlon are likely to find their opportunities in the Cup.You can’t judge everything from one play, but despite the optimism that feels right and natural right now, the biggest prizes often come with the smallest margins. The underdogs look at the team’s strengths and weaknesses, which sums up Liverpool’s current left flank. While forwards and midfielders provide threats, key components and clear options to other teams, the full-back position can be part of team discussions for other reasons. Virgil Van Dijk’s return to top form in this game will be very timely and Robbo will miss any criticism he faces.
Liverpool has always been a left wing city and for good reason. Now he needs every player on the left flank to shine.
