Man of the match - Game 23 - Napoli - Home - CL

[Morse]

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1QxD9uYXX-4Mn308_Tb0VoWKekBPrYvlKDOYbhmXemlQ/edit

 

[doctor_mac]

So tough. I need to think about this.

 

[Frogfish]

VvD
Becker
Matip

 

[Shay_K]

VVD, but Becker's save was excellent, no more goal keeping worries

 

[Shay_K]

Gini & Henderson need mentioning

 

[doctor_mac]

Gini & Henderson need mentioning

And Milner. All three were absolutely tip top tonight. And it was a reminder that with the front 3 and the FBs, we can still create a ludicrous amount of chances without a creative group of midfielders. They just need to take the ball off those Napoli twats and then release.

 

[Shay_K]

And Milner. All three were absolutely tip top tonight. And it was a reminder that with the front 3 and the FBs, we can still create a ludicrous amount of chances without a creative group of midfielders. They just need to take the ball off those Napoli twats and then release.

It"s always a given that Milner is excellent

 

[rurikbird]

And Milner. All three were absolutely tip top tonight. And it was a reminder that with the front 3 and the FBs, we can still create a ludicrous amount of chances without a creative group of midfielders. They just need to take the ball off those Napoli twats and then release.

Yep, gegenpressing was our playmaker tonight.

 

[rurikbird]

For your consideration. 6 chances created is insane, especially for a full-back.

 

[Portly]

1. Alisson - for the miracle save
2. Salah - for the goal
3. Robertson - for sheer attacking effort

 

[doctor_mac]

1. Alisson - for the miracle save
2. Salah - for the goal
3. Robertson - for sheer attacking effort

I wouldn't be far away from that.

 

[rurikbird]

OK, this is going to be a tad controversial, because I'm not going to include either Alisson or Salah in the top 3 – yes, they made game-winning contributions, but in terms of the setting the tone for the game and outplaying and outworking the Napoli players, I think our defenders and midfielders deserve a lot of praise, particularly these 3:

1. Robertson – set the tone with his boundless energy, but also had quality to match – should have had at least 2 assists if Salah and Mane finished great chances he set up on a plate. One small mistake for Callejon's chance, but otherwise a monster of a performance from our LB.
2. Matip – didn't put a foot wrong in defense, but he really distinguished himself in the distribution department. Time and time again he would step up with the ball and carry it forward confidently, then zip a precise mid-range pass into Firmino or Salah's feet. There were a couple of quality longer passes that I was sure were by Trent, just looking at the speed and trajectory, but turned out to be Matip's on replay. For me this was the best passing and distribution performance by a Liverpool CB this season.
3. Henderson – it was difficult to choose from the 3 midfielders, all of whom had excellent games, but Hendo deserves recognition for a game where in addition to his usual energy and commitment on defense, he also made himself an attacking threat, troubling Ospina on a couple of occasions and carrying the ball forward with confidence. He was precise, quick and aggressive with his passing, which has been a point of criticism of him in the past. Was also crucial in organizing the team after the personnel and formation changes in the last 20 minutes, making sure everyone on the pitch knew their job and responsibility.

 

[rurikbird]

Some stats on Matip's passing from WhoScored:

• Highest # of passes attempted in the match – 59 (beat Robertson by 1)
• 2nd highest pass competition after Hendo – 86%
• 6 out of 10 long balls found their target

 

[RedStar]

Robertson
Becker
Henderson

Some great performancea tonight, could have chosen pretty much any 3 from the team bar Firmino and Mane

 

[nealmac]

Robbo
Salah
VVD

But I could easily pick another top 3. Great performances from everyone.

 

[jimmy]

Milner
Alisson
Salah

But it could easily be VvD, Robertson, Henderson