Why Klopp must axe first teamer for Liverpool showdown with Tottenham
By Dominic Toner
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp needs to drop Emre Can from the starting line-up against Tottenham on Saturday.
The Reds host Spurs at Anfield in the Premier League and it’s essential they set up well against Mauricio Pochettino’s well drilled side.
Liverpool have tasted victory just once in their last 10 games across all competitions and that was a narrow 1-0 win over Plymouth, meaning their next match against Spurs is a huge showdown to keep their season alive.
Klopp must send out a strong message and drop first teamer Can from the starting XI as his performances have dropped considerably this season.
The 23-year-old has been a solid defensive midfielder at times during his Anfield career, but is currently in poor form and is slowing down his team’s possession.
He started the club’s last match in the 2-0 defeat to Hull and was withdrawn after 67 minutes, but his lack of intent on the ball has frustrated fans for a number of games.
Klopp should return to the the three-man combination that served him so well at the beginning of the season of Georginio Wijnaldum, Adam Lallana and Jordan Henderson.
Can is not currently fitting into the side’s dynamics and the Reds should go back to basics by implementing their fast attacking style.
The Merseyside club appear to be out of the title race as they are 13 points behind runaway leaders Chelsea and are in risk of missing out on a Champions League spot.
Liverpool are currently fifth-placed in the league table and the Spurs match is a huge test as they look to break back into the top four.
Can certainly still has a future at Anfield as he is only enduring a poor run of form, but it would be in the best interests of the club to drop him Saturday.
In other Liverpool news, Tony Cascarino believes they should have signed an England international in the summer.
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