Good to see you back Mick. Some comments a quarter way through season
Form - didn't think we'd be playing as well as we are now. Yesterday was super stuff, building on previous games, and we're now doing it pretty consistently (not to put a hex on it). Don't have the 'distraction' of Europe that other sides round the top have, so that's a plus, and we've some of the lower sides in upcoming games, so medium term looking very, very good. Still think though that any side finishing ahead of City will be top of the table. No reason why can't be us though
if keep playing as we are...
Working from the back...
Karius - didn't know what to expect - disappointed so far, but early days. Currently doing a pretty good impression of Migs imo, hesitant/not dominanting the area, decent shot stopper, dodgy with ball at feet, ropey decision making. No major blunder yet though, so that *is* something, given Migs would usually throw a spanner in pretty regularly.
Matip - really impressed, looks like a top CB, tall, calm, good with ball at feet. Maybe not most aggressive, but the right partner would even that out. Didn't know what to expect, v good so far.
Lovren - still making mistakes, but can't doubt his will or effort. If can lessen the mistakes, will be good partner for Matip.
Milner - didn't think would be ideal having him at FB, but he's done great. Always starts ahead of Moreno for me. Hits a good peno too.
Moreno - great going forward, completely unpredictable though when defending ... have not changed my mind on him, he needs a lot of work to be a first choice FB
Hendo - at last showing form he is capable off, has had so much critisism, but keeping the doubters quiet (for now!). Have been in the pro Hendo camp, so good to see. Think he has more goals in him, but is playing very deep.
Wijnaldum - was a bit unsure about him, and still am tbh - though he is growing (slowly) on me. Has improved, but think he can be a bit more dominant. Plenty of energy, covers a lot of ground, certainly 'can do a job' - has time to develop
Can - don't get why getting some stick at the mo, coming back from injury, thought he did well yest, scored a goal, and a good physical presence for us in the middle. Wijnaldum will have a job displacing him
Cou - in brilliant form, regular motm, could see why a Barca might be interested. Has added goals to his game, his skill and control and vision at speed is something else, unreal. Need to hold onto him as long as we can. Keep it up Phil
Mane - had doubts about Sadio, another refugee from Saint ... but he's been great since coming in, lightning quick, direct, strong - complements the others in the front three really well. And has been pretty consistent.
Firmino - vastly improved, works hard, technically really good, and pretty tidy finish yesterday. Not surprised keeping Studge out
Studge - thought we might sell him during the summer and sign a striker Klopp would play as first choice. Super finisher, but can't see future right now if doesn't get with the program without the ball. Pity, as it probably our best finisher on his day. Obviously would be great to keep him, but can't see him hanging if he doesn't start getting a lot more first XI play in the the PL.
Origi - still doing well, could argue he's Klopps 2nd choice striker (depending on the lay of the land in a game). Good option from the bench
Ings - what I've seen I haven't been overly impressed, works hard, but not sure is natural finisher. But not really seen enough of him to be sure
Lucas - delighted he stayed, decent option at CB for certain games
Migs - must be thinking he's got a chance to get back in if he can cut out his mistakes and show better form that Loris
Klavan - another good option off the bench
Full marks to Jürgen, Doing great. Strong first XI, and better options from the bench than we've had in years. Not getting hopes too high yet, but quietly confident we can do something this season