LFC 20/21 – The Good, The Bad The Ugly – Gameweek 20 & 21
The Spurs get burned and the Hammers hammered. Deadline deals leave everyone staggered. What now for youngsters that have done so well? Time and performances only will tell. The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. Another week reviewed at the world’s favourite football club Liverpool F.C.
The Good
Getting the wheels back on the title bandwagon with two wins from the last two games. First a 1-3 win in the road against Tottenham Hotspurs which was a big ask considering the recent form.
That said, goals from Roberto Firmino, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Sadio Mané gave Liverpool a healthy enough margin, despite what turned out to be a mere consolation from Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
Big win on the road 💪🏾 Very proud of our team’s motivation and performance tonight 🙌🏾 #TOTLIV pic.twitter.com/zPTWOKxyxZ
— Gini Wijnaldum (@GWijnaldum) January 28, 2021
Many fans would have been pleased to see Firmino and Alexander-Arnold among the scorers, given both were heavily scrutinised recently for a lack of form and/or poor performances.
Then we had the 1-3 win, again in the smoke against West Ham. One of the form sides at the moment was humbled by the Reds. A brace from Mo Salah and one from Gini Wijnaldum was enough to bring down David Moyes’ charges. It was actually a good performance to be fair although I still need convincing about Thiago. Right now, largely overrated I’d say.
The opposite can be said for Xherdan Shaqiri and Nat Phillips who were both outstanding in my view. To be fair though, the entire team put on a solid performances.
A big win, now who gets your #WHULIV Man of the Match vote? 🤔
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 31, 2021
The (Not) Bad
Concluding deals for Ben Davies from Preston North End and Ozan Kabak from Schalke 04 – The latter having already agreed a move to Newcastle United.
Not a bad days’ work from all involved at Liverpool in getting the transfers over the line. The Reds has faced criticism (here included) for not strengthening their back line in the summer, especially now in the light of all three senior centre halves are all injured.
Going in the other direction is Takumi Minamino who heads to the south coast to join Southampton on loan until the end of the season.
This is a good move for the Japan international who has seen limited playing time since his arrival from Red Bull Salzburg for £7.25m just over a year ago. With any luck he can develop there to show more of the potential he undoubtedly has.
Overall I’d say this had been a good window for Liverpool this year. As usual they have gone to great lengths to play down any involvement or at least not throw any clues out there as to their targets.
Efficient, swift and robust business from the Reds. Credit has to go to Michael Edwards and the team for more excellent work on the recruitment front.
FSG, Michael Edwards and the 48 hours that defined #LFC's transfer window https://t.co/PxkEhT4AIv
— Paul Gorst (@ptgorst) February 2, 2021
The Ugly
Does this leave the club with an embarrassment of riches at central defence now? The situation seems to have gone from famine to feast within the space of 24 hours. Not that I’m complaining.
However, the question must be raised as to what now happens with Phillips and Rhys Williams, both of whom I believe have a future at the club. Hopefully the Liverpool will share my view and retain their services. The competition for places will be healthy for sure.
“I think it’s probably clear that in a normal transfer window, without any issues, we would not look at Preston if there’s a player for us or something like that,”
For me the best buy has been Ben Davies from Preston. Jürgen Klopp has admitted Davies wouldn’t be an obvious choice for the club. An experienced player who, at 25 years-old can still improve, whilst being able to slot straight into the team. Especially given the fact that Joel Matip (somewhat unsurprisingly) will now also be out for the rest of the season.
Ozan Kabak is a bit of a gamble and Liverpool have done well too secure him on loan without splashing out a huge sum on a player who at 20 still has much to prove.
Two CB's probably confirms Rhys Williams back in the youth set up at #LFC.
The lad was thrust into a position he probably didn't expect to be in and didn't have the phased progression like other youth players
Yes he made mistakes, but he's a kid. Well done for stepping up. 💪
— The Redmen TV (@TheRedmenTV) February 1, 2021
Next Up
We have the visit of Brighton and Hove Albion to Anfield for Gameweek 22 followed by a much improved Manchester City side on Sunday, that’s set to be a cracker!
While you’re here…
The latest book from the The Good, The Bad and The Ugly weekly is out now. Relive this historic season. Available for purchase on Amazon, or directly from The LFC File. Click here to secure your copy. Either as an eBook (€5) or as a physical paperback (€8).
