sportbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Liverpool Have The Right Ingredients To Become Title Contenders But There's Room For Improvement

Liverpool Have The Right Ingredients To Become Title Contenders But There's Room For Improvement

A performance worth talking about.

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare

Earlier in the week, Jurgen Klopp said that Liverpool must 'work hard' to bring the good times back to Anfield and after a number of impressive performances this season, his team have encapsulated everything a Jurgen Klopp side stands for.

In years gone by, Liverpool have fell at the final hurdle but in the space of eight games, Jurgen Klopp has reinvigorated his side into a gegenspressing workhorse. The cogs in this rather remarkable machine are starting to turn.

Unlike years gone by, Liverpool do not look susceptible to rust but tonight is proof that there is still room for improvement.

At times, Liverpool lacked that decisiveness in the final third to open space and create chances.

When Adam Lallana came on in the second half, he combined with the likes of Firmino and Coutinho but his absence was evident in the first 45 minutes. Without Lallana, this usually balanced side looked to struggle in all areas.

klopp
klopp

Jurgen Klopp will be frustrated by his side's failure to score but then again, Manchester United's defensive plan worked and that came across in Ander Herrera's post match interview, who revealed his pride at a 0-0 draw.

Jose Mourinho simply could not afford to lose this game and it was crystal clear United were happy with a score draw.

Liverpool's defenders had no time on the ball and hurriedly played it long - another tactic Klopp will fear ahead of the coming season. What happens when other Premier League sides decide to do the same? Has Klopp got a Plan B?

ee
ee

Away from tonight's game, Klopp's principles are simple and decisive. Work hard and work for each other.

We are currently witnessing a Liverpool side who are without a 'big name'. There isn't a main man in this talented set-up. While other teams may squabble over individuals, this 'team' is one of the best in the Premier League and believe it or not, three England internationals are behind this overall togetherness at Anfield.

Although the national side have been rightly slated in recent months, Jurgen Klopp has got the best out of James Milner, Adam Lallana and Jordan Henderson, who have been outstanding this season.

Over the past 20 years or so, a certain Sir Alex Ferguson used under-rated players like Butt, Cruyff and O'Shea in championship winning sides. These players are often stamped with the 'they do a job' label and rarely grab the headlines but really, they are the nucleus within a team.

Klopp knows this all too well.

ddd
ddd

Liverpool's heavy press may not have been as effective tonight but against the majority of sides this season, the gegenpressing will create chances and earn vital points.

Sir Alex Ferguson admitted he was worried by the impact Jurgen Klopp would have at Liverpool back in December 2015. He was right.

Klopp made a bold prediction at his Liverpool unveiling last October: "When I sit here in four years I would say we won one title."

Could this be Jurgen's year?

Featured Image Credit: