So here we are again. Middle of November with a footy-less weekend. Proper footy anyway. I’ve a couple of reasons not to be too unhappy though. I’m 60 on Sunday, and I’m away with friends for the occasion in Anglesey (carefully orchestrated around the International break weekend – but don’t tell the Mrs.) Secondly, and most importantly, my team are doing rather well.
Our mighty reds sit five points clear at the top of the league, and top of the Champions League table and what’s interesting for me is that I think the team, especially our midfield, can play much better. This team plays so differently to what it did under Klopp. Sometimes I do miss the pure excitement of Klopp’s football, but you can’t argue with the results this more pragmatic style of football has brought to us.
Defensively we’re far more solid. Our full-backs are there to defend, and don’t quite storm forward like they did. Back in the day, it was everyone pile forward, and leave the mighty Virgil to take his chances at the back. Now, especially since Konate has raised his levels, we’re probably the best defence around. I’m a touch worried that we may soon lose the incredible full-back partnership of Trent and Robbo in the not too distant future; I think Trent may head off to Spain to seek his Ballon d’Or (is it me or does he look a little less interested?) and Robbo seems to have lost a touch of pace. Bradley will do well in this system, but I’m not too sure that Kostas Tsimikas is quite good enough.
Our midfield has generally been excellent. Ryan Gravenberch has become an incredible ‘number 6’. Who’d have thought? From a rather wasteful luxury attacking midfielder to one of the first names on the team sheet! I just love the way he not only breaks up play, but pushes on with pace and strength through the middle of the park, often having picked the ball up on the half turn.
Mac Allister has all the attributes of a great player and has played solidly. My slight concern is that he can drop off the pace of the game intermittently, and when he does we can lose control. Curtis Jones looks much improved, and can now alter the way the game is played out rather than being a neat looking bystander. Dominic Szoboszlai is a bit of an enigma. He looked so good at the start of last season, but then his form dropped off somewhat. His work rate is top class, and off the ball he’s excellent. My feeling is that there is still a serious player waiting to burst out.
Up front we’ve looked excellent. I must admit I really loved it when Diaz played down the middle, with Gakpo left and Mo Salah on the right. Personally I’d be starting Darwin on the bench to wreak havoc when he comes on. I like a player with a footballing brain to match their technique, and I’m not sure we’ll ever get that.
I really hope that Mo Salah gets a new contract. I’m not sure he quite has the pace of a few years ago, but he could still be winning games for us for another three to four years. I remember John Barnes slowing a little, and still running the show..
And what about Arne Slot? I’m starting to love him. The way he tweaks our system when we’re under pressure is excellent. I’ve seen a few dodgy first halves, and he’s always turned the team around to dominate the second half- really impressive!
Finally, as my Twitter followers know, I do love a ‘rating’, so here are my ratings for the season so far!
Alisson 8
Kelleher 8
Trent 7
Bradley 8
Konate 9
Virgil 9
Robbo 7
Tsimikas 7
Gravenberch 9
Endo 6
Mac Allister 6
Jones 8
Szoboszlai 6
Gakpo 8
Diaz 9
Nunez 6
Salah 9
Slot 9
I don’t dare think of us winning the title. Far too scared. Let’s just keep on from week to week winning matches. I’m loving watching the team this season, especially considering the tears we all had when Jürgen left us, dampening our expectations..
Get through the weekend folks. Let’s all hope that the players playing rubbish international friendlies come back safe and sound, and cheer the boys on at Southampton next weekend.
