EVEN the sight of one of Liverpool’s most famous flags wasn’t quite enough to inspire Liverpool to victory last night.
Joey might have eaten the frogs legs and made the Swiss roll, but it turns out Bayern might take a bit more Munchen than Gladbach did in ’77.
But positives still arose from the game, particularly defensively where a makeshift backline managed to repel Lewandowski and co with relative ease. Much was made before the game of Liverpool having to field their fourth and fifth-choice centre backs in such a big game, but both Matip and Fabinho more than held their own.
Fabinho in particular is fast becoming Mr Reliable for Liverpool wherever he plays, to the extent that there was plenty of discussion last night over whether he actually should be considered fifth-choice centre half for Liverpool or much higher.
After the game, my dad said he would start Fabinho with van Djik at Old Trafford on Sunday, regardless of the fitness of others, and the only problem with that I could think of was that I want him in midfield as well.
It’s quite the turnaround for Fabinho considering he couldn’t even make the bench for Liverpool earlier in the season, and was being linked with loan moves back to France by journalists who seemed a bit too keen to make it happen.
Now, for many Liverpool fans, he is one of the first names on the teamsheet — the only question being where best to deploy his considerable talents.
At times his game seems almost too dynamic to play anywhere else but midfield. His passing range and athleticism are perfect for a deeper midfield role. In style, he is the closest thing I have seen to Vieira since he left Arsenal. And they’ve had about seven “new Vieras” since.
But his performance at centre half certainly makes you think, well, maybe. It’s not just his one-on-one defending — which you would expect to be excellent, as demonstrated by a great block on Lewandowski inside the penalty area — the biggest surprise is his positional play.
Things that young centre halves who have played that position throughout the academy system struggle with, Fabinho seems to have a natural knowledge of. Quite often it seemed to be him last night, rather than Joel Matip, who was deciding when the defensive line should push up and when it should drop.
Above all else, this shows his natural football intelligence. How he can read the game seemingly no matter where he is on the pitch. Jürgen Klopp has talked extensively of Gini Wijnaldum’s outstading verstality and his ability to “switch from one mindset to another”. I am sure he is starting to add Fabinho to his growing list of players who can perform for him seemingly no matter where they play.
It is to everyone’s credit, not least Fabinho’s, that everyone stayed calm when he was struggling to adapt to Liverpool and the Premier League.
One of the most fascinating parts of the recent Pep Lijnders interviews was his discussion of the work they did with Fabinho. Lijnders admiration for Fabinho is clear. Calling him “the lighthouse” within the “organised chaos” of this Liverpool side. The cool head among the beautiful madness.
Now he’s settled, you fancy Fabinho could be guiding this team for years to come. A big boss lighthouse in the middle of the park.
The Anfield Wrap’s Craig Hannan said he was going to get “Fabinho 3” on the back of his favourite hoody. I’m going to make a giant flag of New Brighton Lighthouse with Fabinho’s head on the top.
Coming to an away end near you soon.
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“I’m not worried about this at all. We can turn them over in Munich.” 👏
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— The Anfield Wrap (@TheAnfieldWrap) February 19, 2019
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Pics: David Rawcliffe-Propaganda Photo
This is the problem with modern football. Overhype after each game, be it positive or negative.
Fact is, we were woeful in possession last night. A timid Bayern was not put to the sword because our offensive play was bad. Salah a no-show again in big games. Full-backs with horrendous passing and crosses. Keeper crumbling under pressure and creating needless problems for himself. Bad decision making all over the pitch.
I would be shocked if these players win at Old Trafford. They just dont do enough to get us to glory. Top4 no problem, but actually winning silverware, different kettle of fish. Paul Senior slagged off for being doom and gloom in the post match show. But he has a point.
Some teams win actual silverware. These Reds only talk about it. Habitual bridesmaids! Rinse and repeat!
@Titus_Red Agree with you.
I think Bayern showed too much respect and it was their plan to stifle our game. We didn’t win it, unless it was our game to stifle theirs and play for a draw?
United are going to be confident with their recent win against Chelsea. I watched that game and it looked very much like Ferguson masterminding behind closed doors, than OGS.
I hope Shaq, Trent, etc coming back from injury are fully recovered as we will need all the help we can get.
Not taking those mancs lightly despite what Fabinho has done so far.
Negative overhype.
Where is this Pep interview?