Liverpool analysis – Duo deliver blunt response to critics as Jurgen Klopp paves way for surprise transfers

Liverpool analysis – The duo respond bluntly to criticism as Jurgen Klopp paves the way for surprise transfers

Ian Doyle analysis after Liverpool meet Fulham at Anfield

Van Dijk and Fabinho fired

It seems that now hardly a week goes by without anyone hitting Virgil van Dijk. The high standards set by Liverpool’s talismanic centre-back were so high that any drop would always be noticed.

However, the constant stealing from the Dutch international has at times felt unnecessarily unfair, especially as the player has been the first to admit his trials this season.

Though not without some problems, the centre-back was undaunted and produced a fine pass in front of his own goal to deflect a dangerous cross from Harry Wilson, while his aerial ability and game reading came through as the Fulham pushed for an equalizer in the second half.

Before him, another much-criticized player, Fabinho, backed up his performance against Tottenham Hotspur with another reasonably efficient performance, demonstrating his intelligent positioning and quick mind when often pressured by multiple opponents. However, the efforts of the two would have been few, apart from two good saves by Alisson Becker to deny Carlos Vinicius, the second a courageous stop from close range. There’s a reason the Liverpool goalkeeper is player of the season.

Salah scoffs when Trent’s move is justified

So Mohamed Salah’s record-breaking exploits continue. Flying home from the penalty spot – like on Sunday, striking straight into the center as the goalkeeper dived to the left – the Egyptian became the first Liverpool player in history to score in eight consecutive home games.

Admittedly, Salah loves Anfield, now just a century short of goals for the club at home, who have moved straight up to fifth on the Reds’ all-time top goalscorers list with 136. Salah, whose late-season form was impressive, now has four games to score again to secure a 30-goal fourth season for Liverpool, which would also put him level with Steven Gerrard in the top scorers list.

Although by no means a classic, the Reds’ fifth successive Premier League victory – their first such streak in over a year – has cemented their grip on a Europa League place, with realistically seven points required of the 12 available to seal their place.

And the evening was another showcase for Trent Alexander-Arnold’s new role, with the 24-year-old dictating play from both the right wing and central areas and close to scoring a goal to go along with his myriad of recent assists.

He had more touches than any other player by far. And that the England international has won the ball twice as often as the next Liverpool player underlines that his appetite for pressing and defending has been renewed. Powered transmission gearbox

The identities of those not in the match squad may have provided more of a clue than those who have chosen Liverpool in recent weeks.

Again there was no Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain or Adrian, who may have played all three of his last games for the club. Roberto Firmino, who also expired in the summer, should be on hand for an emotional farewell in recent games, while James Milner – strongly linked to Brighton – enjoyed a late cameo.

Plagued by a long-standing hip problem, Thiago Alcantara won’t be seen again until next season and while there are no indications of an imminent departure, his absence has been a reminder of how the Spaniard has spent too much of his Anfield. marginal career.

However, there will be question marks for some players. Kostas Tsimikas made just his fourth Premier League start since the World Cup here before making way for Andy Robertson, while Joel Matip was on the bench for the tenth time in 13 Premier League games.

You can’t all go there. But it is clear that the summer will bring a much bigger upheaval than expected. Times are changing at Anfield Road.