Liverpool were once again victorious this weekend in the Premier League, beating Southampton 4-0. In the process, Jurgen Klopp solved one of his potential dilemmas.
On the chalkboard
The Reds weren’t at their best in the first half – their opponents actually managed more shots before the break. However, during the second 45 minutes, the Anfield outfit were by far the better team, with goals from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jordan Henderson and Mohamed Salah – twice – getting the job done for Klopp.
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In this match, Fabinho made his first Premier League start since returning from injury. His, and one other player’s performance, solved one of the 52-year-old’s potential dilemmas.
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The Brazil international had been one of his team’s best performers during the first months of the campaign, with Gary Neville even calling him the best defensive midfielder in the world in September (Sky Sports via Metro). When he went off with an issue against Napoli in the Champions League, and it was then confirmed that he would be unavailable until the New Year, some Liverpool fans wondered how they would cope.
However, not only did the European champions get by, they flourished. Jordan Henderson slotted into Fabinho’s role, and Liverpool would win all eight of the matches the 26-year-old missed in the league. They also conceded just three goals, keeping six clean sheets.
Henderson’s displays were commended, with some even saying he could win the Player of the Year award. When Fabinho did return, he came on from the bench in his first three matches – Klopp understandably reluctant to change a winning side.
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The Brazilian had to return at some point, however, and that occasion came against Southampton on Saturday afternoon. That didn’t mean Henderson came out of the side, though – he just moved slightly further forward.
The decision paid dividends. Fabinho was solid, winning six out of his eight ground duels and making four tackles, but it was the captain who particularly excelled. He scored once, made one assist, and provided three key passes, picking up an impressive SofaScore rating of 8.3.
Klopp does not need to worry – Henderson and Fabinho can both look just as good in the same side and he doesn’t need to choose between the two. This was just the second time Liverpool have won in the Premier League by four goals this season. Can the former Borussia Dortmund manager do any wrong?
Meanwhile, Liverpool fans laud one man’s display against Southampton.
