Ian Doyle’s analysis following Liverpool’s Premier League matchup with Everton. The Szoboszlai issue persists.
Jurgen Klopp undoubtedly didn’t anticipate that Liverpool’s players would take him so seriously when he said prior to the game that he didn’t want them to risk receiving red cards like Steven Gerrard in previous derbies.
And it was this player, who this season took on the renowned number eight shirt worn by Anfield legend, who, regrettably, personified the Reds’ acquiescence in the crucial early going of this terrible derby.
Dominik Szoboszlai was considered one of the signings of the season after his brilliant first few months of playing for Liverpool, but an unfortunate injury derailed his promising Reds career.
The Hungarian has rarely been as ineffectual as he was here, providing little moving forward and practically invisible as Everton took the early impetus by snagging challenges.
Something went wrong in a derby when Szoboszlai, for whatever reason, showed no resistance at all, which allowed Liverpool to be completely outmuscled in midfield. Even though Szoboszlai is still only 23, this was a painful event that he needs to grow from.
Beside him, Curtis Jones labored in vain, while Alexis Mac Allister grew irate at his inability to significantly impact the outcome of the game from the number six spot. It was much too late by the time Wataru Endo’s appearance gave him the opportunity to advance.
Nunez’s query is about to
The struggles of Liverpool in front of goal persisted even prior to a ball being kicked at Goodison.
After a month in which they wasted several good opportunities to concede expensive points, the Reds’ forward line came under scrutiny. However, on Sunday, they defeated Fulham, thanks in large part to goals from Diogo Jota, who scored on his comeback to the starting lineup, and Cody Gakpo, who played a man-of-the-match performance.
It was therefore typical that neither was available here, with Gakpo attending his child’s birth and Jota missing two weeks due to a minor injury. However, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, and Mohamed Salah should have still had enough firepower.
In the first half, everyone had their opportunities. Nunez, who was fed by Salah, had the best, smashing at Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. The most intelligent forward, Diaz, then put in a nice effort, but it went inside the post. However, no.
Disgruntled spectators’ first instinct will likely be to sell them all, but Liverpool should be very concerned about Nunez’s performance in the final stages of the season, as it has happened for the past two seasons.
For Klopp’s successor, figuring out what to do with the striker will be top priority.
Konate’s problems continue
Despite having a changing roster, enough players on this Liverpool team have experienced enough to know how to handle a challenging situation. However, they gave Everton exactly what they wanted for the first thirty minutes.
The Blues were always going to play for set pieces this season because of their well-known lack of danger from open play. Furthermore, Jarrad Branthwaite’s forced goal of the first goal proved to be expensive for Liverpool as they allowed themselves to be in positions where they might give up simple free kicks.
A glimpse of Mac Allister’s terrible performance came when Ibrahima Konate blocked the France international’s effort to clear the ball, giving the ball to the Everton defense. And Konate hasn’t been the same since recovering from his most recent injury, with inconsistent performances becoming more frequent of late.
After a strong performance at Fulham, Jarell Quansah, who replaced him during the second half, may consider himself unlucky not to start. There’s little doubt that the starting lineup for center backs the following season will be interesting.
