5 Lessons learnt from opening day win over Stoke
5) A defensive midfielder is needed in the side
Liverpool started with Jordan Henderson and James Milner in central midfield and the two did well. One thing you are guaranteed from those two is that they are going to run non stop for 90 minutes. But at times during the game you could not help but feel, having a dedicated player sitting in front of the back four would give the side a whole lot more safety.
When Emre Can came on for Lallana in the second half, Liverpool looked a much better side and totally started to look solid in midfield. There are many games left in the season and I am sure Brendan Rodgers will look at the opposition first and see if a defensive midfielder is needed to start the game, but generally it would be more advisable to play with one considering the shaky defence of the Reds.
3 responses to “5 Lessons learnt from opening day win over Stoke”
I wouldn’t say Lovren played well, he was too easily beaten which left Gomez exposed. If BR is continuing to play him to build up his confidence he’d be better doing that in the reserves leaving Sakho to regain his place.
Please, please, please Brendan, notice the effect of bringing on Can as a defensive midfielder. We were much better. Milner and Henderson were freed to think about going forward more but between the three of them we were much more solid.
is it too much to consider Lovren and Sakho ? A competent Lovren my just highlight how susceptible Skrtel is to making mistakes.
I quite agree with you on point 5, we really need a balanced defensive midfielder to provide a shield for the back four. Attack minded opponents will easily take advantage of our defensive lapses if we start without a player that can really provide that needed protection. It’s good we got the win we desire, YNWA till I casket!!!