1.) 11 Apr 2019
11 Apr 2019 10:55:38
thank you for that. I didn't get to see the match, but I listened on the internet. It's good to read a proper review. have a great day.

{Ed001's Note - sorry you weren't able to watch it mate.}

2.) 11 Apr 2019
11 Apr 2019 11:10:30
Totally agree ed01. Except lovren's 2.5. I thought that was a little harsh. I get the feeling vvd prefers to partner matip than lovren. Do you agree?

{Ed001's Note - no, I don't think he likes playing with either.}

3.) 11 Apr 2019
11 Apr 2019 11:12:42
Nice one ed. Speaking of overrated players above; I’ve only seen Eder play the once so can’t really comment on his overall quality. It did make me laugh though because I was watching him because people on here had mentioned him and obviously Real have agreed to sign him. He did a really basic piece of covering and, as far as I can remember, nearly gave us a sniff but the commentator said, “You can see why Madrid have splashed out 50 million on him”. I just don’t understand how hype and price tags can influence people so greatly when their own eyes clearly can’t back it up. Bizarre.

Anyway, I have also noticed Van Dijk often calling for Alisson to come to things which he probably shouldn’t a fair bit recently. Do you think that may have anything to do with his confidence at the moment? I mean, clearly Van Dijk is the organiser of the defensive unit. However, if Alissons own judgement (one of his supposed strengths before we signed him) is being undermined by Van Dijk it seems to me that could throw him off his game somewhat.

{Ed001's Note - we must have had the same commentary because I remember the commentator saying that and I spat my tea everywhere laughing so hard.

It is certainly possible that being called to come for things he doesn't think he should be coming for, and then can't get to, is making him second guess himself. I do find it annoying that van Dijk doesn't just knock the ball out or play it back, rather than constantly calling Allison to come for it. In my opinion he is passing responsibility, something a captain shouldn't do and yet people still keep calling for him to be captain.}

4.) 11 Apr 2019
11 Apr 2019 15:39:13
I think its just nerves with vvd and alisson. They are both world class. Our defensive record has been top draw this season. Nothing but praise for the boys at the back. Even the cbs who have filled in. (including that kid that came on once)

5.) 11 Apr 2019
11 Apr 2019 16:27:56
Good review there tris mate, I appreciate the consistency in marking lovren as low as you did matip. Very fair and a good read.

{Ed001's Note - he was poor so he had to get a low marking, though he could have been helped by van Dijk. Thank you mate.}

6.) 11 Apr 2019
11 Apr 2019 17:38:11
I've noticed the same thing about VVD recently and starting to wonder (and worry a little) that it's the result of a few niggling injuries that's making him not want to overwork/ overstretch if he doesn't absolutely need to?

I say absolutely because when it matters he still puts himself about. Just think it's weird that he's only recently (or I've only recently noticed) him to start doing this. Especially as it's come around the same time that Alisson has started to look a bit less confident.

I'm still hoping when Gomez is back (against Chelsea maybe?! ) that we'll see the calm and composed VVD back.

Or am I overthinking it?! :)

7.) 11 Apr 2019
11 Apr 2019 18:56:44
Great read, as well Ed. Per VVD, I fully agree with you that he should stop passing the buck to Allison and stop either having him come for things he can deal with himself or constantly passing the ball back to him. This brings too much pressure on the GK (even tho he is boss with his feet) and on the defence as a whole. The opposing team as well get a lift cos if they know VVD or any of our CB's (esp. Matip) always pass the ball back to the GK, they will just run straight for the GK instead of pressing the CB's and this is how a GK gets put under pressure.

VVD and our other CB's need to take charge of situations whenever they can to protect Allison and keep his mind free and fresh to deal with the real dangers that could come his way instead of overloading him with more responsibilities, those THEY should be dealing with. And thos calling VVD (a very talented CB) capt. material need to put that stuff to one side cos he is yet to show he can be that guy long term esp. if he is shirking responsibility like the Ed said he is doing now.

{Ed001's Note - I am sure he will figure it out, he is just trying too hard to be clever, rather than just getting it done.}

8.) 11 Apr 2019
11 Apr 2019 19:28:10
I thought Fabinho was better defensively, putting in some key tackles and using his strength to muscle people off the ball. But I also didn't rewatch the game.

Cheers for the review Ed001, completely agree with your points on Van Dijk. Henderson was fantastic and it looks like he'll be playing that role more often after speaking to Klopp about it. Great news.

{Ed001's Note - thank you mate.}

9.) 11 Apr 2019
11 Apr 2019 20:09:36
I’m just wondering, despite playing LCB, bid Virgil is right footed.
So, when he’s running back towards Alisson, his natural kick would take the ball across the pitch - over to the right.
Which would be completely the wrong and most high risk direction to play the ball.
And, facing backwards, it is easier for the keeper to see what’s happening as he’s got the entire frontal perspective.
A bit like the full back in rugby?

10.) 11 Apr 2019
11 Apr 2019 20:53:04
He could always boot the ball up in to the stand, mind.
But, well, that would be too undignified for Van Dijk.
And besides, that would be so 1972 and Larry Lloyd 😀.

11.) 13 Apr 2019
12 Apr 2019 10:04:53
Anyone doubting big V, just remember a couple of weeks ago, against spurs. How he forced sissoko onto his left and blocked the son pass. That was some of the best, level headed, last ditch defending i've ever seen.

It also showed the faith virgil has in Becker. That he could save a left footed shot from sissoko with his right hand.

12.) 13 Apr 2019
13 Apr 2019 19:08:57
Great review as always. I'm getting slightly concerned by Trent regularly getting caught. I know the lack of pace from matip doesn't help and when Joe partners Trent it certainly helps. If hendo plays that right sided no8 role on Sunday I hope he helps him not get isolated. If Trent attacks, Jordan will need to drop into the space between fabinho and sideline. Will need to be disciplined if hazard plays from the left, although we could also get success if we number up on Alonso as I believe his ability to defend is shockingly bad. That side of the field will be very interesting in regards to how both managers approach.