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LFC 20/21 – The Good, The Bad and The Ugly – Gameweeks 29 & 30

Ben Green

No longer under siege in the league, but among champions outclassed and fatigued. A defender is overlooked and everyone’s spooked. The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. Another week reviewed at the world’s favourite football club Liverpool F.C.

The Good

Returning to winning ways. A hard fought 0-1 win against Wolves and a top drawer 0-3 dismantling of Arsenal have given Liverpool a shot of a top four finish. What seemed a world away this time last month now looks like a doable task after a couple of impressive results.

The defensive duo of Ozan Kabak and Nat Phillips is beginning to show signs of developing into somethings of promise – at least against – with respect, less illustrious opposition (see The Bad). The three clean sheets are beginning to instil some faith in the pair.

Phillips is becoming somewhat of a hero, scooping Liverpool’s Player of the Month award. A deserved accolade. That said, I’d personally have put Fabinho before him had he not been injured for most of the period. The teams return to some semblance of form is no coincidence with the Brazilian’s return to his favoured midfield position.

His assured displays have given the team’s midfield a more solid, let alone competent look in recent weeks. Add to that, the return of Diogo Jota who’s goals inspired both results and we have something like a half decent side.

The Bad

Outclassed against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinal first-leg match, losing 3-1 at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano in Madrid. A thoroughly miserable night for the Reds who simply couldn’t cope with their Spanish opponents.

Phillips and Kabak were made to look like the stand-ins that they are as they were brought back down to earth following some recent promising performances. In particular Kabak probably sealed a return to Schalke 04 on this showing.

When we consider the reported £18m cost of retaining his services compared to Nat Philips who was on the verge of being sold (almost certainly) for less than a tenth of that, I fear another calamitous piece of business coming up from Liverpool. Every bit as scandalous as paying £20m for the ageing Thiago Alcantara and refusing to reward Gini Wijnaldum for his exemplary service to the club.

If you want to go to the semi-final, you have to earn the right to do so

The increased urgency from Liverpool in the second half done little to suggest they could over turn the 2-0 half time scoreline. Mo Salah took his goal well. However, when compared to the attacking threat on display from Real, I don’t see Zinedine Zedane splashing the cash for the Reds’ number 10 anytime soon.

I struggle to understand what the little ‘high maintenance‘ Egyptian can really add to their team. Still, if it means Liverpool can get £100m for him, then why not.

Captain for the night Wijnaldum seemed pretty optimistic on social media after the game “We’ve got a big challenge ahead of us, but it ain’t over till it’s over”. Given Liverpool’s home form this season in an empty Anfield, you could be forgiven for thinking it already is over. “If you want to go to the semi-final, you have to earn the right to do so…” bemoaned Jürgen Klopp post-match. “We didn’t do that tonight, especially in the first half” a fair summary.

The Ugly

The furore over Trent Alexander-Arnold’s omission from the England squad for the last round of international fixtures. Gareth Southgate has come in for stick from all sides for leaving the 22 year-old out of his squad, citing poor form as the reason.

“I don’t think he’s played at the level he’s been at during the last few years,” said Southgate. As disappointed as I am for young Trent, I have to say I agree on this occasion. To be absolutely fair, he hasn’t played anywhere near the level was at last season, or the season before that.

We can talk of injuries etc. but at the same time a quality international footballer should be able to adapt to the tactical changes Klopp has been forced to employ. In my opinion, I think he could do with a rest. If it means he’s going to play like he did against Arsenal as a result, then he can be dropped more often for me. Most would agree, he hasn’t been at his best this season.

Pundit Gabby Abgonlahor claimed Trent’s defensive work isn’t up to scratch and to be fair, that’s probably true. He is far better going forward than defending. For ‘safety-first‘ Southgate, this won’t work. Last night’s poor header which lead to Real Madrid’s second was a perfect example.

Roll on the Euro’s. If Trent can improve his form and play as he did against Arsenal, then I’m sure he’ll be in the final 23. If not then more disappointment awaits I’m afraid, and justified also. The question will be: How will he react?

Next Up

We have the home fixtures against Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday, followed by the return leg of the Champions League quarterfinal on Wednesday. Both very important games for different reasons.

While you’re here…

The latest book from the The Good, The Bad and The Ugly weekly is out now. Relive this historic season. Available for purchase on Amazon, or directly from The LFC File. Click here to secure your copy. Either as an eBook (€5) or as a physical paperback (€8).

Ben Green

Avid LFC supporter for 50 of his 53 years. Seen it all, ups and the downs. Now praying for a return to winning ways. Whichever way it comes!

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