05 Aug 2018 11:59:07
What I really liked about Napoli match was it showed how good Allison and VVD are when playing it out from the back. We looked so confident moving it through Allison, and then once a gap opened up, a few quick passes and we became incredibly dangerous as we broke their high press. Napoli got cut open time and time again.

I expect teams won't be very confident pressing high his season with those two able to launch attacks from the back. I suspect we may well see sides sitting back and showing the same sort of fear that they showed City last season.

Their problem is if they do so, I now think with our front three, Shaqiri and Keita able to score from distance, and VVD dangerous from set plays, we have the players to unlock packed defences too.

I think the best chance others are going to have is to turn games into a midfield scrap and break our flow. Will be interesting to see how others approach Liverpool this season.

1.) 05 Aug 2018
05 Aug 2018 12:35:32
I know it’s only pre season, and my head says no, don’t get carried away, but Sturridge looks class every time he plays, always dangerous, knows when to run and when to drop and has so much ability. Maybe it’s dreaming but he seems he can be a top player for us still, maybe just off the striker - it’s a less ‘explosive’ Position, so hopefully less strain on his muscles. I’m sure a striker would train more pace and power than a midfielder who would train harder on endurance, maybe that will help too.

2.) 05 Aug 2018
05 Aug 2018 13:00:09
I really like the positions he’s been adopting in preseason too - much more dropping deep to be playmaker and letting Mane and Salah get in behind, and yet he’s always there or there abouts when the cross comes in.

What he’s lacking is that explosive pace off the shoulder of the defender but we get that now through Mane and Salah, we don’t need it from him the way we used to.

I hope he can stay fit and focussed, he could be a big boost if he does.

3.) 05 Aug 2018
05 Aug 2018 13:09:00
"If He stay Fit"
It will be like a new signing!

4.) 05 Aug 2018
05 Aug 2018 13:55:40
Where we got exposed a few times against Napoli and were saved by the linesman was with their wide men getting in behind to Long balls. Sweeper keeper + high line may sort this out in the Long run but I would expect these runs in behind from wide to be a challenge early on in the season.

5.) 05 Aug 2018
05 Aug 2018 16:47:12
Sturridge could be a valuable member of the squad, no question. He may not be that explosively quick striker of before but he has game intelligence and instinct, being in the right place at the right time, and that can be just as important as pace. I hope the lad is able to contribute, I have a lot of time for him.