OPINION
Liverpool maintained their perfect start to the season by beating Leicester City 2-1 but Jurgen Klopp would have still learnt several things about his team.
Sadio Mane put the Reds ahead in the 10th minute before Roberto Firmino doubled his side’s advantage by scoring on the 45th minute mark.
The Foxes pulled a goal back through Rachid Ghezzal and put heavy pressure on Klopp’s side to the very end of the match to ensure they had to work hard to leave the King Power Stadium with all three points.
Live 4 Liverpool has rounded up three things learned about The Reds from their 2-1 win over the Foxes.
Gomez is grabbing his opportunity with both hands
Joe Gomez is making the most of being handed regular playing time in Klopp’s first team and looks like he is continually improving with each passing game. The 21-year-old centre-back may have had a few iffy moments against The Foxes as they chased down every ball but for the most part the young defender took everything in his stride. Leicester City were easily the toughest challenge Gomez had been dealt so far and it was nice to see him emerge from the other side looking better than ever. The 21-year-old particularly shone when he put in a last ditch block to deny the Foxes a clear opportunity at goal and it will be interesting to see whether Gomez’s great performances keep Dejan Lovren out of the side even when the Croatian is fit.
Alisson’s mistake will be debated
Alisson Becker is the latest goalkeeper to be thrust under the intense Liverpool spotlight which means any flaw will be highlighted and magnified for pundits to tear apart. The 25-year-old Brazilian successfully pulled off a skilled move during his side’s outing against Crystal Palace but his comfortableness with the ball at his feet against the Foxes cost his side a goal. Alisson attempted a ‘Cryuff turn’ only to be easily robbed of the ball and see it end up in the back of his net. While the howler was embarrassing at least the goalkeeper has no doubt learnt a valuable lesson due to it. Alisson may still at times choose to show his Brazilian flair with some fancy footwork but he will choose the time to showcase that side of his game more carefully as won’t want to concede another pointless goal anytime soon.
Henderson must be axed
Jordan Henderson was given his first start of the season against the Foxes and didn’t make a case for why he should start ahead of Naby Keita. The 6ft 1in tall midfielder (Source: ESPN) was run ragged by the Foxes as they constantly put pressure on him every time he was in possession and it was no surprise when he was subbed in the 71st minute of the game. With the Reds facing a tough task after the international break in their next game as they faced fellow title contenders Tottenham, it’s clear Klopp must instantly axe Henderson from his starting line-up. Keita looks more capable of causing Spurs damage and while Henderson was excellent last season, it’s clear he should make way for this important fixture. The 28-year-old has looked solid when coming off the bench to appear and perhaps he can do a job in the tail end of the game against Spurs if required.
