500 Words – Day 27 – The Dirtbag

Liverpool with Chances-a-Plenty

On Sunday, Liverpool face a key tie against Southampton in the chase the for Champions League places, with five clubs within seven or eight points of Manchester City who currently lie in fourth. And who knows, with this topsy-turvy season and no one team being capable of putting a decent string of results together, it could be none of the usual clubs dining at Europe’s top table next season.

Liverpool though are starting to appear comfortable under Jurgen Klopp’s leadership. The Reds are undefeated in 10 games in all competitions after knocking out Manchester United from the Europa League 3-1 on aggregate. The side is settling down as well, following a rash of injuries and a fixture backlog. Three of their best players have now been starting matches regualrly together. Daniel Sturridge who has returned from injury, creates more space for his teammates with his clever movement and intelligent running. Roberto Firmino is now the club’s top scorer, and occasionally drifts out of games but then reminds you of his quality like the pass that drew the foul on Nathaniel Clyne for the penalty against Manchester United in the first leg. And of course, Phillipe Coutinho has also recently returned from an injury layoff. These three players combined have helped solidify Liverpool’s results.

It also must not be forgotten that the Reds have conceded very few goals in those previous 10 games. Again, Klopp was forced to chop and change his two centre-backs after injuries and suspensions, with Lucas even making a few appearances in what was an unfamiliar role for him, but one in which he performed admirably. Now, both Mamadou Sakho and his Croation compatriot Dejan Lovren have established themselves as the first choice pairing, somethign Liverpool fans have been waiting for for some time.

Liverpool-v-Manchester-United-Europa-League

The midfield duo has settled as well. Emre Can and Jordan Henderson evoke memories of an old-fashioned central midfield pairing, both of who are able to motor forward or sit and hold. Can has fully blossomed into one of the best players at the club, something he had always threatened to do but was only able to after an extended run of games in the side. Henderson, despite playing with a chronic foot injury for which there is no cure except continually playing on it until it ruptures, has performed well as captain. He still leaves a lot to be desired when he arrives in front of goal, but maybe he just needs one to hit the back of the net to gain the confidence to score more.

At the weekend, for the game against Southampton, it’s expected Divock Origi will come in for the fragile Sturridge. This is no bad thing at all, as the Belgian has looked lively when being brought on as a substitute and can ably step in to give the English striker a rest. In addition, Christian Benteke, Liverpool’s second most expensive signing, sits waiting in the wings.

The Reds still have a lot of work to do, but challenging for fourth spot is still possible as they sit only seven points off Manchester City and they have 10 games remaining with a game in hand. If Klopp can gain them a respectable finish this season and add quality to his squad for next, expect to see Liverpool challenging for the top Premier League spots again.