Liverpool secured a valuable victory last night in Russia, which makes us favourites to qualify from our Europa League group as winners.
Nobody performed badly, but these five impressed most, roughly in this order.
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5) Joe Allen
Clever and precise in the anchoring role. Our domination of possession was perfect for Allen, who linked defence with attack. He cleverly beat Rubin midfielders by letting the ball run into space, and ticked us over like a metronome all evening. Not the most challenging of matches for the Welshman, but it’s important to recognise that he’s been faultless under the new manager, and is proving a good backup option for Lucas.
4) Mamadou Sakho
Many Liverpool fans, us included, reckon that Sakho should be our vice-captain behind Jordan Henderson. He leads the side from defence, and did so again last night in Russia. His passing was always crisp and forward and he only ever misplaced it when trying to hit 40-yards plus. It’s no surprise that Liverpool haven’t lost a game Sakho’s played in this season.
3) Nathaniel Clyne
The energy Clyne showed at right-back was phenomenal, and if he could match it with consistent end product we’d genuinely be talking about one of the best fullbacks in world football. Offensively he sometimes lacks ideas but he doesn’t make mistakes at the back, which is more important. Pressed the Russians endlessly, and is one of the first names on Klopp’s team-sheet.
2) Roberto Firmino
Oozed class. His nutmeg and through-ball for James Milner in the first half was a thing of beauty, and he registered an assist for Jordon Ibe’s goal as well. Firmino’s skill and technical ability is perhaps only second to Coutinho in our squad, and Klopp will united the pair again on Sunday against Palace. The Brazilian won the ball back and constantly looked like making things happen. He’s clever, and the Russian defenders couldn’t track his movement. Hopefully he’ll register his first goal soon, as he fluffed a couple of chances in the first-half.
1) Jordon Ibe
Has a player made as much of a noticeable improvement since Klopp arrived than Ibe? Probably not. Following his excellent Stamford Bridge cameo, Ibe started on the right wing of the 4-2-3-1 and looked our most dangerous attacking outlet all evening. He had the beating of Rubin’s defenders all night, and showed he could take them down the line or cut infield. Finally, the teenager registered his first goal for Liverpool as well – running from just inside the opposition half unchallenged before slotting neatly into the far corner. Klopp’s been superb for Ibe already, and let’s hope the youngster can be equally as good for the new boss in the long-term.
