Now, that’s more like it, Liverpool!
After the disappointment of losing 3-0 to Manchester City on Sunday, I wanted to see a reaction from Andoni Iraola’s team tonight. We needed energy, confidence and a reminder that this Liverpool squad has plenty of quality.
And the first half against LASK has delivered exactly that.
Liverpool lead 3-0 at the break, with Ronald Araújo opening the scoring before Bradley Barcola struck twice. Even better, Florian Wirtz has been heavily involved, helping create the kind of attacking football we’ve been waiting to see.
There is still another 45 minutes to play, but this has been a hugely encouraging response.
Barcola is giving Liverpool fans something to get excited about
Let’s start with Barcola, because two goals in the first half is exactly the sort of contribution Liverpool brought him in to provide.
He found the net twice, with his second coming after an excellent combination with Wirtz. The German slipped the ball through, Barcola took a touch and finished confidently.
That is what I want to see more often.
Wirtz finding those little pockets of space. Barcola making dangerous runs. Liverpool moving the ball quickly and actually looking like a team capable of hurting opponents.
Barcola has the pace and ability to trouble defenders, but those qualities mean little if the team cannot get him into the right positions.
Tonight, that connection is beginning to look promising.
Wirtz is getting involved
I’ve said before that I’m not ready to give up on Wirtz, despite the criticism he has received.
He needs time to settle, but he also needs performances like this to remind everyone why Liverpool invested so heavily in him.
His creativity has been one of the positives of the first half. He helped set up Barcola’s second goal, while Liverpool have generally looked more threatening when he has been able to receive the ball and play forward.
That is the Wirtz I want to see.
Not somebody expected to score a spectacular goal every week, but a player who makes things happen and brings his teammates into the game.
If he and Barcola can develop a proper understanding, Liverpool could have a very dangerous combination on their hands.
Araújo gets Liverpool started
Araújo deserves credit too.
He scored the opening goal with a powerful header from a corner, giving Liverpool the breakthrough before Barcola took over with his double.
It is another positive contribution from a player who has offered Liverpool valuable defensive flexibility. And with Iraola rotating his team after Sunday’s defeat, seeing players take their opportunities is particularly encouraging.
Liverpool have also given younger players opportunities, with Lewis Koumas involved in the attack and Trey Nyoni handed a Champions League debut.
That matters. We need results, but we also need to see the squad developing and young players being trusted when they deserve their chance.
Now finish the job
I’m delighted with that first half, but the job is not finished.
Liverpool need to keep the same intensity after the break. There is no need to become careless or allow LASK a way back into the game.
At 3-0, Iraola also has an opportunity to manage minutes sensibly, particularly with a busy schedule ahead.
But the most important thing is that Liverpool have given themselves a comfortable position and played with the confidence that was missing against Manchester City.
This is the response I wanted to see.
Barcola has two goals. Wirtz is creating chances. Araújo has scored. The younger players are getting opportunities, and Liverpool are playing with far more attacking purpose.
Let’s see it through now.
Because after Sunday, Liverpool supporters needed a night like this.
Three goals, a clean sheet still within reach, and a much-needed reminder of what this team can do.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
Leave a Reply