Preserving Midfield Sea Legs
Liverpool sorted out their business once again with a comeback 3-1 win over bottom-of-the-league Southampton. Despite a poor first half, the Reds found their resolve and steamrolled the Saints to secure all three points. That puts the Reds further in pole position at the top of the Premier League with nine games to go. With the Champions League sadly off the table, the focus now shifts to the League Cup final. There are some concerns on the Liverpool side of things, particularly during the first half of that Southampton win. In the engine room, an area where the Reds haven’t seen much rotation in throughout this season, we’ll need some sort of preservation of our midfield.
READ MORE: Home Comforts by John Carl Bolido
SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW: YouTube / X (Formerly Twitter) / Instagram / TikTok / Patreon / BlueSky
A Slow Start
The first half of the Liverpool/Southampton game was… forgettable to say the least. The Saints managed to dig in and frustrate the home side. They even took a shock lead. Less than a minute away from the half-time whistle a mix-up between the defense and Alisson gifted an opener. The Reds, understandably, looked a bit winded, especially after the narrow 1-0 win against PSG in the first leg.
As mentioned, this was especially apparent in the midfield. The trio of Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, and Jones looked sluggish. They were unable to make the most of Liverpool’s possession of the ball. Thankfully, the injection of energy the substitutions of Harvey Elliott and a rested Alexis Mac Allister proved the difference. However, I don’t think anyone can disagree that the Reds have to start games with a bit more energy, especially with a must-win final coming up.
Slot’s Reluctance
If there is a recurring theme with the Liverpool gaffer this year, it’s his tendency to stick with a strong first XI throughout both the Premier League and Champions League. Rotation is an afterthought in most lineup selections. It certainly came as a surprise that he stuck with a mostly unchanged eleven from the 1-0 win over PSG. This was especially alarming since the Reds had to dig deep to give themselves a chance to get that win. The gamble didn’t pay off. Gravenberch and Szoboszlai in particular looked leggy and had difficulty in dealing with Southampton in transition.
It’s no coincidence that Liverpool managed to turn things around and dominate the game the moment Harvey Elliott and a fresher Alexis Mac Allister set foot on the pitch. Add in the customary Wataru Endo closeout appearance, and the game ended rather comfortably for the runaway league leaders.
Faith Rewarded?
This does beg the question, should Arne Slot look to trust his midfield reserves, such as Endo and Elliott, more than he has been? As good as Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, and Jones have been this season, two more bodies in the mix there do a lot to take the load off heavy legs. It’s not like these two are youngsters from the academy as well. Endo is an experienced, battle-hardened, team-player who was integral to Liverpool last season. He might not be as progressive as a Gravenberch or Jones. But the cover he provides defensively and his general know-how can warrant him starting certain games.
SHOP THE AMERICAN SCOUSER COLLECTION TODAY
The same can be said for Harvey Elliott. Cruelly struck by the injury bug very early in the season, Elliott didn’t factor in Arne Slot’s plan until very recently. Following his heroics in the 1-0 win over PSG, Elliott’s inclusion in the Southampton game showed why he deserves a place in the Liverpool side. The way he repeatedly looked to put Liverpool on the front foot, and his skill on the ball provided the Reds with another threat that proved a catalyst for their 3-1 comeback. While he might not be as physically gifted as a Szoboszlai or Curtis Jones, he’s arguably better on the ball. He can be key to unlocking a low block by finding a gap in the opposing back line.
Now, in Arne Slot’s defense, there isn’t a reason to alter something that’s worked so well throughout the season. However, with the games ramping up, legs getting heavy, and fringe players proving their worth despite limited appearances, it’s ultimately beneficial for the Reds, this season and beyond, to ensure their depth remains sharp, fit, and motivated for the challenges ahead.
