Liverpool analysis – Moises Caicedo must face reality as Darwin Nunez absence shows Cody Gakpo the truth

Liverpool’s post-season analysis of Reds sinks to new low with sobering loss to Brighton

Alexis Mac Allister (L) and Moises Caicedo (R) applaud the fans on the pitch after the English Premier League soccer match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Liverpool

Nunez’s absence highlights the truth about Gakpo

Strange how the absence of Darwin Nunez has caused some to appreciate what the Liverpool striker offers.

Nunez was out here after struggling to shake off a minor injury which saw him sit out training earlier in the week. And with Roberto Firmino set to be recalled and Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota recovering from long-term injuries, Klopp has had to rely on the versatility of Cody Gakpo just two games into the new signing’s career at Anfield.

For the second weekend in a row, it was impossible to feel sorry for the Dutchman. After being used on the left against Wolverhampton Wanderers, he would have been found here alongside Mohamed Salah in the centre. shots given the poor serve of his underperforming teammates. There were signs of life in the final quarter with a shot saved by Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and a cross cut into an inviting box but that was about it.

Nunez’s presence would not have changed the result, but his form of chaos and confusion would have at least given the Brighton defenders another problem and given Liverpool a voluntary outlet.

The first few days of course. But Gakpo, similar to Nunez before him, believes this is not the ideal campaign to suit Klopp’s Reds. Konate frustrated while Matip suffers

Virgil van Dijk could not have been more exuberant with his words of praise for Ibrahima Konate.

“Everyone in Liverpool should appreciate what we have, the future looks bright,” the Dutchman said of his club-mate last year. “To be so good at such an age, I think it’s crazy.”

With Van Dijk sidelined with a hamstring problem, that claim is now being challenged. However, this wasn’t the ideal situation for Konate to point out that he can be the long-term replacement for his absent colleague.

In fact, the Frenchman was instrumental in somehow helping Liverpool negotiate the first half without conceding, worried about the failures of too many people around him. Ultimately, however, Konate was dragged down by general malaise, playing against Brighton for the opening goal and then losing to replace Danny Welbeck for the decisive third.

By then, Joel Matip had long since left the scene, rapt after one of the worst performances of his career for Liverpool, encapsulated by his wayward pass in midfield which gave Brighton possession for Solly March’s decisive first attack.

And to his right, while Trent Alexander-Arnold had a bad moment from Kaoru Mitoma, the full-back takes credit for refusing to budge. Liverpool will need a lot more than that attitude if they are to get out of this mess.

Caicedo reality for the Reds

Even before the final whistle, the #FSGOUT movement was in effect. But the reality, if Jurgen Klopp is to be taken at his word, is that he won’t be putting much pressure on the Liverpool owners to buy a midfielder during this month’s transfer window.

The cavalry does not arrive. The Reds will have to make do and recover with what they have, Klopp and his coaching staff must somehow conjure up the right combination of available personnel and a plan to maximize their capabilities. Their grain must now be earned.

Much attention will be paid to the performance of Liverpool-linked Moises Caicedo who helps Brighton dominate midfield, but he will have to be judged against more opponents than the Reds’ meager offer. It was too easy for him.

And the facts are alarming: It’s the first time since 1993 that Liverpool have lost their first two league games in a calendar year, with Klopp’s side taking just eight points from nine away matches in the league. elite this season. Not good enough at all.