OPINION
Michael Owen clearly believes Liverpool need to be aware of Burnley forward Ashley Barnes as he namedropped the forward while predicting the Reds’ Premier League clash with Sean Dyche’s side.
The former Reds striker pointed out how Barnes had continued to impress for the Clarets as he racked up 13 league goals in 2019, before saying Liverpool face a “stiff examination” when they face Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday.
While Owen did admit he backed the Reds to have enough quality to earn a win against Burnley, he clearly was handing Jurgen Klopp an indirect warning about how Barnes could be an issue for Liverpool by referencing him.
“Ashley Barnes has scored 13 league goals in 2019 and he continues to impress for Burnley,” wrote Owen for BetVictor.
“Liverpool look sure to face a stiff examination against the Clarets, but they have such quality in their ranks that I believe they will take maximum points back from east Lancashire.”
“After their excellent win against Arsenal at the weekend the Reds have won their last 12 league games and I don’t expect this admirable Burnley side to make it 13th time unlucky for Jurgen Klopp’s side who are hoping to go into the first international break at the top of the table.”
Given that Burnley cruised past Southampton by beating them 3-0, with the Saints nearly earning a point against the Reds when they clash this season, and managed a draw against Wolves, who finished seventh last season, then the Clarets shouldn’t be underestimated.
This is especially the case when you consider the Clarets will have home advantage when they face the Reds on Saturday.
However while the Reds need to be at their best regardless of their opposition, it’s clear Klopp should heed Owen’s indirect warning about Barnes given the form he has been in.
The 29-year-old has managed four goals in his first three league outings, averaging a rating of 8.12 and has proven to be a force in the air for defences to handle as on average he has won 4.7 of his aerial duels per game so far. (Source: WhoScored)
Barnes has already proven to be a threat in England’s top-flight this season by simply being lively around the box.
The Burnley forward has averaged 4.3 shots per game and has averaged 1.3 dribbles per game so it shows how the Reds’ defence have to stay focus on Saturday. (Source: WhoScored)
Also when you consider that Burnley go into Saturday’s game as the underdogs as Liverpool still have their 100% record intact, if Barnes is given an opportunity, which he takes, to put his side ahead early, it might give Dyche’s side the confidence they need to pull off a surprise win.
It’s also worth noting that the Reds haven’t kept a clean sheet in any of their first four games of the season, so Barnes is no doubt licking his lips and confident about his chances of scoring going into the game.
So with that all in mind, Klopp needs to heed Owen’s warning and have a plan up his sleeve in order to neuter the threat of the 29-year-old forward.
