It’s not the first time in recent memory that Liverpool’s defense have kept a clean sheet, but they haven’t received much praise. Virgil van Dijk was named the best player. The prevailing narrative was that the backline wasn’t fully analysed, but that Burnley had little to offer. There is certainly some truth to this. Alisson was somewhat of a spectator. But at the same time, with Liverpool facing do-nothing rivals West Ham and Manchester United tonight, it’s time to take a look at what Jurgen Klopp’s side are up to. Even Arsenal, one of the most prolific teams in the Championship this season, have conceded fewer goals than Liverpool when the two sides meet, with a total of well under a goal scored. This match saw a debate over the strengths of Ibrahima Konate and William Saliba. Both players performed remarkably.
Klopp gave Konate a day off and transferred him to Burnley. The biggest compliment that can be paid to Jarrell Quansah is that he did not lose sight of the French. First, it’s worth noting that if the off-ball midfield improves significantly, the entire defense will benefit. Liverpool’s pressing is getting back to work, so the centre-backs aren’t looking one-on-one every time they play for a long ball.
But Klopp’s system always creates situations where defenders have a lot to gain. Even in the quiet Burnley game, Quansah was brought on at a crucial moment. It looks like Zeki Amduni is finally destined to give Alison something. The task could be to get the ball out of the back of the net, with Burnley coming in behind Liverpool and threatening a free-kick from a central position.
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