Before kick-off last night against Everton, not even the most reliable ITKs within the club – journalists or avid match-goers – would have predicted a midfield three of Gini Wijnaldum, James Milner and Adam Lallana. It is the oldest possible midfield Jurgen Klopp can possibly choose from, and it certainly raised a few eyebrows pre-match.
After the news of Fabinho’s long term injury, many Reds wondered what sort of midfield Klopp would go for over Christmas without the Brazilian. As for last night, he went for the old guard and experience.
Klopp knew that Liverpool would be facing a rattled, agitated Everton side looming over the relegation zone. It was key that Liverpool never let any late tackles or off-the-ball words get to them; see Andy Robertson’s reaction to Tom Davies as an example.
However, if there is anything last night highlighted, it was that the centre of the park isn’t at the forefront of the manager’s mindset and that Liverpool’s main attacking outlet comes through the wing-backs and onto the front three. Everton time and time again persisted with a high line, meaning simple over the top balls kept Michael Keane retracing his steps all night.
What Liverpool needed was players to fill the void of Fabinho to break play down and feed Trent and Robertson simply. But most importantly, Liverpool’s starting line-up last night had players who were pretty much on the fringes, given a huge, huge chance to prove their worth.
Divock Origi and Xherdan Shaqiri also deserve honourable mentions for their performances, showing fitness levels and tenacity of first-team regulars. It showed that right through the squad, Liverpool have players more than comfortable with stepping in and doing a job.
One thing is also for certain: the dreaded worries of us losing Fabinho for a lengthy amount of time will be more relaxed following the win.
