3 Good, 3 Bad – Liverpool FC’s best and worst performers in September

After rounding off a hit-and-miss September with a 3-2 win over Aston Villa, who were Liverpool FC’s best and worst players of the month?

Liverpool’s September Form Guide: L-D-D-D-W

September proved a mixed bag for Brendan Rodgers‘ Liverpool, and with the manager clinging onto his position at Anfield he will be pleased to see his side address their poor form towards the end of the month.

Kicking off with a 3-1 loss away to Manchester United, the Reds returned from international break to register three successive 1-1 draws, against Bordeaux in the Europa League, Norwich City in the Premier League and Carlisle United in the League Cup—with the latter eventually defeated in a penalty shootout.

After a 3-2 victory over Aston Villa, Rodgers will be hoping to see the Reds maintain a higher standard of form in October and beyond.

But which players can he depend on to do so?

Here are the three best and three worst players from Liverpool’s September.

Good – Danny Ings

Danny Ings had to wait for his chance in Rodgers’ lineup, but when given the opportunity the former Burnley striker grabbed it with both hands.

Given his first start of the season in an uncomfortable wing-back role in the loss to United, Ings produced an understated performance of sheer endeavour, and was one of Liverpool’s best players.

Deployed in a more familiar attacking role against Norwich, Carlisle and Villa, Ings has quickly become a cult hero at Anfield, thanks to his work rate and quality in the attacking sector.

With two goals in three games as a centre-forward, Ings is proving his top-level credentials.

Ings has been so impressive that it is difficult to imagine Christian Benteke taking up a starting role alongside Daniel Sturridge on his return from injury.

Read more: Danny Ings: Liverpool’s shining light amidst Anfield’s negativity

Bad – Simon Mignolet

Is Rodgers experiencing the fallout of not having signed a goalkeeper capable of providing competition for Simon Mignolet as Liverpool’s first choice?

Despite Adam Bogdan‘s penalty-shootout heroics against Carlisle United, Mignolet has found himself under zero pressure in his role as Rodgers’ No. 1, and the Belgian’s nosediving form should be cause for concern at this stage.

After keeping three clean sheets out of four in August, Mignolet conceded in every game throughout September—letting in eight goals in four appearances.

His rollout into Juan Mata’s path against United and his fumbled punch to Russell Martin against Norwich are just two examples of Mignolet’s drop-off in quality over the last month.

With Victor Valdes dubiously linked with a move to Merseyside in January, Mignolet may find his position under threat if his form does not improve.

Read more: Simon Mignolet remains a concern that won’t go away for Liverpool

Good – Daniel Sturridge

Despite only making two appearances for Liverpool in September, after recovering from a long-term hip injury, Sturridge is a prime candidate for the Reds’ player of the month—though the impressive Lucas Leiva may feel aggrieved.

Rodgers can be criticised for rushing the 26-year-old back into a starting role against Norwich, but the manager’s move was justified.

Sturridge adds immeasurable class in the final third, and Liverpool were desperate for his intervention in September—his pace, movement and finisher’s instinct are invaluable.

Aiding Ings’ fine performance against the Canaries, Sturridge adopted a more focal role in Liverpool’s 3-2 win over Villa, scoring two and testing Brad Guzan throughout with a series of accomplished efforts on goal.

It may be premature, but Sturridge’s return could save Liverpool’s season.

Player Focus: Daniel Sturridge returns with encouraging display in Norwich draw

Bad – Emre Can

Emre Can spent three of his five appearances throughout September in an unnatural centre-back role, and the German has suffered for form as a result.

With Rodgers switching to a three-man defensive line at Bordeaux, Can has been tasked with the role he performed so valiantly during 2014/15—but having targeted a regular midfield role this season, the 21-year-old just doesn’t look interested in playing at centre-back, and perhaps rightly so.

Against Villa, Can was particularly culpable: regularly out of position and lacking intensity in the defensive sector.

Can’s best performance of September came in the loss to United, with his surging runs from midfield providing an isolated Christian Benteke with much-needed support.

Rodgers would be wise to take note of this, and move Can into a midfield role in the 3-4-1-2.

Player Focus: Emre Can presents an issue in centre-back role vs. Aston Villa

Good – Alberto Moreno

“I couldn’t feel more settled, I’m really happy—not just myself, but my family. We love the club and the city,” Alberto Moreno said at the end of September, gleefully assessing his return to Rodgers’ starting lineup.

That the 23-year-old is so enamoured with life on Merseyside should be a major positive to both club and supporters, as after being given his first start of the season against Bordeaux, Moreno has been in exceptional form.

Freed of the defensive responsibility of an orthodox left-back role, Moreno has been given the license to attack—and this has provided Liverpool another dimension in the final third.

The quality of Moreno’s delivery and his intelligent movement down the left flank highlights a supreme confidence and determination to hold down his starting spot.

A starring role against Norwich suggested Moreno could become a key playmaker for the Reds, with the Spaniard making six key passes—more than any other player—and assisting Ings’ opener.

Read more: Alberto Moreno impressing, but now overly relied upon with no cover at left wing-back

Bad – James Milner

Can a player who produced a goal-and-assist performance in the win over Villa be considered one of Liverpool’s worst players of September?

Heading into the final clash of the month against his former club, Milner was in worryingly poor form as Rodgers’ stand-in captain, with a lack of chemistry in midfield in the absence of Jordan Henderson hampering the Reds in the buildup.

Guilty of losing the ball too easily, and lacking any quality in his creative play, Milner was a dead weight in midfield alongside the more incisive Lucas.

Having picked up his form with a second-minute strike against Tim Sherwood’s side at Anfield, Milner will be hoping to see an improved run in the Liverpool midfield.

The 29-year-old was signed to add a winner’s mentality within the Reds’ squad—and Milner must start showing this more regularly.

Read more: Coutinho, Milner and Lucas all benefit from tweaked Liverpool midfield vs. Aston Villa

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James Milner wants Liverpool players to ignore dissenting voices

Liverpool’s James Milner has urged his team-mates to shut out dissenting voices from outside the club.

The England international is already an influential player after just nine matches in a red shirt, and captained the side and scored the opener in a 3-2 win over Aston Villa on Saturday.

That was just the tonic required after League Two Carlisle took Liverpool to penalties at Anfield in the Capital One Cup.

Reds boss Brendan Rodgers has since spoken about a number of his critics creating “hysteria” over his position, but Milner believes the team must ignore off-field opinions where possible.

“At times when things aren’t going well it’s important you stick together,” he told Liverpool TV.

“There have been a lot of things said outside the club at this moment. It’s down to us not to take any notice of that, stick together, stay together as a club and keep believing what we’re doing is right.

“We’re working very hard to keep improving, work on things and be the team we want to be. I’m sure if we continue the amount of work we’re putting in, it has to come good.”

Milner arrived on Merseyside from Manchester City and knows a thing or two about coping with expectation.

“I’ve been fortunate to play for big clubs throughout my career and that’s the pressure you get playing in the Premier League and at the top level,” he said.

“There’s always going to be that spotlight and pressure.

“When things aren’t going well, it’s going to come down on you; equally, when things are going well, people can get carried away. It’s important that we keep that level mindset and concentrate on our business.

“It’s when things aren’t going well that you see who wants it the most and who wants to stand up and be counted.

“We’ve got some big personalities and big players who want to stick together and put in performances. It was a big performance at the weekend – that’s a start for us and we need to move on from there.”

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Brazil, Germany, Bayern – Dispelling the myth that no team has ever won anything with 3 at the back

With media pundits often regurgitating the claim that no successful side has ever won anything with three at the back, we dispel this myth.

It seems to be the case now that every time Liverpool go through a period of poor form with one of Brendan Rodgers‘ favoured formations (4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1), the three-man defence is rolled out to provide stability.

But that this is widely perceived as a tactical stopgap—with a return to a 4-4-2 diamond formation long anticipated by supporters.

That a three-man defence is a poor foundation for tangible success—league titles; cup glory; international dominance—is a myth.

Here are three sides that have proven hugely successful with three at the back.

Germany, Euro 1996

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‘There are no stars, the team is the star,’ was Berti Vogts’ unofficial mantra during his time in charge of Germany from 1990 to 1998.

While this may have been the case overall, with a strong team spirit and work ethic pervading Vogts’ successful tenure—following his reign as manager of West Germany—one leading man emerged during the Germans’ triumph in the European Championships in 1996.

Matthias Sammer’s transition from defensive midfielder to Beckenbauer-aping libero underpinned Vogts’ success on English soil, despite early injury to one of his defensive partners, Jurgen Kohler.

Vogts fielded a 3-4-1-2 formation, with Sammer at the heart of defence, tasked with dictating play, breaking out from a sweeper’s position.

This allowed Germany to avoid fielding a specialist defensive midfielder, and provided an exceptional fluidity to their forward play, as well as a compact block in defence.

This density in the defensive line proved pivotal, with Germany conceding just three goals in six games throughout the tournament, vanquishing Terry Venables’ England in the semi-final.

The performances of Sammer, his flanking centre-backs and regular wing-backs Christian Ziege and later-to-be Liverpool man Markus Babbel provided Vogts’ side with the launchpad for a cohesive attacking system.

Sammer was named Player of the Tournament and eventually pipped Barcelona’s Ronaldo to the 1999 Ballon d’Or award, underlining just how effective a player he was—and this quality showed how a three-man defensive can be successfully utilised.

Brazil, World Cup 2002

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Six years after Germany’s Euro 1996 triumph, a Rudi Voller-led side were defeated 2-0 in the World Cup final, with Luiz Felipe Scolari’s Brazil, inspired by the brilliance of Ronaldo, rampaging to victory.

Perhaps taking inspiration from Vogts’ success, Scolari maximised the many talents of his Selecao with a similar formation.

Unlike the modern-day Brazil sides, Scolari was blessed with a clutch of genuine, world-class players in Lucio, Cafu, Roberto Carlos, Gilberto Silva, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo and Ronaldo.

What is the best way to utilise a pair of attack-happy full-backs, two sensational No. 10s and the best striker in world football? Scolari opted for a dynamic 3-4-2-1 formation.

The width achieved by deploying Carlos and Cafu as wing-backs provided ample support for the fluid inside duo of Ronaldinho and Rivaldo, who swarmed around the peerless Ronaldo, and Brazil washed away their opponents on the way to the final, scoring 16 goals in six games.

Despite fielding a subpar centre-back in Roque Junior, this three-man back line served as the foundation for an overwhelming attacking front: Edmilson stepped out into midfield, supported by Gilberto and Kleberson, while Lucio and Roque Junior were aided by Carlos and Cafu.

It was a well-worked, rotational balance that ensured defensive stability and the ability to overload the attacking areas.

Bayern Munich, the Pep Guardiola era

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Pep Guardiola is commonly regarded as one of the finest tactical minds in modern football, with his success with both Barcelona and Bayern Munich underlining his managerial pedigree—and a main factor behind this is his regular use of a three-man defence.

Beginning his Bayern tenure with a regular 4-3-3 formation, Guardiola quickly shifted to a 3-4-3, largely prompted by a change in roles for the masterful Philipp Lahm.

Lahm’s transition from world-class right-back to a master of the midfield has been remarkable, and one which Guardiola can be credited for, having noted the German’s tactical intelligence and robust, all-round game.

This move allowed Guardiola to field a number of formations for different tactical demands, with 2-3-2-3, 3-3-3-1, 3-3-4 and 2-3-3-2 all becoming features of his pre-match whiteboard.

Along with the transition of Lahm, the complementary talents of Jerome Boateng and David Alaba have allowed this system to flourish.

Boateng is one of few world-class centre-backs currently operating in world football, while Alaba is at the forefront of a new generation of full-backs as one of Bayern’s most important players.

In Bayern’s three-man defence, Alaba is given license to operate as a playmaking central midfielder, as well as supporting the attack as an orthodox full-back.

Alaba is one of many phenomenally talented—and, most importantly, vastly intelligent—players at Guardiola’s disposal at Bayern, and that is one of the reasons why the Spaniard’s three-at-the-back systems are successful.

Other Notable Three-Man Defences:
– Carlos Bilardo’s Argentina
– Fabio Capello’s Roma
– Marcelo Bielsa’s Chile
– Francesco Guidolin’s Udinese
– Walter Mazzarri’s Napoli
– Hassan Shehata’s Egypt

In his time at Bayern to date, Guardiola has won five major honours in two seasons, including back-to-back Bundesliga triumphs.

Though, as his swift move away from a three-man defence against Barcelona in last season’s 3-0 Champions League defeat proves, this system is not without its flaws—particularly when lining up directly against three of the world’s greatest attacking players.

For a three-man defensive system to be effective, a manager must know when and when not to utilise it—Rafa Benitez‘s switch to a back three of Jamie Carragher, Sami Hyypia and Djimi Traore midway through Liverpool’s 2005 Champions League final success is the perfect example of this.

As the success of Germany in ’96, Brazil in ’02 and Guardiola during his time at Bayern show, however, three at the back is by no means an indicator of impending doom.

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Liverpool team selection vs. FC Sion: Brendan Rodgers must rest key personnel ahead of Merseyside derby

Brendan Rodgers must rest key players for Liverpool’s Europa League clash against FC Sion on Thursday night, with a vitally important and potential make-or-break Merseyside derby just three days later.

With the chance to build some positive momentum against Swiss side Sion on Thursday, Rodgers could be tempted to field a full strength side for the first Anfield Europa League clash.

It is easy to understand why the Liverpool boss would want to deploy a first choice team, with the opportunity to cash in on a rare ray of on-pitch positivity following the Aston Villa victory.

But doing so just a matter of hours ahead of the first Merseyside derby of the season at Goodison Park on Sunday would represent a massive risk for the under-fire Reds manager.

It would be a huge, extremely short-sighted gamble, and it’s one Rodgers simply must not take.

Prioritising

Despite the weekend’s 3-2 win over Tim Sherwood’s Villa, pressure is still very much on the Northern Irishman, with his post-victory words smacking of a man certainly feeling the heat of the current situation.

The only way any pressure will be relieved from his shoulders is by winning games quickly and consistently, and though Thursday’s clash is certainly a fixture Liverpool need to win, the derby against Everton presents a game of paramount importance for Rodgers – one he simply dare not lose.

With FSG reportedly watching from the background waiting to determine whether a genuine up turn of fortunes awaits or another false dawn follows the confidence-boosting result, the Goodison clash is a match with no margin for error.

While a bad result in Europe would add to mounting pressure, there would still be four Group B matches left to reverse the damage done.

A derby day defeat however could prove to be the end of the road for Rodgers – a defeat would put the Reds four points behind the Blues, and likely see Rodgers’ side drop into the bottom half ahead of a two-week international break.

There is a very real possibility that Rodgers’ Anfield future rides on the outcome of the derby, and he must therefore ensure that when he makes the trip across Stanley Park with his squad, the players are in the best condition possible to maximise the chances of a strong display.

Injury Threat & Squad Depth

Injuries within the squad are already stacking up, giving the manager even less room and reason to play dangerously with certain fragile members of the group.

The Reds cannot afford to lose any more first choice picks – especially those remaining key men – to be able to name as strong an XI as possible against a confident and in-form Everton side.

Emre Can and Alberto Moreno lead the way in the appearances stakes this season and the unsustainable amount of game time the duo have played opens them up to the increasing risk of a knock as fatigue creeps in.

It’s in this kind of situation that injury becomes a more dangerous but realistic possibility and Rodgers must minimise the risk by giving the pair a night off on Thursday.

With Danny Ings a possible contender to keep Rodgers in his job, and Daniel Sturridge slowly but surely returning to the level of form and sharpness the Liverpool boss needs, it would be a decision of pure stupidity to risk either of the strike duo who could prove to be the difference.

Rodgers must utilise the squad depth at his disposal with the likes of Kolo Toure, Joe Gomez, Joe Allen, Jordan Rossiter, Jordon Ibe, Adam Lallana and Divock Origi all in reserve.

Preserving nailed on starters and especially those in positive form to an extent must be the Reds leader’s priority at Anfield – not going all out for a win in a fixture that he has less to lose than on Sunday and everything to gain.

A Tough Game Awaits

The Reds arrive to take on a team who enjoyed a prolonged break heading into their Monday night game at West Brom, which undoubtedly helped them to fight their way back from two goals down, and now head into the derby with another period of respite.

This is a severe contrast to Rodgers’ men, who will be lining up for their seventh fixture in 22 days when they take to the Goodison Park surface on Sunday afternoon.

Facing Roberto Martinez’s side who head into the grudge match full of confidence after the comeback at the Hawthorns, and have no European demands to contend with, poses a dangerous fixture for the Liverpool boss giving him all the more reason to ensure his starting XI are as fresh and sharp as possible.

Rodgers finds himself in a strange position of needing to prioritise fixtures to win while picking up as many victories as he can at the same time – a tough juggling act boren out of the situation the Reds find themselves in.

But the Liverpool manager must think ahead and plan carefully for Thursday and more importantly Sunday’s game, with his job potentially resting on the conclusion.

Squad rotation has never been a strong point of Rodgers’ tenure at Anfield. He made eight changes in Bordeaux but fielded a near full-strength team vs. Carlisle. It needs to be the former not the latter on Thursday.

If he doesn’t, the consequences could be brutal.

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Liverpool vs. FC Sion – Last Time at Anfield: Fowler, Berger, McManaman rout Swiss

With Liverpool’s Europa League showdown with FC Sion fast approaching, we look back at the last meeting between the pair 19 years ago.

Liverpool 6-3 FC Sion
31st October 1996, European Cup Winners Cup, 2nd Round, 2nd Leg

Liverpool in 1996

Liverpool were at the height of their powers under Roy Evans, with the Reds playing some of their most eye-catching football of the Premier League era.

In Robbie Fowler and Steve McManaman, they had two of the most gifted English players of their generation, while Patrik Berger was proving to be an inspired signing following his exploits with Czech Republic at Euro ’96.

Having fallen just short in the title race in 1995/96, Evans’ men were looking to push on in 1996/97, and had only lost once in the league before they faced FC Sion in the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup second round second-leg at Anfield.

The first-leg in Switzerland had seen Liverpool win 2-1, with goals from Fowler and John Barnes overturning Christophe Bonvin’s opener.

The stage was set for the Reds to produce an emphatic display in front of an expectant home crowd.

Evans once again went with his preferred 3-5-2 formation, with Jason McAteer and Stig Inge Bjornebye as wing-backs, and McManaman and Berger playing off Fowler.

John Scales, Phil Babb and Dominic Matteo made up a shaky-looking back-three that could even make Dejan Lovren look world-class.

Shock first-half

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Things didn’t go to plan at all in the opening 45 minutes, as the Swiss outfit threatened to produce a surprise result and progress to the next round.

Frederic Chassot tapped home in front of a stunned Kop to give the visitors the lead after 19 minutes, but it soon got even worse for the Reds.

Striker Bonvin, another who had taken part in Euro 96, for Switzerland, fired a terrific low shot past David James four minutes later.

McManaman, a Liverpool player who has become criminally underrated as the years have drifted by, brought his team right back into the contest before the break, finishing well with a left-footed effort.

Anfield was about to be treated to a memorable second-half.

Rampant Reds

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Bjornebye, an extremely reliable player during his eight years on Merseyside, curled a free-kick past Stephan Lehmann shortly after the restart, despite slipping as he took it.

Just as it looked as though Liverpool were about to pull away, Chassot raced clear, rounded James and scored with consummate to put Sion 3-2 ahead. It epitomised the hosts’ suspect defence at that time.

Barnes, in the twilight of his career but still a sublime footballer, back-heeled a delightful effort past Lehmann just a minute later, as a barmy evening of entertainment continued.

From that point on, it was all Liverpool.

Great friends McManaman and Fowler twice combined to devastating effect within the space of two minutes, with the latter firing home both times in typically ruthless fashion. 5-3.

The icing on the cake was delivered by Berger with a minute left, with the Czech winger squeezing an effort into the Kop net having been put clean-through by Barnes.

A fantastic game was complete, and Liverpool were through to the quarter-finals of the Cup Winners’ Cup, where they faced SK Brann.

Liverpool XI: James, McAteer, Scales, Babb, Matteo, Bjornebye, Barnes (c), Thomas, McManaman, Berger, Fowler.

What happened next?

The Reds’ cup run was halted by Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-finals. A disastrous 3-0 loss in Paris was too much to turn around in the return fixture, with a spirited 2-0 win at Anfield not enough to reach the final.

Liverpool also once again fell short in the Premier League, with Man United crowned champions and Evans and his side having to settle for fourth place in the end.

Evans didn’t last too much longer as manager, eventually leaving the club having failed in a joint role with Gerard Houllier. The Frenchman took sole charge in late 1998.

The Reds team of the mid 1990s is definitely one that underachieved hugely, and had the talent to win numerous trophies. Unfortunately, a lack of ruthlessness and professionalism often got in the way.

Despite that, it was an extremely exciting time to be a Liverpool supporter. The 6-3 win over FC Sion perfectly illustrated that.

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Alberto Moreno loving life at Liverpool as he approaches 50th appearance

He was dropped from the team at the start of the season, but Alberto Moreno has impressed since the change in formation gave him a way back into the side.

The Spaniard was dropped for youngster Joe Gomez for the opening five games of the season, and was even linked with a move away from Anfield in the summer – just 12 months after arriving from Sevilla.

But the change to 3-4-3 has seen the 23-year-old, who has all the attributes for the left wing-back role, back in the side and highly impressive too.

Moreno has reacted well to being dropped, getting his head down and working hard – impressing on his sub appearances before finally getting his first start away to Bordeaux a fortnight ago.

“What you’ve got to do is keep working, get your head down in training and work really hard so you’re ready when you get the chance,” he told Premier League Productions.

“The manager thought it was the right time to put me in against Bordeaux and I grabbed my chance.

“I think I’ve done reasonably well since then; I’ve had three more games and I think I’ve played well, but obviously I’m still a young player and I know I can still continue to improve.

“I hope I’m giving the fans something to cheer about with my play and hopefully I’ll continue to impress them with my performances.”

Moreno has started every game since then – seemingly the only option Brendan Rodgers has on the left side after Lazar Markovic was loaned out to Fenerbahce.

Indeed, a start against FC Sion would be Moreno’s fifth in 14 days. Which isn’t ideal preparation for the Merseyside derby four days later.

It will also be his 50th appearance for the club.

“I couldn’t feel more settled, I’m really happy – not just myself, but my family. We love the club and the city.

“When my 50th game happens, I’ll be so pleased. To have my name among the illustrious players that have played for this club, to have featured in 50 games in just over a year, I’m really happy.

“But I’m not going to settle for that, I don’t want to take that as an achievement, I want to be playing more and more games. I want to be here for many more years and play as many games as I can.”

Including sub appearances, Moreno is the second most used player this season, behind Emre Can.

OPINION: Moreno impressing, but now overly relied upon with no cover at left wing-back

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LFC Loan watch: Vigouroux’s loan cut-short, Balotelli scores stunner, Markovic impresses but picks up injury

We round up how Liverpool’s loanees fared for their temporary clubs throughout the week, with a mixed bag of action at their temporary clubs.

Mario Balotelli

Liverpool’s Italian striker netted his first goal of his return to AC Milan on Tuesday night, helping his side to a 3-2 win at Udinese.

Balotelli – who turned in another good all-round performance – fired Milan ahead rifling a free-kick that he won himself into the top right corner after just five minutes, and he was a key reason why the Rossoneri raced into a 3-0 lead as he produced an influential and mature display.

The 25-year-old was kicked time and again by the home side but never once responded with anything other than a raised smile, and his hold-up play, touch and creativity proved too much for Udinese to handle on the night.

After a positive performance in midweek, Balotelli continued in his striking role for Milan’s trip to Genoa on Sunday – a game that ended in 1-0 defeat for Sinisa Mihajlovic’s men.

The boyhood Milan fan didn’t enjoy the same impact on the game this time out, but his good form could see him rewarded by a return to the Italy squad by manager Antonio Conte, with Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani claiming the Azzuri manager spoke to the Mihajlovic about the star striker’s progress.

Lazar Markovic

Markovic’s assist and impressive performance last weekend saw the Serbian keep his shirt in the Fenerbache attack for the Istanbul derby on Sunday night.

The 21-year-old turned in another strong display despite a 3-2 defeat to rivals Besiktas on the right side of Fener’s offensive three, causing the home side all manner of problems with his electric dribbling that almost saw him claim a sensational assist.

Picking the ball up deep, the Serbia international drove straight through the heart of the home side with lightning pace, before sending in a delightful cross from the left side of the box that the arriving Fernandao couldn’t reach to convert.

Frustratingly for the in-form Serbian, he picked up an injury after just 37 minutes which forced him to be substituted, handing a huge blow to Fenerbache who tasted defeat in the derby for the first time since March 2013.

Lawrence Vigouroux

After being benched for what manager Mark Cooper labelled “disciplinary matters” on Saturday, Vigouroux’s season-long loan at the County Ground has come to an abrupt and shock end.

The Chilean stopper had become Town No.1 on arrival after joining in the summer, and he had repaid the faith shown in him by Cooper with excellent form in his nine appearances for the League One outfit this season.

But after “disciplinary matters”, which is reported to have stemmed from Vigouroux turning up late to training last week, the loan has come to a sour end with the U21 goalkeeper having been recalled just two months into the temporary agreement by Liverpool, where he is said to have had meetings over the matter on Monday morning,

Seemingly Liverpool have recalled the player after not being happy at Swindon’s disciplinary process.

Luis Alberto

After his good form saw him score twice in as many games, Alberto dropped to the bench for Deportivo on Thursday night and he was disappointingly an unused substitute for Victor Sanchez’s men who secured a 2-1 away win against Real Betis.

Sanchez freshened up his side for the clash against Espanyol on Sunday, including reinstating Alberto into the starting XI, and the Reds loaned man repaid the manager’s decision in the 3-0 win, claiming another assist.

Operating from the left of an attacking midfield trio, Alberto produced a perfectly weighted through pass as Deportivo counter-attacked, releasing Lucas to slot him his first of the afternoon to double the home side’s lead, capping off another strong all-round performance.

Sheyi Ojo

Talented teenager Ojo was an unused substitute for Wolves in midweek as they crashed out of the League Cup to Middlesbrough following a heavy 3-0 defeat to their Championship rivals.

Despite the poor result in midweek, Ojo again started on the bench on Saturday afternoon, in Wolves’ disappointing 1-1 draw against newly promoted Preston.

But with Kenny Jackett’s side trailing 1-0 even though the home team had only 10 men, and later, nine, the Wolves boss put Ojo on in the 65^th minute to help turn the game around, and the Liverpool loanee did exactly that making a big impact from a wide-left position.

The teenager brought real drive, positivity and creation to a struggling side in his cameo, creating numerous chances – though not directly involved in Kevin MacDonald’s late equaliser – and Ojo will hope the lively cameo that “pleased” Jackett hands him a start next game.

Danny Ward & Ryan McLaughlin

The Aberdeen duo took part in the Dons’ disappointing Scottish League Cup exit to Hibernian on Wednesday night, losing 2-0 at Easter Road.

Ward could do little about either goal, but the Welshman turned in a less impressive performance than his recent high level has produced, with some rash decision making and loose handling on a night which saw McLaughlin enter as an early substitute and produce a quiet performance at right back.

McLaughlin dropped to the bench for his unimpressive Cup display on Saturday as Aberdeen returned to SPL action and tasted defeat in the for the first time as they went down 2-1 at Inverness.

Ward made a number of saves to keep the score-line down, despite conceding two goals he could do little about, with it taking two stunning strikers to beat the Wales ‘keeper who continues to impress at Pittodrie.

Allan Rodriguez de Souza

Liverpool’s young Brazilian recovered from injury sustained last weekend to produce a man-of-the-match display in which he assisted twice and scored directly from a corner for SJK in their comfortable 3-0 win over HJK Helsinki.

The 18-year-old’s early shot was parried allowing Timo Tahvanainen to tap home the opener before he doubled his side’s lead with a quite remarkable effort from a corner.

Swinging the ball inwards with his cultured left foot, Allan’s deep delivery beat everyone piling in and curled straight into the far, top corner of the net for a remarkable goal to double his side’s lead and his second goal of the season.

A then perfectly delivered corner found the head of teammate Ariel Ngueukam who headed powerfully home.

The Rest

Tiago Ilori

The Portuguese defender was again left out of match-day involvement by Tim Sherwood in midweek for the club’s League Cup derby match against Birmingham which Aston Villa claimed a 1-0 win in, and he is still yet to feature for his loan club after missing the Villains’ loss at Anfield due to being ineligible to face his parent club.

Andre Wisdom

Having missed his loan club’s fixture at Anfield, Wisdom made a return to action in midweek for Norwich in their convincing 3-0 League Cup win against his former club, West Brom.

The defender completed all 90 minutes of the game at Carrow Road, where he played right back and impressed with a solid defensive display, helping the Canaries to their first clean sheet of the season, a result he clearly enjoyed.

Despite his solid performance in midweek, Wisdom dropped back to the bench for Norwich’s trip to West Ham on Saturday and he remained an unused substitute in the 2-2 draw with Stephen Whittaker Alex Neil’s preferred right back.

Jordan Williams

Williams was the only Reds loanee in action for Swindon Town in their 2-1 defeat against Colchester – with Stewart injured and Vigouroux dropped.

As Wales boss Chris Coleman watched on, the natural midfielder played in the centre of a back three and endured a difficult afternoon, though he was not directly at fault for either goal in a loss that condemned Town to a third straight league defeat.

Sergi Canos

Despite Canos’ game-changing display last weekend, the Spanish midfielder started amongst the substitutes again at Griffin Park for Brentford’s 2-1 defeat against Sheffield Wednesday.

However, with his side trailing 1-0, the Reds youngster did come on as second half substitute for the remaining 20 minutes, but with his side down to 10 men, Canos didn’t enjoy the same impact on proceedings as last time out, but he earned praise for his desire and work-rate after entering.

Ryan Kent

After the 18-year-old “run the show” for Coventry last week, the Reds loaned man kept his place in the Sky Blues’ side on Saturday as they slumped to a disappointing 2-1 loss against Bury.

The teenager was again deployed in an attacking midfield role by Tony Mowbray but despite some lively moments in which he displayed some of his sublime skill and creativity, he endured a quieter afternoon, unable to prevent his side slipping to defeat.

Semed Yesil

German striker Yesil played the second half and grabbed an assist for Markkus Babbel’s Luzern in their 2-1 victory over bottom-of-the-league Vaduz on Wednesday night.

Minutes after coming on, Yesil broke the offside trap, drove to the 18-yard box, dribbled inside and laid the ball off for Marco Schneuwly to fire home from inside the danger area.

And building on his midweek showing, Yesil scored the winner on his first start for Luzern, who overcame FC Zurich 1-0 on Sunday, with a composed finish that moved his side to fourth in the table.

Lloyd Jones

Liverpool’s young centre back completed another 90 minutes for Blackpool on Saturday, but couldn’t prevent his side slipping to a 2-0 defeat that leaves the Tangerines bottom of the table.

While it would be harsh to blame Jones for either goal, the Reds defender certainly didn’t cover himself in glory on both occasions, allowing Shrewsbury striker Jean-Louis Akpa-Akpro to run off him too easily twice, which the Shrews’ striker ruthlessly punished.

Harry Wilson

Academy product Wilson came on as a second half substitute for Crewe in their 1-1 draw against Walsall on Saturday.

Alex boss Steve Davis introduced the Wales international with 15 minutes to go with the scores level, but the youngster had little time to impact and be the man to make the match-winning difference.

Joe Maguire

The Reds left back was left out of match-day involvement for Leyton Orient on Saturday for the 1-1 draw against Northampton Town.

It’s a surprising move considering it was the last fixture he was eligible to play before the expiry of his one-month youth loan, and it adds to speculation that the 19-year-old has returned to Anfield but could instead be loaned to League One side Barnsley in search of increased game time.

Taiwo Awoniyi

The Nigerian striker was left out of match-day involvement for Frankfurt on Wednesday night as the beat Union Berlin 3-2 but he made his first appearance on the bench for his loan club on Sunday as they lost 2-0 against Freiburg.

Despite his lack of game time, Nigeria U23 boss Samson Siasia wants to include the 18-year-old in his squad for the upcoming U23 African Cup of Nations qualifying matches.

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Alberto Moreno impressing, but now overly relied upon with no cover at left wing-back

Alberto Moreno’s recent return to form at Liverpool has been extremely pleasing, but there is now an over-reliance on him at wing-back.

It wasn’t too long ago that he was being written off by some supporters, with many feeling the Spaniard would never justify the £12million spent on him last year.

Having lost his place at left-back to Joe Gomez in the opening weeks of 2014/15, the popular, mildly eccentric Moreno has responded admirably, and been one of Liverpool’s best players during a poor run.

Brendan Rodgers‘ switch back to a 3-4-2-1 formation has benefited the 23-year-old, and his relentless energy at wing-back has given the Reds an extra attacking outlet.

He was particularly impressive in the 1-1 draw at home to Norwich, but also shone against Aston Villa in the 3-2 win on Saturday.

Whereas Moreno couldn’t get in the team when Gomez was Rodgers’ first-choice left-back, there is now suddenly an alarming dependence on him to stay fit and in-form in the current system.

Lack of a replacement

Gomez has shown that he can be a decent option as a defence-minded left-back, but he is clearly not suited in an attacking sense to rotate with Moreno as a wing-back.

This leaves Rodgers with almost no back-up option in that role, unless he decides to try something out of left field like playing James Milner there (never going to happen).

It should never have got to a situation like this.

Jon Flanagan, even if he were fit, is similar to Gomez in that his attributes are better suited to a full-back role than a wing-back role.

Lazar Markovic showed last year that he has the ability to thrive as a wing-back, even if it’s far from his best role – which makes his loan to Fenerbahce all the more baffling and frustrating.

This lack of options has put Rodgers in a tricky situation: does he just keep playing Moreno? The answer has to be a resounding no.

Rest needed

Such are the demands of being a wing-back – it is widely seen as arguably the most relentless, taxing position in football – that Moreno must be given a breather for Thursday’s Europa League clash at home to FC Sion, especially with the Merseyside derby in mind.

The former Sevilla man has got through a huge amount of work since returning to the fold earlier this month, and will be feeling the strain. Starting against Sion would be his fifth start in 14 days.

Indeed, including sub appearances, Moreno is second (behind Emre Can) in most appearances this season so far..

He has been a constant outlet down the left, and while his final ball and general intelligence have been questioned in the past, there has been a significant improvement in both areas.

Running him into the ground would be a terrible decision by Rodgers, and both Moreno’s confidence and form would suffer because of it.

The Reds need their in-form Spaniard at the top of his game for Sunday’s showdown at Goodison Park, with Seamus Coleman a key man for Everton down the right.

Should he start against Sion on Thursday, Rodgers really will be asking for trouble in that respect.

Fulfilling his potential

There was a reason why Moreno was so highly sought-after in the summer of 2014, with Spanish football experts like Guillem Balague lauding his ability.

He was seen by some as a player who could rival Jordi Alba as Spain’s long-term left-back, and Liverpool weren’t alone in trying to sign him.

A hugely inconsistent first year at Anfield saw plenty lose faith, however, but was it just a case of adjusting to a new life in a new country, and getting used to the pace and power of the Premier League?

There are definite signs in recent weeks to back-up that argument, and Moreno may be about to join the long list of Reds players who came to life in their second season at the club.

Rodgers’ lack of squad depth is an issue that could work against the youngster though, and it is imperative that he is used thoughtfully until Flanagan returns.

He is key to Liverpool thriving in a 3-4-2-1 formation, and also remains a more balanced option than Gomez at left-back.

It’s hard not to like him.

Subscribe to Henry’s increasingly popular new podcast ‘Koppage Time’ (@KoppageTime) on iTunes or listen on Podomatic.

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Brendan Rodgers making his job harder with media arrogance

Despite being under considerable pressure in his position as Liverpool manager, Brendan Rodgers continues to broadcast media arrogance.

One 3-2 victory over bottom-half strugglers Aston Villa, and Brendan Rodgers’ approach to media duties completely changes.

From the sullen, meekly defiant figure that entered the Melwood press room on Friday morning to that which briefed assembled reporters after Saturday’s victory at Anfield, therein lies one of the key issues underpinning Rodgers’ position on Merseyside.

For a manager who is under serious pressure this campaign, Rodgers’ post-match words reflected a sheer misplaced arrogance.

It was as if Daniel Sturridge‘s 67th-minute strike had completely wiped his memory of that Friday morning in which he said “it’s not about me. The most important thing is the club’s success.”

The 42-year-old is making his job so much harder with this self-importance.

“We’ve lost less games than Man City, Chelsea and Arsenal”

Incredibly, Saturday’s victory lifted the Reds to the fringes of the Premier League’s top four; two points behind third and fourth-placed West Ham United and Arsenal, four points behind second-placed Manchester City and five points behind league leaders Manchester United.

It is a situation that provides context for the fast-flowing nature of football management; that fortunes can change within 90 minutes.

But more so it is a marker of just how poor the standard of this season’s Premier League has been so far: none of United, City or Arsenal—favourites for a top-four finish—have been convincing over seven games, while last season’s champions, Chelsea, flounder in 15th.

However, that Rodgers had to gall to compare himself to his loftier rivals after this Villa victory is astounding:

“What has surprised me, is that I look at our games in all competitions, we’ve lost less games than Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal.

“We’ve lost two games – similar to Manchester United and Tottenham.”

This was essentially saying ‘why put so much pressure on me, and not Manuel Pellegrini, Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger?’

But in doing so, Rodgers ignored some salient facts about his side’s form:

• City, Chelsea and Arsenal didn’t lose their final game of 2014/15 away to Stoke City 6-1.
• City, Chelsea and Arsenal haven’t won just five of their last 16 league games, against sides that now lie 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th in the Premier League and 12th in the Championship.
• City, Chelsea and Arsenal haven’t scored just seven goals in seven league games this season.
• City, Chelsea and Arsenal didn’t need a penalty shootout to defeat League Two opposition.
• Liverpool haven’t been losing games in the Champions League like City and Arsenal.
• City, Chelsea and Arsenal haven’t produced the listless collective performances that Liverpool have.

It was as if, to Rodgers, this wasn’t such an obviously flawed comparison.

While Mourinho is struggling to coax form out of his reigning champions, there are clear signs that this is a side down on its luck, rather than out of ideas—unlike Rodgers’ Liverpool prior to this Villa victory.

One victory seems to have changed everything for the Ulsterman, but he would wise to take perspective.

“If you give me the tools, I’ll do the work.”

A good workman never blames his tools, but Rodgers clearly will.

“I think I have shown in the early stages of my management—without being arrogant—that with a talented group of players I can compete at the top end of the league,” he said after Saturday’s victory.

“I know how to manage top players. If you give me the tools, I’ll do the work.”

This was a bizarre statement—seemingly blaming his side’s poor form solely on the players—and one which has become a worrying trend for Rodgers during his time on Merseyside.

“Our top goalscorer has six goals—we have three players on six—so we have to find a solution to that but when everyone is fit and available we are able to compete with this squad,” he said in April, after season spent struggling to mould Raheem Sterling into a world-class centre-forward and ignoring summer signings Mario Balotelli and Rickie Lambert.

The players are never good enough, and every season sees Liverpool rip it up and start again—but, this summer, there was a marked difference in recruitment.

Nathaniel Clyne, James Milner and Christian Benteke are three key examples of the manager being given more clout in the transfer market this summer, while Dejan Lovren remains the £20 million albatross from the summer of 2014.

Incredibly the player who inspired Liverpool to victory on Saturday, Sturridge, was initially vetoed by Rodgers ahead of his £12 million move from Chelsea in 2013.

Does Rodgers really know which are the best tools for the job?

“I am the same guy who nearly won us the league, but better.”

Liverpool’s remarkable title challenge in 2013/14 will long remain Rodgers’ salvation as a manager, and it can be argued that this is justified, with the manager spearheading one of the most enjoyable league campaigns in the last decade.

But Rodgers’ most ludicrous claim after Saturday’s victory was that he was now a better manager:

“There are very short memories in football.

“The team was eighth when I got here. We built a team to excite people throughout European football, that should have won the league.

“All the good work gets forgotten.”

In this defiant stance, Rodgers created a miserable paradox for himself: suggesting that he is now a better manager, but falling back on his side’s near success from two seasons ago to justify his claims.

This confused self-preservation is an alarming flaw in Rodgers’ character, particularly given the poor form his side have endured so far in 2015/16; he would be wise to focus on the humility and class of City manager Pellegrini.

When Liverpool need to keep their heads down and focus on improvement, Rodgers has created a rod for his and his squad’s backs.

The manager has proved nothing yet, and this media arrogance is only making his job harder.

• Read more: Why wait until Liverpool hit rock bottom to sack Brendan Rodgers?

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