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Editor’s column: Alberto Moreno’s cameo gives Brendan Rodgers a ‘Rafa Benitez option’ down the left
Nathaniel Clyne could be the right-back we’ve been searching for since Marcus Babbel
Since Babbel’s illness stopped him fulfilling his Anfield potential, Liverpool have tried a number of right-backs, with mixed success. Steve Finnan was solid as a rock but not very dynamic, the less said about Josemi and Jan Kromkamp the better, Alvaro Arbeloa didn’t stay long enough, while Glen Johnson was the opposite problem of Finnan. Clyne though is 24-years-old, a natural defender and just as good going forward. His Man of the Match performance goes someway in suggesting that the £12m spent on his services was very, very sensible business. It’s so reassuring to have an utterly dependable fullback who also offers measured creativity down the flank. Well done to Brendan Rodgers and the transfer committee for the purchase.
Christian Benteke does NOT just stand centrally
While his goal made the back-pages, it was Benteke’s positioning that was perhaps most interesting, and most promising. His detractors upon arrival claimed he needed service centrally, and didn’t possess the work-rate or movement to fit into our style. But the giant Belgian showed he’s so much more than a target-man. On two occasions, he chased a hopeless cause by the corner flag and won possession back, setting us up for an attack. If he can carry on in this vein, while being a little more ruthless in front of goal, he’ll win over his doubters quickly.
Simon Mignolet is still underrated by the media and many fans alike
No other Premier League stopper has kept as many clean-sheets (11) as Simon Mignolet in 2015. He’s solid, and took crosses exceptionally against the Cherries early on and later when they began to press. Most impressively is Mignolet’s ability to hold on to pinged shots, or driven crosses. He rarely ever spills them or parries them – but it rarely draws any praise either. This season he’s been asked to attempt more long kicks, and his ability to land it on Benteke’s head has been noticeable as well. A promising start to the season.
Coutinho needs to be clinical as well as brilliant
Four of Coutinho’s last five goals have come from outside of the area, but last night he had two guilt-edged chances from inside the box. The first fell to him gloriously on his left, and it was criminal to miss the target from 12-yards out. The second came to him when Benteke fired a low cross into his feet, but his first touch meant he had to volley the finish. Better control would have seen him directly through on goal. We’re all aware of our Brazilian’s genius, but in order for him to elevate himself into one of the world’s very best players – he needs to be more clinical in front of goal. His overall performance was exciting, but better finishing would have won us the game much faster.
Anfield needs to a cauldron even when the opposition is on top
As the game started, Anfield was at it’s fiery, passionate best – and the Kop was in full voice. But as it wore on, and Bournemouth dominated parts of the game, Liverpool fans grew nervous. It’s of paramount importance that we’re even noisier when the opposition have the ball, intimidating them into a mistake. Versus Manchester City in 2013/14, every Sky Blue touch was heckled and whistled, and we celebrated throw-ins like goals. Not every match will be like this, but if want to make Anfield a fortress, we need to frighten the opposition a little more.
