Five things we learned from today’s draw – will we make the top four after this result…
Liverpool were held to a frustrating draw by Everton in the latest Merseyside derby. It was a disappointing game that lacked chances for either side, but was at least lit up by encouraging performances form a couple of our young players.
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Here are five things we learned from this evening’s game:
5) Jordon Ibe has a bright future at Anfield
The teenager caused problems with his pace, trickery and direct running. If he continues to progress at the rate he has over the last 18 months, a period which has included productive loan spells with Birmingham City and Derby County, then he will enjoy a bright future at Anfield. The prospect of Sterling, Ibe and Coutinho all playing at the peak of their powers in five years time is mouth-watering.
4) Our Brazilian contingent is crucial
Both Lucas Leiva and Philippe Coutinho were withdrawn against Everton. The former was forced off inside 20 minutes and was replaced by Joe Allen, while the latter was sacrificed in favour of Daniel Sturridge ten minutes into the second-half. The remainder of the game summed up exactly why the pair are so crucial to our team. Allen simply can’t play the same role as Lucas in front of the defence, while we lack creativity without Coutinho.
3) Emre Can is well placed to become our best defender
The young German has been in exceptional form since he was called upon to become an emergency defender in mid-December. He has improved rapidly over the last two months and is arguably now one of our most important players. It will be interesting to see whether Kolo Toure or Dejan Lovren will be able to force their way back into the team, or whether Can will ever return to being a defensive midfielder after enjoying such success in defence.
2) Liverpool are well-set for life after Steven Gerrard
The Liverpool captain put in a performance full of passion and determination against Everton, but the signs are that perhaps he has chosen the right time to call it quits on his Reds career. Our performances without him in the side have been continually impressive this season, while there are a whole host of players waiting to take his place in the side – Adam Lallana and Lazar Markovic to name just two that didn’t start today.
1) Jordan Henderson needs to calm down a bit
Gerrard’s likely replacement as Liverpool captain – Jordan Henderson – is another player that exudes passion, but maybe he’s been a bit over the top in recent weeks. As BBC journalist Phil McNulty put it after another incident in today’s game: “Henderson booked for his increasing habit of getting involved in arguments that have nothing to do with him. Naismith booked too.” Just calm down a little bit Hendo!
