Liverpool analysis – Virgil van Dijk sends message to Everton as Andy Robertson renews battle

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Robertson proves Klopp’s point

In more ways than one, Jürgen Klopp has proven his mastery on this one conclusively.

Controversy over the left-back status has erupted at Liverpool in recent weeks, with Costas Tsimekas starting his brilliant summer in the new season and Andy Robertson dropping rarely if not entirely surprisingly.

For his part, Klopp has been consistent in his opinion that while Tsimikas has improved, Robertson is one of the best players in the world in his position.

The Scot’s performance in getting him back into the starting line-up against Southampton was a convincing justification for such an opinion.

Read more: Liverpool player ratings against Southampton

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After rattled by injuries and stress undoubtedly to help keep his country’s World Cup qualification hopes on track, Robertson was freed from such concerns, once again having a raging presence up and down the left wing.

His understanding of Sadio Mane, a regular feature for several years, allowed him to create the opening match for Diogo Jota, and he enjoyed the space afforded him by Southampton’s switch to using the wing, which their boss Ralph Hsienhuttl later correctly decided. that have been identified has been surprisingly counterproductive.

On the flip side, another pass to Trent Alexander-Arnold means the right-back now has six in his last four games and 10 for Liverpool’s season.

At least in that particular fight with one of his teammates, Robertson has some catching up to do.

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Van Dyck reaches a new milestone

Virgil van Dijk may be as cool as you want it to be, but this will definitely be a week to get him excited..

The Liverpool central defender returned to Goodison on Wednesday for the first time since a cruciate ligament injury to his knee there that saw him spend nine months on the sidelines.

Van Dyck will take a short trip through Stanley Park knowing he keeps getting back to his best.

There was a significant milestone here when, after an Alexander-Arnold corner from the right fell attractively to his feet 12 yards away, the defender fired the ball through Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy to net Liverpool’s fourth goal and his first for the club since the serious injury.

But his overall performance in difficult conditions was admirable, impressive against his former club who, despite his record, was not without an attacking threat during the first half.

Alongside Van Dijk in defence, was Ibrahima Konate, with another start despite a difficult evening against Porto in the middle of the week.

It wasn’t always convincing – Konate misjudged a header and his passes were stray at times – but, as three days ago, there was a marked improvement in the second half.

As with many players before him, the Frenchman gradually got used to Klopp’s way.

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Jota gives Firmino a reminder

Even enemy football couldn’t stop Liverpool this time.

Jurgen Klopp has always bemoaned the effect the wind has had on his side’s play, particularly at Anfield where things can get tough.

However, it was Diogo Jota who sparked a storm as he continues to establish himself as a regular rookie.

Sure, Roberto Firmino’s tie – all wrapped up while watching from the sidelines – would give plenty of ideas.

I think there were concerns about Jota’s fitness after he suffered a knock in the knee when he bravely entered with Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale the week before.

Despite this, the Portuguese is clearly made of physically and mentally tough things, and he is happy to accept the challenge of displacing the three in front of me for Liverpool.

Regardless of who scored this season, the Reds now set a club record of 39 goals in their first 13 league games.

And only the presence of Jamie Vardy of Leicester City prevents Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Jota from booking the top three top scorers in the Premier League this season.

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