Sloppy but necessary. A big step. A big win.

All eyes were on Liverpool last night as they began their 2020/21 UEFA Champions League campaign without their vice captain and stalwart, defensive-rock Virgil Van Dijk.

Van Dijk, who was severely injured in last weekend’s 2-2 Merseyside Derby is likely to be absent from Liverpool’s 20/21 campaign, leaving the injury-hit team under massive scrutiny.

The impending impact (of Van Dijk’s absence) on the Liverpool team has been discussed at length since the injury at Goodison Park on Saturday. Therefore, it was unsurprising that the eyes of all commentators, journalists and pundits alike were on Jürgen Klopp’s men as they took to the field at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam.

Although Liverpool didn’t silence all of their critics with an electric performance, they did valiantly battle to grind out a 0-1 win over their Dutch opponents. This, in part, was thanks to a Nicolas Tagliafico own goal, however the team also had to battle past their new demons. Despite Tagliafico’s own goal being the only goal of the game, the win required hard work from a Liverpool team that are facing many difficulties and subsequent positional vulnerabilities.

Liverpool dug deep to achieve what can only be described as a sloppy but necessary win. A big step. A big win. A big step in the right direction. That direction being an adjusted life without Van Dijk. It was a big win on a night when things were never going to be easy.

It was obvious from the off-set that the Reds were going to have to trial new methods in order to steady themselves and get off on the right foot. Captain Jordan Henderson was cleared for only 45 minutes worth of play by the club doctors and new summer signing Thiago had also picked up an injury against Everton at the weekend. Centre back and natural Van Dijk replacement Joël Matip was also not included in the squad for the game against Ajax, leaving the Liverpool team short and in need of a strong performance from many playing out of position.

In terms of style of play, this game won’t be remembered for it’s slick transitions, team pressing or inch-perfect cross-field deliveries. It was a game littered with sloppy passes, a game that saw many panicked attempts at the ball, and a game that failed to showcase the team structure that Liverpool have become so well known for. However, what it was, was valued minutes for a team that are coming to terms with a new normal. It was minutes in the legs for Hendo. It was a Champions League start for Curtis Jones and it was an opportunity for the whole team to experiment. It was also a stage on which a couple of individuals shone for the team.

Now any fair review of this game wouldn’t be accurate if it did not mention the hero of the moment: Fabinho. Usually a CDM, Fabinho filled in at centre back and impressed in much the same way he did in Liverpool’s Premier League fixture against Chelsea. Fabinho remained composed out of position and utilised advice given to him by manager Klopp in order to control his team’s back line. Fabinho looked unfazed by the transition to centre back position, naturally easing in to his new role. Fabinho’s performance was epitomised by a stupendous goal line clearance in the first half. This wonder-save prevented his team from going 1-0 down to an Ajax team who were dominating the play. This came after Tagliafico had managed to chip stand-in goalkeeper Adrían and just before Sadio Mané’s deflected shot changed the face-of-play in Liverpool’s favour. Fabinho looked comfortable, controlled and in charge, rightly earning himself the MOTM award.

Coming in a very close second for MOTM in my opinion was Andy Robertson. The man never fails to put a shift in, bombing down the left flank and into the box, but also defending with all his might, always. What sets Robertson apart from other full-backs (even TAA) is his physicality. This is particularly evident when he sprints. He sprints when he’s defending, he sprints when he’s attacking, he always sprints to get his job done. Robertson is acutely aware that his job over on the left hand side of the park is to balance both directions of play. Whilst he accurately attacks, he also ensures that he is crunching in defence; he’s always accurate, he’s always physical and he does it all whilst sprinting. Robertson’s work ethic on the pitch is second-to-none with the Scotsman always trying to link up with other players on the left, whether that’s Sadio Mané or even new recruit Diogo Jota who came on against Ajax in the 60th minute. It’s hard to see how Andy Robertson couldn’t be liked as a player. All you ever ask is someone gives their all, and this lad always, does that in order to help the team and last night was no exception.

Having fended off a rejuvenated Ajax side at the beginning of the second half, Liverpool needed an injection of pace and excitement which came in 60th minute in the shape of the Three Amigos: Diogo Jota, Xherdan Shaqiri and Takumi Minamino.

Seeing the usual Liverpool front three substituted off could leave any Liverpool fan having heart palpitations, yet the oncoming trio provided a much needed creativity that just wasn’t happening with Roberto Firmino, Mohammed Salah and Sadio Mané. Although in some instances their skill level was lacking, the work ethic of Jota, Minamino and Shaqiri was unquestionably fresher. Jota in particular introduced a more inventive, high paced threat to the Liverpool attack that had yet to be shown by Salah and Firmino. Since arriving from Wolverhampton Wanderers, Jota has imposed himself on the Liverpool team, proving influential when being introduced on to the pitch. Last night was no exception. Jota was lacy and itching to be creative, linking nicely on multiple occasions with both Robertson and Minamino. I can only see Jota improving and bringing much needed recuperation time to either Mané or Firmino in Liverpool’s front three.

Another influential player when introduced to the team last night was Takumi Minamino. Since arriving in January, Taki hasn’t had much opportunity to show his skill. The postponement of football due to the Coronavirus outbreak meant his arrival and subsequent settling into the squad was put on pause. Yet the Japanese international showcased some fine skill against Ajax. Despite not getting on the score sheet, Minamino showed promise and skill which is refreshing to see for a team that are looking to remain on top by utilising their squad rotation.

James Milner was receiving an unfair amount of criticism about his performance at half time. Whilst not being the same player as Jordan Henderson, it’s natural that people draw comparisons. However, it is also vital that we consider Milner’s role as separate and isolated to that of Henderson’s. Milner’s second half performance deserves kudos, especially as someone who often goes unrecognised. He was particularly good at covering and allowing freedom of play amongst his teammates. Milner was often covering the left back role allowing Andy Robertson’s flare to flourish. This is something that wouldn’t be available to the team if Robertson was lacking the cover that Milner so graciously provides. Milner was again seen covering for the on-form Fabinho who was often attacking corners and pressing towards the edge of the box during attacking passages of play. Milner was clearly involved in the half-time team talks, changing his role when Jordan Henderson was introduced and was able to establish his own, more defensive role that was intrinsic to the rest of the team’s desire to grind out a result. Milner’s dedication to the team allowed for the rest of the players to have time adapting and practising a new format that will no-doubt be in place for the remainder of the season.

Another player who impressed last night during Liverpool’s gritty win was Gini Wijnaldum. The midfielder attracted a fair amount of comment over the summer with Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman interested in signing the Netherlands international. Many critics have said that Wijnaldum hasn’t been his best for Liverpool for some while, yet yesterday’s game did not show this at all. Gini’s work rate against Ajax was something of wonder. Is it possible that Wijnaldum has been rejuvenated by the injury to his fellow Dutchman Virgil Van Dijk? Is it possible that he wanted to work even harder to dedicate a performance to his Netherlands captain and firm friend? Having watched Gini closely, it was clear that something had reignited within him. He was fresh, continuously pressing and sharp. Liverpool are now needing to keep intensity high with a plethora of games coming. Hopefully this rejuvenated Gini is something that can stay at the forefront in this new-look Liverpool team.

Another player who impressed yesterday is Van Dijk’s most recent partner in the CB duo: Joe Gomez. Gomez is also a player who has received his fair share of criticism. However, after last night’s performance, he is one to watch. Although his distribution needs work to be anywhere close to Virgil’s, this untimely injury to his centre-half partner could be the making of Gomez. Without VVD by his side, Gomez stepped up his play, was issuing instructions and clearly attempting to take control of the back line. He also mimicked Van Dijk’s style of play at times by appearing to look like him with quick glances at the screen. Now, he still has work to do to improve, but this situation Joe has found himself in, one where a big void has opened, could be one that sees him flourish and grow out of necessity to the team. We can only hope that Gomez continues to improve and tries to fill the shoes of Van Dijk in his absence. Gomez has a huge opportunity to step up and prove himself even more here, whether paired at the back with Joël Matip on his return, or with yesterday’s partner Fabinho. Could this VVD injury be a blessing in disguise for Joe and Liverpool when VVD is back again?

A tough, hard-fought win, but one that was necessary with all eyes baring down on the Liverpool squad.

A message has now been sent. A message that says this Liverpool team may well be facing a long battle without their rock at the back, but they’re a team who will fight relentlessly, even if that fighting has to be scrappy. They’re a team with plentiful resource, and a squad (that with more time and more practise) will be able to utilise rotational play which will benefit the entire team. A sloppy win, a necessary win and a good start to this new stylistic period for Liverpool FC.

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