Klopp favourite must be axed: Three things learned about Liverpool in win v Middlesbrough
By Matt Farr
Football Insider analyses three of the main talking points from Liverpool’s 3-0 win over Middlesbrough in the Premier League on Sunday.
Attacker blew his chance
Daniel Sturridge was ultimately playing for his future at the club. The 27-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from Anfield this summer, as frustrations grow over his match fitness. Sturridge has been plagued by injury throughout his career – not just at Anfield – but Liverpool are likely to pursue one or two goalscoring alternatives in the coming months amid Sturridge’s inability to stay fit over large periods of time. He had retained his spot in the starting eleven following the win over West Ham last time out, but he was withdrawn ten minutes from time after a quiet display. The attacker fired a few shots off on goal, but none that really challenged goalkeeper Brad Guzan. If his future depended on the outcome of today’s performance, Sturridge looks destined to quit.
Full-backs need work
If Liverpool are to push on and do real damage in the coming seasons, they will need to make a number of improvements this summer. A lot has been said about Liverpool’s defensive liabilities, and the full-back area should be cause for concern. Nathaniel Clyne has been little more than average this season, while James Milner must not be retained as the first-choice left-back. The 31-year-old has been ever-present in the role this season, and has performed well in his role, but it is still an unfamiliar task for the midfield player. Jurgen Klopp cannot afford to be playing people out of position next term, and he must set aside his favouritism for Milner and axe him from his current duties, if he is to reap the desired rewards.
Job done
The pressure was high on Liverpool heading into the game, although it could have been worse had they not started in the driving seat. A top four finish and a place in next season’s Champions League was at stake, with rivals Arsenal bearing down on them in fifth-place. Things looked grim for the Reds when Arsenal took an early lead at the Emirates, but Georgino Wijnaldum’s opener saw Liverpool snatched back the advantage. However, the goal also spurred the Reds on for a much-improved second-half performance, showcased in the 3-0 final scoreline. As a result, it is Klopp’s side, not Arsene Wenger’s, that will be testing themselves among Europe’s elite next season in the Champions League.
In other Liverpool news, here is how the Reds players rated during the victory.
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