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Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel is suspended for the visit of Leicester with Kolo Toure likely to step in as a replacement.
Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel is suspended for the visit of Leicester with Kolo Toure likely to step in as a replacement.
Fellow centre-back Dejan Lovren only returned to training this week after missing the last three matches with a groin injury and is more likely to feature in the weekend's FA Cup tie.
Captain Steven Gerrard returns to central midfield after being rested on Monday against Swansea.
Left-back Paul Konchesky is suspended for Leicester's trip to Liverpool after his sending off in their 1-0 win at Hull on Sunday.
Andy King is also sidelined with a thigh injury which is also likely to rule him out of Saturday's FA Cup tie with Newcastle but Jamie Vardy is back after a ban and Tom Lawrence is in the frame after his loan at Rotherham.
Kasper Schmeichel is out with his broken foot while Matt Upson (foot) will also not return for a few weeks.
Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel is suspended for the visit of Leicester with Kolo Toure likely to step in as a replacement.
Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel is suspended for the visit of Leicester with Kolo Toure likely to step in as a replacement.
Fellow centre-back Dejan Lovren only returned to training this week after missing the last three matches with a groin injury and is more likely to feature in the weekend's FA Cup tie.
Captain Steven Gerrard returns to central midfield after being rested on Monday against Swansea.
Left-back Paul Konchesky is suspended for Leicester's trip to Liverpool after his sending off in their 1-0 win at Hull on Sunday.
Andy King is also sidelined with a thigh injury which is also likely to rule him out of Saturday's FA Cup tie with Newcastle but Jamie Vardy is back after a ban and Tom Lawrence is in the frame after his loan at Rotherham.
Kasper Schmeichel is out with his broken foot while Matt Upson (foot) will also not return for a few weeks.
Brendan Rodgers has told press he expects Liverpool to be involved in little, if any, transfer activity on the eve of the January transfer window.
Speaking at his Melwood press conference ahead of Thursday’s Premier League clash against Leicester City at Anfield, the Reds boss was in a reflective mood.
Looking back on 2014
“It’s been another year of progress. Over course of 2014 we’ve made significant strides forward. If you look at points total over course of 2014 only two clubs sit above us.”
On Daniel Sturridge‘s return from injury
“From what I’ve heard, he’s making good progress. He will be back here to finalise rehabilitation in early January, so he should be back playing mid to late January.”
On activity in the January transfer window
“There won’t be much if any transfer activity from us during the January transfer window. I don’t think January is a good time to spend. I’m happy with how the group is progressing after tough start to the season.
“If there’s something that can improve us (in January), I’ll take that to the owners.”
On an improved performance against Swansea on Monday
“The goal that pleased me most the other night was the second goal. That’s us at our best, when we’re pressing as a unit.
“We put a lot of thought, a lot of time into this formation. Worked daily on it on training field. They all feel comfortable in it.”
On Dejan Lovren‘s current injury
“We’ll see how Dejan is tomorrow. If he’s not fit to face Leicester, he’ll be back for the next game.”
.
Brendan Rodgers has told press he expects Liverpool to be involved in little, if any, transfer activity on the eve of the January transfer window.
Speaking at his Melwood press conference ahead of Thursday’s Premier League clash against Leicester City at Anfield, the Reds boss was in a reflective mood.
Looking back on 2014
“It’s been another year of progress. Over course of 2014 we’ve made significant strides forward. If you look at points total over course of 2014 only two clubs sit above us.”
On Daniel Sturridge‘s return from injury
“From what I’ve heard, he’s making good progress. He will be back here to finalise rehabilitation in early January, so he should be back playing mid to late January.”
On activity in the January transfer window
“There won’t be much if any transfer activity from us during the January transfer window. I don’t think January is a good time to spend. I’m happy with how the group is progressing after tough start to the season.
“If there’s something that can improve us (in January), I’ll take that to the owners.”
On an improved performance against Swansea on Monday
“The goal that pleased me most the other night was the second goal. That’s us at our best, when we’re pressing as a unit.
“We put a lot of thought, a lot of time into this formation. Worked daily on it on training field. They all feel comfortable in it.”
On Dejan Lovren‘s current injury
“We’ll see how Dejan is tomorrow. If he’s not fit to face Leicester, he’ll be back for the next game.”
.
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers provided an update on Daniel Sturridge‘s fitness at his pre-match press conference ahead of the New Year’s Day fixture against Leicester City.
Rodgers confirmed that Sturridge, who has been in the United States for the last month as part of his recovery programme, will return to Merseyside in early January and is expected to be back fit and available in “mid to late January”.
“He will be back here to finalise rehab in early January,” Rodgers told reporters. “He should be back playing mid to late January.”
The 25-year-old hasn’t played for Liverpool since August, initially being injured while away on international duty with England in September, before picking up another injury on the eve of his return in November.
Meanwhile, the boss also updated on Dejan Lovren‘s fitness. The Croatian has been missing since picking an injury in the League Cup win at Bournemouth.
“We’ll see how Dejan is tomorrow,” said Rodgers. “If he’s not fit to face Leicester, he’ll be back for the next game.”
.
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers provided an update on Daniel Sturridge‘s fitness at his pre-match press conference ahead of the New Year’s Day fixture against Leicester City.
Rodgers confirmed that Sturridge, who has been in the United States for the last month as part of his recovery programme, will return to Merseyside in early January and is expected to be back fit and available in “mid to late January”.
“He will be back here to finalise rehab in early January,” Rodgers told reporters. “He should be back playing mid to late January.”
The 25-year-old hasn’t played for Liverpool since August, initially being injured while away on international duty with England in September, before picking up another injury on the eve of his return in November.
Meanwhile, the boss also updated on Dejan Lovren‘s fitness. The Croatian has been missing since picking an injury in the League Cup win at Bournemouth.
“We’ll see how Dejan is tomorrow,” said Rodgers. “If he’s not fit to face Leicester, he’ll be back for the next game.”
.
Two campaigners at the forefront of the Hillsborough fight for justice have been recognised in the New Year Honours list.
Margaret Aspinall, chair, and Trevor Hicks, president, of the Hillsborough Family Support Group are both honoured for their services to the families of the 96 Liverpool fans who died in April 1989.
Mrs Aspinall is quoted in the Liverpool Echo as saying she didn’t know whether to accept the award at first: “I wanted to be sure I was doing the right thing – we have been fighting the establishment all these years and have gone through so much.
“I had to break confidentiality by making a couple of phone calls so I could test peoples’ feelings and views, but the most important advice I received was from a survivor who was thrilled over it, so I accepted.
“It’s not about me or Trevor Hicks, it’s a recognition for our city and what we’ve achieved together.”
Mr Hicks believes the awarding of the CBEs mark a change in attitudes towards the disaster. He said, “A very pleasant surprise – totally unexpected as we spent 20 plus years taking on ‘arms of the state’ and governments of all political persuasions.
“Awarding the honour of a CBE shows how much tide of opinion has changed and is further acknowledgement of the wrongs of the past and the 25 years’ hard work we have all had putting things right.
“I hope that people will understand that I have mixed feelings.
“Extremely proud both on a personal level and for the HFSG, its former and present officers and all the families.
“Yet a degree of humility as I was ‘only doing what anyone would do’ in the circumstances that I found myself thrust in to.
“It is with understandable regret that Sarah, Victoria and the rest of the 96 paid the ultimate price and clearly I wish none of this had ever happened.”
Both Mrs Aspinall and Mr Hicks have campaigned for over 25 years for justice, with new inquests continuing.
.
Two campaigners at the forefront of the Hillsborough fight for justice have been recognised in the New Year Honours list.
Margaret Aspinall, chair, and Trevor Hicks, president, of the Hillsborough Family Support Group are both honoured for their services to the families of the 96 Liverpool fans who died in April 1989.
Mrs Aspinall is quoted in the Liverpool Echo as saying she didn’t know whether to accept the award at first: “I wanted to be sure I was doing the right thing – we have been fighting the establishment all these years and have gone through so much.
“I had to break confidentiality by making a couple of phone calls so I could test peoples’ feelings and views, but the most important advice I received was from a survivor who was thrilled over it, so I accepted.
“It’s not about me or Trevor Hicks, it’s a recognition for our city and what we’ve achieved together.”
Mr Hicks believes the awarding of the CBEs mark a change in attitudes towards the disaster. He said, “A very pleasant surprise – totally unexpected as we spent 20 plus years taking on ‘arms of the state’ and governments of all political persuasions.
“Awarding the honour of a CBE shows how much tide of opinion has changed and is further acknowledgement of the wrongs of the past and the 25 years’ hard work we have all had putting things right.
“I hope that people will understand that I have mixed feelings.
“Extremely proud both on a personal level and for the HFSG, its former and present officers and all the families.
“Yet a degree of humility as I was ‘only doing what anyone would do’ in the circumstances that I found myself thrust in to.
“It is with understandable regret that Sarah, Victoria and the rest of the 96 paid the ultimate price and clearly I wish none of this had ever happened.”
Both Mrs Aspinall and Mr Hicks have campaigned for over 25 years for justice, with new inquests continuing.
.
West Brom insist reports suggesting Saido Berahino is set to join Liverpool are "entire fabrication" while Tottenham are also understood to be looking elsewhere in January.
Berahino was one of the Barclays Premier League's star performers at the start of the season as he scored seven goals in the Baggies' first nine games and earned a call-up to the England squad in November.
The 21-year-old, however, started just one of Alan Irvine's last five matches in charge at the Hawthorns, prompting reports linking the striker with a move to Liverpool and Tottenham.
Press Association Sport understands Tottenham are not interested in signing Berahino and have no plans to make a bid for the forward in January while West Brom have ruled out a B£23million-move to Liverpool.
The club wrote via its official Twitter account:
West Brom are currently looking for a new manager after Irvine was sacked on Monday with the club sitting 16th in league table.
Would Berahino be a good signing for Liverpool in January? Let us know your thoughts on the speculation in the comments section below.
PA
.
West Brom insist reports suggesting Saido Berahino is set to join Liverpool are "entire fabrication" while Tottenham are also understood to be looking elsewhere in January.
Berahino was one of the Barclays Premier League's star performers at the start of the season as he scored seven goals in the Baggies' first nine games and earned a call-up to the England squad in November.
The 21-year-old, however, started just one of Alan Irvine's last five matches in charge at the Hawthorns, prompting reports linking the striker with a move to Liverpool and Tottenham.
Press Association Sport understands Tottenham are not interested in signing Berahino and have no plans to make a bid for the forward in January while West Brom have ruled out a B£23million-move to Liverpool.
The club wrote via its official Twitter account:
West Brom are currently looking for a new manager after Irvine was sacked on Monday with the club sitting 16th in league table.
Would Berahino be a good signing for Liverpool in January? Let us know your thoughts on the speculation in the comments section below.
PA
.
Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana feels the team may have finally turned a corner after knitting together a cohesive performance which produced goals.
The 4-1 home win over Swansea was the first time since late March the side had scored that many in the league.
Goals, over 100 of them, were what the Reds built their title challenge on last season but their strength up front disappeared with the sale of Luis Suarez and loss of Daniel Sturridge to injury.
However, they are approaching the time when, 12 months ago, they went on an incredible run which saw them almost pip Manchester City for the Premier League crown and with Sturridge to return in the next few weeks optimism is beginning to grow again.
"The last two or three weeks we really feel as if we have turned a corner," said Lallana.
"We've been picking up results and playing better – that was missing for the first three months of the season.
"Against Arsenal we felt hard done by to only get a point (they dominated the game but drew 2-2), we put in a gritty performance against Burnley (to win 1-0) and it was important we got the win against Swansea.
"We knew the Christmas period was a great chance for us to pick up maximum points and slide up the table and we are looking for more of the same against Leicester on Thursday."
Lallana produced arguably his best performance in a Liverpool shirt since his B£23million summer move from Southampton with two goals against Swansea.
He accepts he has had a tough time settling in, especially with a number of other new arrivals, but believes everyone is starting to find their feet.
"It's been difficult, we're not going to shy away from that, for one reason or another," he added.
"The lads are slowly settling into the team and Emre Can (playing as the third centre-back) was brilliant.
"I thought Alberto Moreno and Javier Manquillo put in really disciplined performances.
"It's not easy for them coming from abroad, being young, not being able to speak the language, so I'm really happy for them as well as the team."
Lallana was happy with his own performance, which was the first time since March 2012 he has scored twice – those goals coming against Barnsley in the Championship.
His first may have had a touch of good fortune when goalkeeper Lucasz Fabianski's clearance rebounded off him but the second involved some nifty footwork and a clinical finish.
"It was nice. The first one people can say it was lucky but if you don't close down the keeper then you don't get the goal," he added.
"I've played lot of my football in a central role and I feel more relaxed and comfortable there with a bit more of a free role."
After an odd performance at Burnley, where they were second best but came away with three points, the display against Swansea was more akin with the way they played against Arsenal just before Christmas.
Manager Brendan Rodgers has tinkered with formations and selections but he now feels everyone is on board with how he wants to play – and that is on the front foot in a 3-4-3 set-up.
"That was what was missing from our way of working for the first period of the season," he said.
"We are a team that plays with a big pressure, we have got technically-gifted players in the team, but that ability to press the ball allows them to get chances and create chances at the far end of the field.
"If you look at how we played against Manchester United we were very unfortunate and we conceded poor goals but the creativity started that day.
"We looked at a shape and system that could get us back to how we played last year.
"We didn't quite get that result but I saw enough. We moved on to Bournemouth and played really well, Arsenal we deserved more and again the performance was better.
"We had to show a different side against Burnley and Burnley's result against Manchester City (a 2-2 draw) showed what a great result we had at Turf Moor.
"Against Swansea we came out with the intensity and work-rate and got a reward.
PA
.
Liverpool midfielder Adam Lallana feels the team may have finally turned a corner after knitting together a cohesive performance which produced goals.
The 4-1 home win over Swansea was the first time since late March the side had scored that many in the league.
Goals, over 100 of them, were what the Reds built their title challenge on last season but their strength up front disappeared with the sale of Luis Suarez and loss of Daniel Sturridge to injury.
However, they are approaching the time when, 12 months ago, they went on an incredible run which saw them almost pip Manchester City for the Premier League crown and with Sturridge to return in the next few weeks optimism is beginning to grow again.
"The last two or three weeks we really feel as if we have turned a corner," said Lallana.
"We've been picking up results and playing better – that was missing for the first three months of the season.
"Against Arsenal we felt hard done by to only get a point (they dominated the game but drew 2-2), we put in a gritty performance against Burnley (to win 1-0) and it was important we got the win against Swansea.
"We knew the Christmas period was a great chance for us to pick up maximum points and slide up the table and we are looking for more of the same against Leicester on Thursday."
Lallana produced arguably his best performance in a Liverpool shirt since his B£23million summer move from Southampton with two goals against Swansea.
He accepts he has had a tough time settling in, especially with a number of other new arrivals, but believes everyone is starting to find their feet.
"It's been difficult, we're not going to shy away from that, for one reason or another," he added.
"The lads are slowly settling into the team and Emre Can (playing as the third centre-back) was brilliant.
"I thought Alberto Moreno and Javier Manquillo put in really disciplined performances.
"It's not easy for them coming from abroad, being young, not being able to speak the language, so I'm really happy for them as well as the team."
Lallana was happy with his own performance, which was the first time since March 2012 he has scored twice – those goals coming against Barnsley in the Championship.
His first may have had a touch of good fortune when goalkeeper Lucasz Fabianski's clearance rebounded off him but the second involved some nifty footwork and a clinical finish.
"It was nice. The first one people can say it was lucky but if you don't close down the keeper then you don't get the goal," he added.
"I've played lot of my football in a central role and I feel more relaxed and comfortable there with a bit more of a free role."
After an odd performance at Burnley, where they were second best but came away with three points, the display against Swansea was more akin with the way they played against Arsenal just before Christmas.
Manager Brendan Rodgers has tinkered with formations and selections but he now feels everyone is on board with how he wants to play – and that is on the front foot in a 3-4-3 set-up.
"That was what was missing from our way of working for the first period of the season," he said.
"We are a team that plays with a big pressure, we have got technically-gifted players in the team, but that ability to press the ball allows them to get chances and create chances at the far end of the field.
"If you look at how we played against Manchester United we were very unfortunate and we conceded poor goals but the creativity started that day.
"We looked at a shape and system that could get us back to how we played last year.
"We didn't quite get that result but I saw enough. We moved on to Bournemouth and played really well, Arsenal we deserved more and again the performance was better.
"We had to show a different side against Burnley and Burnley's result against Manchester City (a 2-2 draw) showed what a great result we had at Turf Moor.
"Against Swansea we came out with the intensity and work-rate and got a reward.
PA
.
Adam Lallana claims Liverpool have finally turned a corner after knitting together a cohesive performance which produced goals.
The 4-1 home win over Swansea was the first time since late March the side had scored four times in the league. The victory takes them into eighth in the Premier League table.
Goals, over 100 of them, were at the heart of their title challenge last season but that strength up front disappeared with the sale of Luis Suarez and loss of Daniel Sturridge to injury.
However, they are approaching the time when, 12 months ago, they went on an incredible run which saw them almost pip Manchester City for the Premier League crown and with Sturridge to return in the next few weeks, optimism is beginning to grow again.
"The last two or three weeks we really feel as if we have turned a corner," said Lallana.
"We've been picking up results and playing better - that was missing for the first three months of the season.
"Against Arsenal we felt hard done by to only get a point (they dominated the game but drew 2-2), we put in a gritty performance against Burnley (to win 1-0) and it was important we got the win against Swansea.
"We knew the Christmas period was a great chance for us to pick up maximum points and slide up the table and we are looking for more of the same against Leicester on Thursday."
Lallana produced arguably his best performance in a Liverpool shirt since his £23million summer move from Southampton with two goals against Swansea.
He accepts he has had a tough time settling in, especially with a number of other new arrivals, but believes everyone is starting to find their feet.
"It's been difficult, we're not going to shy away from that, for one reason or another," he added.
"The lads are slowly settling into the team and Emre Can (playing as the third centre-back) was brilliant.
"I thought Alberto Moreno and Javier Manquillo put in really disciplined performances.
"It's not easy for them coming from abroad, being young, not being able to speak the language, so I'm really happy for them as well as the team."
Lallana was happy with his own performance, which was the first time since March 2012 he has scored twice - those goals coming against Barnsley in the Championship.
His first may have had a touch of good fortune when goalkeeper Lucasz Fabianski's clearance rebounded off him but the second involved some nifty footwork and a clinical finish.
"It was nice. The first one people can say it was lucky but if you don't close down the keeper then you don't get the goal," he added.
"I've played lot of my football in a central role and I feel more relaxed and comfortable there with a bit more of a free role."
After an odd performance at Burnley, where they were second best but came away with three points, the display against Swansea was more akin with the way they played against Arsenal just before Christmas.
Manager Brendan Rodgers has tinkered with formations and selections but he now feels everyone is on board with how he wants to play - and that is on the front foot in a 3-4-3 set-up.
"That was what was missing from our way of working for the first period of the season," he said.
"We are a team that plays with a big pressure, we have got technically-gifted players in the team, but that ability to press the ball allows them to get chances and create chances at the far end of the field.
"If you look at how we played against Manchester United we were very unfortunate and we conceded poor goals but the creativity started that day.
"We looked at a shape and system that could get us back to how we played last year.
"We didn't quite get that result but I saw enough. We moved on to Bournemouth and played really well, Arsenal we deserved more and again the performance was better.
"We had to show a different side against Burnley and Burnley's result against Manchester City (a 2-2 draw) showed what a great result we had at Turf Moor.
"Against Swansea we came out with the intensity and work-rate and got a reward.
"Our creativity was very much there but a solid base behind it and that is key for us."
Adam Lallana claims Liverpool have finally turned a corner after knitting together a cohesive performance which produced goals.
The 4-1 home win over Swansea was the first time since late March the side had scored four times in the league. The victory takes them into eighth in the Premier League table.
Goals, over 100 of them, were at the heart of their title challenge last season but that strength up front disappeared with the sale of Luis Suarez and loss of Daniel Sturridge to injury.
However, they are approaching the time when, 12 months ago, they went on an incredible run which saw them almost pip Manchester City for the Premier League crown and with Sturridge to return in the next few weeks, optimism is beginning to grow again.
"The last two or three weeks we really feel as if we have turned a corner," said Lallana.
"We've been picking up results and playing better - that was missing for the first three months of the season.
"Against Arsenal we felt hard done by to only get a point (they dominated the game but drew 2-2), we put in a gritty performance against Burnley (to win 1-0) and it was important we got the win against Swansea.
"We knew the Christmas period was a great chance for us to pick up maximum points and slide up the table and we are looking for more of the same against Leicester on Thursday."
Lallana produced arguably his best performance in a Liverpool shirt since his £23million summer move from Southampton with two goals against Swansea.
He accepts he has had a tough time settling in, especially with a number of other new arrivals, but believes everyone is starting to find their feet.
"It's been difficult, we're not going to shy away from that, for one reason or another," he added.
"The lads are slowly settling into the team and Emre Can (playing as the third centre-back) was brilliant.
"I thought Alberto Moreno and Javier Manquillo put in really disciplined performances.
"It's not easy for them coming from abroad, being young, not being able to speak the language, so I'm really happy for them as well as the team."
Lallana was happy with his own performance, which was the first time since March 2012 he has scored twice - those goals coming against Barnsley in the Championship.
His first may have had a touch of good fortune when goalkeeper Lucasz Fabianski's clearance rebounded off him but the second involved some nifty footwork and a clinical finish.
"It was nice. The first one people can say it was lucky but if you don't close down the keeper then you don't get the goal," he added.
"I've played lot of my football in a central role and I feel more relaxed and comfortable there with a bit more of a free role."
After an odd performance at Burnley, where they were second best but came away with three points, the display against Swansea was more akin with the way they played against Arsenal just before Christmas.
Manager Brendan Rodgers has tinkered with formations and selections but he now feels everyone is on board with how he wants to play - and that is on the front foot in a 3-4-3 set-up.
"That was what was missing from our way of working for the first period of the season," he said.
"We are a team that plays with a big pressure, we have got technically-gifted players in the team, but that ability to press the ball allows them to get chances and create chances at the far end of the field.
"If you look at how we played against Manchester United we were very unfortunate and we conceded poor goals but the creativity started that day.
"We looked at a shape and system that could get us back to how we played last year.
"We didn't quite get that result but I saw enough. We moved on to Bournemouth and played really well, Arsenal we deserved more and again the performance was better.
"We had to show a different side against Burnley and Burnley's result against Manchester City (a 2-2 draw) showed what a great result we had at Turf Moor.
"Against Swansea we came out with the intensity and work-rate and got a reward.
"Our creativity was very much there but a solid base behind it and that is key for us."
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Aaron Cutler is full of praise for Liverpool’s two Spanish full-backs, both of whom impressed last night.
If Liverpool have sleepwalked through the majority of this campaign Monday night saw them awake from a slumber. A vibrant display laced with movement, ingenuity and cutting edge dismantled Swansea and reinvigorated players and fans alike.
With confidence and momentum restored the reds are primed for a delayed assault on the top four; a fanciful ambition only weeks ago.
Last night’s victory was out of keeping with much that preceded it. Seldom have Liverpool pressed so intensely, created so readily and scored a hatful. Rarer still was the sight of summer recruits energised and playing without fear or pressure.
Adam Lallana was the undoubted star, rightly lauded throughout the press and social media this morning. However his match winning display was complimented in no small part by fellow signings Javier Manquillo, Alberto Moreno and Emre Can. Indeed as the team progress so too do these budding youngsters, each acquired with the future in mind.
In the case of our two Spanish fullbacks neither was afforded the desired settling in period. With injuries sidelining Glen Johnson, Jose Enrique and Jon Flanagan at any one time an immediate baptism of fire commenced, spawning mixed results.
Moreno showed initial promise, a tendency to overlap and penetrate the final third refreshing. That said occasional lapses in concentration and a loss of bearings led to high profile errors, chipping away at confidence. A harsh and lengthy exile followed, Moreno the initial scapegoat for Liverpool’s supermarket sweep mentality.
On the flipside Manquillo has fared averagely. The attacking flaws in his game are contrasted by sound positioning and sensible if unspectacular defending. In truth the former Atletico Madrid man would receive far greater fanfare in decades gone by, his performances belonging to an age where defenders simply defend.
In many ways Moreno and Manquillo complement each other. The former is lightening quick and gung-ho yet defensively fragile, while the latter is steady and reliable if inhibited. A ying and yang combination they offset each other perfectly last night.
Moreno’s attacking instincts were evident from the off, linking well with Philippe Coutinho and overwhelming a bewildered looking Ashley Richards. A well deserved goal was testament to his running power and desire, a perfect surge demanding of Jordan Henderson’s cross. Moreover he was defensively alert, aiding Mamadou Sakho with the kind of cover Lazar Markovic deems ugly and unnecessary.
Across field Manquillo was equally impressive, albeit in his customary understated fashion. Providing a consistent if fruitless outlet he focused his efforts on protecting Can and stifling Gylfi Sigurdsson. A goal aside, they marshalled the Swans’ talisman well.
One of Manquillo’s great traits is stopping the cross. It sounds simple enough but Glen Johnson rarely blocks the source of an attack, giving way to the usual pandemonium that ensues whenever Skrtel and co are asked to defend aerially.
He is also rarely flustered. One of the great myths to stem from this season was that Yanick Bolasie humiliated him at Selhurst Park. Sure, the Congolese was pacey and menacing but Manquillo stood up manfully and was by no means overawed.
If proof were needed Palace decided to switch their wingers and charged Bolasie with tackling Johnson. The inevitable breakthrough duly followed; Neil Warnock bizarrely labelled a tactical master mind.
Manquillo has made no defensive errors in the Premier League this term. He is the definition of solid, those considered foundations a great base from which to build.
In time he will need to develop the attacking side of his game, particularly if Liverpool are to persist with their 3-4-3 variation. To date he has created just one chance in the Premier League, while the average distance of his passing is shorter than all but Jose Enrique. That said, dependability can prove invaluable when the team is playing itself back into form. Risk and reward will come in time.
Indeed it has been evidenced. Our abject Champions Leaague showing would have been worsened still had Manquillo not ventured up field and won an injury time penalty at home to Ludogrets. In essence that positivity earned a Europa League place. Do we thank him for that?
Manquillo often creeps up into good positions only to underwhelm. A simple square ball has replaced an ill-advised tendency to cross speculatively. Rodgers and co will no doubt dedicate hours to honing that final ball and key pass. Once acquired, they will have a quality full back at their disposal.
By contrast Moreno has made three defensive errors domestically. His frailties however are a consequence of those attacking instincts, 15 chances created thus far and two goals scored. If he can add positional discipline to his game – the kind hinted at last night – he has all the tools to become a top class, modern day full back.
Lest we forget this is a 22 year old who attracted interest from Real Madrid last summer and muscled his way into the international set-up. Unlike Hodgson’s England Spain are not prone to capping any half decent, middle of the road national.
Those quick to write off this pair will eventually be forced to eat humble pie. Between them they have just 74 (senior) league appearances under their belt and few defenders were deemed finished articles at 20 or 22.
Both have work to do, as do the club in nurturing their talents. However we are beginning to see flashes of potential and that promise alone is enough to outrank supposed superiors.
New Year celebrations often come with a vow to do away with the old and usher in the new. Brendan Rodgers would be well advised to follow that motto. Our mini revival is due in no small part to the fresh impetus of youth. There can be no turning back.
.
Aaron Cutler is full of praise for Liverpool’s two Spanish full-backs, both of whom impressed last night.
If Liverpool have sleepwalked through the majority of this campaign Monday night saw them awake from a slumber. A vibrant display laced with movement, ingenuity and cutting edge dismantled Swansea and reinvigorated players and fans alike.
With confidence and momentum restored the reds are primed for a delayed assault on the top four; a fanciful ambition only weeks ago.
Last night’s victory was out of keeping with much that preceded it. Seldom have Liverpool pressed so intensely, created so readily and scored a hatful. Rarer still was the sight of summer recruits energised and playing without fear or pressure.
Adam Lallana was the undoubted star, rightly lauded throughout the press and social media this morning. However his match winning display was complimented in no small part by fellow signings Javier Manquillo, Alberto Moreno and Emre Can. Indeed as the team progress so too do these budding youngsters, each acquired with the future in mind.
In the case of our two Spanish fullbacks neither was afforded the desired settling in period. With injuries sidelining Glen Johnson, Jose Enrique and Jon Flanagan at any one time an immediate baptism of fire commenced, spawning mixed results.
Moreno showed initial promise, a tendency to overlap and penetrate the final third refreshing. That said occasional lapses in concentration and a loss of bearings led to high profile errors, chipping away at confidence. A harsh and lengthy exile followed, Moreno the initial scapegoat for Liverpool’s supermarket sweep mentality.
On the flipside Manquillo has fared averagely. The attacking flaws in his game are contrasted by sound positioning and sensible if unspectacular defending. In truth the former Atletico Madrid man would receive far greater fanfare in decades gone by, his performances belonging to an age where defenders simply defend.
In many ways Moreno and Manquillo complement each other. The former is lightening quick and gung-ho yet defensively fragile, while the latter is steady and reliable if inhibited. A ying and yang combination they offset each other perfectly last night.
Moreno’s attacking instincts were evident from the off, linking well with Philippe Coutinho and overwhelming a bewildered looking Ashley Richards. A well deserved goal was testament to his running power and desire, a perfect surge demanding of Jordan Henderson’s cross. Moreover he was defensively alert, aiding Mamadou Sakho with the kind of cover Lazar Markovic deems ugly and unnecessary.
Across field Manquillo was equally impressive, albeit in his customary understated fashion. Providing a consistent if fruitless outlet he focused his efforts on protecting Can and stifling Gylfi Sigurdsson. A goal aside, they marshalled the Swans’ talisman well.
One of Manquillo’s great traits is stopping the cross. It sounds simple enough but Glen Johnson rarely blocks the source of an attack, giving way to the usual pandemonium that ensues whenever Skrtel and co are asked to defend aerially.
He is also rarely flustered. One of the great myths to stem from this season was that Yanick Bolasie humiliated him at Selhurst Park. Sure, the Congolese was pacey and menacing but Manquillo stood up manfully and was by no means overawed.
If proof were needed Palace decided to switch their wingers and charged Bolasie with tackling Johnson. The inevitable breakthrough duly followed; Neil Warnock bizarrely labelled a tactical master mind.
Manquillo has made no defensive errors in the Premier League this term. He is the definition of solid, those considered foundations a great base from which to build.
In time he will need to develop the attacking side of his game, particularly if Liverpool are to persist with their 3-4-3 variation. To date he has created just one chance in the Premier League, while the average distance of his passing is shorter than all but Jose Enrique. That said, dependability can prove invaluable when the team is playing itself back into form. Risk and reward will come in time.
Indeed it has been evidenced. Our abject Champions Leaague showing would have been worsened still had Manquillo not ventured up field and won an injury time penalty at home to Ludogrets. In essence that positivity earned a Europa League place. Do we thank him for that?
Manquillo often creeps up into good positions only to underwhelm. A simple square ball has replaced an ill-advised tendency to cross speculatively. Rodgers and co will no doubt dedicate hours to honing that final ball and key pass. Once acquired, they will have a quality full back at their disposal.
By contrast Moreno has made three defensive errors domestically. His frailties however are a consequence of those attacking instincts, 15 chances created thus far and two goals scored. If he can add positional discipline to his game – the kind hinted at last night – he has all the tools to become a top class, modern day full back.
Lest we forget this is a 22 year old who attracted interest from Real Madrid last summer and muscled his way into the international set-up. Unlike Hodgson’s England Spain are not prone to capping any half decent, middle of the road national.
Those quick to write off this pair will eventually be forced to eat humble pie. Between them they have just 74 (senior) league appearances under their belt and few defenders were deemed finished articles at 20 or 22.
Both have work to do, as do the club in nurturing their talents. However we are beginning to see flashes of potential and that promise alone is enough to outrank supposed superiors.
New Year celebrations often come with a vow to do away with the old and usher in the new. Brendan Rodgers would be well advised to follow that motto. Our mini revival is due in no small part to the fresh impetus of youth. There can be no turning back.
.
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