Trying to be optimistic, but it's really the same issues that plagued us all last year....why should we expect that we are going to magically change them without adding any quality defenders.
Moreno made an admirable showing today, he looks like he's learned he can't be a headless chicken all the time. TAA was pretty solid, but really no more solid than Clyne would have been. He does have a nice dead ball delivery though but defensively he's still a little shaky at times in spots where I'd expect Clyne's experience to show him the right way to play out from the back or to defend against incomings.
Matip, pretty much the same, when he's healthy he's a really good, steady option and seems to be a leader on the pitch.
Lovren...what can I say....he's starting to remind me of Moreno of two seasons ago. Rash challenges, trying to hard when he should take the easy route and loafing when he needs to be urgent. Can't play a pass through the air to save his life.
As for midfield...wasn't Gini was playing until sometime in the second half when he had a few somewhat positive touches. Hendo was typical other than he wasn't running his balls off like you expect him to. Saw him jogging back on defense more than a few times (isn't he a defensive midfielder?). Can is still frustrating. Offensively he can be quite exciting at times, but when it comes to defense he's still got a bit of bulldozer in him and will concede silly fouls.
Mignolet....no comment.
Front three I thought were pretty good, but even still, Watford marked them close and made it hard on them at times. Credit to them for their organization.
The Coutinho factor...I really thought we came out flat and stayed flat for a lot of the game at least up until we scored the two goals to go ahead. I think people would be kidding themselves to say that it didn't have an effect on the boys and for that Phil you can piss right off.
I sure hope Klopp has something up his sleeve for our qualifier. Hoffenheim will be better than Watford. This could get tricky if we don't get it together.
Make a bid for VVD already, should be sent to Southampton today, no more playing around and no more apologies. It's time to start rattling cages. I'd also go back in with a big bid for Keita and I wouldn't mind seeing us in for another creative midfielder player and even a midfield destroyer. Vidal or that cat from Roma with the crazy mohawk. Either one of them would do. Someone that's not afraid to do the dirty work. I think Can tries to be that sometimes but it's just not his game.
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