Arne Slot did not make many changes to Liverpool’s line-up in the opening weeks of the season, so much so that he was asked about the rotation and managed minutes several times and had to explain why he did not need, many. at least, at Feyenoord.
Fast forward a few months into his reign and there have certainly been other changes to the midweek action, Champions League and Carabao Cup matches that have given him the chance to beat the first team and with one or two – notably Curtis Jones – having it. has been a spectator at the start of the season, becoming more regular in the starting XI for today’s matches.
But in a thrilling, albeit perhaps unusual, League Cup fourth-round tie at Brighton and Hove Albion, Slott may have given an indication – and more importantly shown the reason – for what may now be the most important early change to his team. over the coming week.
Seen in a few minutes and in the level of performance, in the impact and in, to be honest, repeating what perhaps has been shown for some games now.
And on the left side of everything, so far Andy Robertson and Luis Diaz are the starters. Both are now interchangeable.
In attack, it seems that the changes are more routine and more predictable. Diaz may have scored the goal that truly decided the match, hitting the near post with five minutes remaining, but his performance has long been overshadowed by Cody Gakpo, as is his current form.
The Dutchman is Liverpool’s outlet in a system without a striker – Dominik Szoboszlai is nominally up front, but … no, really – and in a performance of industry, adventure and pace, he added two blistering strikes to find the back of the net. The first, a classic cut-in-and-rocket, found the top corner of Jason Steele’s goal. The second is more single-minded and relentless, rifling near the post with others on the right baying the ball – but after he just teed up a three-on-one chance that spurned, Gakpo in this mood is not. pass the other.
Diaz’s work rate and late strikeout are reminders of his worth, of course. And he started the season in excellent form. But this is what Liverpool – or any team – needs to challenge in all aspects: more than three strikers of starting caliber, each challenging the others to get into form and to be liked.
Currently, Gakpo appears to be undroppable, and for attackers who have yet to show long-term consistency, making the most of this form of spells is important. If the goal doesn’t mean they can look forward to facing Brighton again at the weekend in their Premier League clash at Anfield, that could change. Slot has tended to leave out those who could be in the XI next time in this partial rotation meeting, so 90 minutes for Diaz and 20 minutes less for the Dutchman is a sign of what is to come, although his manager insists that he is already a starter . choice regardless.
“For me, he is a regular starter, not every game but regularly,” he said after the match. “And he is in tough competition with Lucho Diaz. Usually when you play at a club like Liverpool, you have two quality players in most positions.
“Cody, in my opinion, not only now, but in the second half of last season he scored a lot of goals – he’s been a good player for Liverpool for a long time.” Starting two out of nine in the league tells its own story, but what Gakpo hopes will change now.
Behind him on the left is a more difficult proposition.
Robertson captained Liverpool last night, but his form has been poor of late, struggling against pace in more than one game recently, as Bukayo Saka pointed out. Tonight it’s Brajan Gruda’s turn, then Simon Adigra. Both beat the Scots for speed and movement, although they also saved a goal late on.
While some are calling for Robertson to be unceremoniously dumped, there is evidence that Kostas Tsimikas may be in for better times. There’s also a case to be made that Joe Gomez, a centre-back here, but who stood out in that position last year, could be one to go for, especially offering a right-footed option to forwards who like to run.
But there are more chances to play, and the trophy chase is sure to come with Liverpool still in the cup after this win.
Gakpo’s goal and a crazy last 10 minutes that saw Simon Adingra, Diaz and Tariq Lamptey all celebrate, came long after an opening 10 minutes that looked like an exercise in which the stand-in goalkeeper could take the greatest risk of keeping possession and sending attackers the wrong way. way with a tight turn and soft touch.
Viteszlav Jaros provided a memorable moment with a stunning fingertip to Adingra’s delivery, but a fine full debut for the Reds’ third-choice keeper will not see Caoimhin Kelleher over, let alone into Slot’s starting side. On the left and left wing, however, may be different.