Liverpool FC 0 AS Roma 1: what we learned from the Reds' last-gasp Fenway defeat
The four main talking points from Liverpool's late defeat to the Serie A side
Emre Can in action.
Forgotten man could give a reminder on tour
When Kenny Dalglish took charge of his first game back as Liverpool manager, Martin Kelly was a surprise starter at Old Trafford.
His performance caught the eye more than anybody else's on the pitch; strong, useful on the ball and with the added narrative of a local lad done good, he was a prominent figure in the team who did so well under Dalglish towards the end of 2010/11. He would even be a part of England's Euro 2012 squad.
A lot has changed at the club since then - including Kelly's role at Anfield. Sidelined with injury throughout the majority of Rodgers' time at the club, he has made just nine league appearances under the Northern Irishman.
But speaking to the ECHO's James Pearce on Monday, the 24 year old told of his desire to bounce back from his injury woes.
This was a decent start. The forgotten man of the Reds' squad gave a little reminder of what he is capable of.
He was solid in defence and joined the attack at times. It was not the complete performance - and never forget this was a friendly - but in a side with questions in defence, the answer could have been on the treatment table the whole time, especially with so many games to be played this season.
GALLERY: Liverpool 0 Roma 1 at Fenway Park
Emre Can will grab attention
Emre Can is an imposing sort. When he strode on to the Fenway Park pitch, there was a buzz from the Liverpool supporters.
Perhaps it is because, of the four players signed by Rodgers this summer so far, only Can and Rickie Lambert have made their debuts for the Reds - and the hunger for anything fresh sees Can, formerly of Leverkusen, offer something new rather than Southampton's Lambert.
Nobody knew much about the Under-21 international before the summer but already his qualities would be apparent, if not necessarily how much he will show them. He is strong, powerful and has a fleet-footedness about him which belies his six foot two frame.
He would also appear to have aggression. His running battle with Radja Nainggolan - who is no slouch himself - was fascinating. The Belgian left his mark on Can but he didn't hide; his run in the second half also gave a glimpse into his attacking ability.
Can commands attention. He's certainly got it at Liverpool already.
Fabio Borini's inclusion could have been costly
The wince on Fabio Borini's face was no doubt matched by those who feel Sunderland's £14m offer for the Italian striker is more than sufficient. He fell under the challenge of Seydou Keita, held his shoulder, and eventually disappeared down the tunnel.
And with it, a potential transfer away from Anfield could have disappeared with him.
His future on Merseyside remains uncertain. Rodgers maintains that he remains a Livepool player and part of the squad until he makes a decision about a move to Wearside.
But all of that could have been thrown in jeopardy with Borini's injury.
Rodgers revealed after the match that the shoulder had just been bruised and, while a few days of training would be missed, it was not as bad as first feared.
The question on where Borini begins next season remains. But this injury scare was a reminder of how fate can sometimes answer those questions for you – and that is something to contemplate during the next two weeks.
Ibe looks better on the left
Jordon Ibe is one of the players the supporters in the United States have been looking forward to watching the most. He is exciting, progressive and has bags of both ability and potential.
He had begun well on the left hand side of the front three. He stretched his legs a few times and had the Roma defence panicking, and was the first Reds player to really drive at the defence – a nod to the confidence he has.
Borini's injury changed his role. On came Can, who moved into a central position; this moved the majestic Philippe Coutinho out wide, and he occupied the left hand side, cutting inside. This left the 18 year old stationed on the right.
At this young age, his strength is most certainly coming on to his stronger foot. When on the right, all his threat evaporated. The power generated from his upper body and deft touch was wasted when on the right hand side.
The comparisons with Raheem Sterling can sometimes be too simplistic. Chalk this one as another example of that. The two are different players and will flourish in different positions.
No comments:
Post a Comment