Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool were once again clinical in the League Cup’s 3rd round tie against Derby County on Tuesday. Goals from Ragnar Klavan, Divock Origi, and Phillipe Coutinho gave Liverpool a 3-0 victory and their second cleans sheet of the League Cup. Derby County had no answers to the Reds incisive gameplay and though they troubled the visitors a couple of times, it was a rather comfortable night for the Reds even as the manager rested many of his first team stars.
The manager revealed after the game that there were no injuries sustained to the squad which will come as a good news for the fans. However, before moving on, here are 3 players who were impressive on the night for Liverpool.
Loris Karius
The Liverpool shot-stopper, who moved to England just this summer, picked up a nasty injury in a pre-season game which saw him sit out for the first month of the new season. However, he was back fit and took his place in the starting XI against a Championship outfit in the League Cup, making his debut. And it was a debut to remember for the German who, though was hardly troubled, did really well to keep a clean sheet.
The only real troubling moment for him was when he had to rush out of his line and make a tackle outside the box to stop Darren Bent from running away with the ball. It was at a time when it would have been an equaliser and it will give him plenty of confidence going ahead for the rest of the season.
Roberto Firmino
The Brazilian has been Liverpool’s most effective attacker this season so far and was in this game only because he missed the Chelsea game at the Bridge with a niggle. And it was clear right from kick-off that he was in the mood for some fun. He had a sizzling first half where he linked up well with Moreno on the flank and Coutinho in the box and showed the varied difference in class between the two sets of players.
He was the most exciting player for Liverpool even in this game picking up an assist and was unlucky to not have found the back of the net himself. He has adjusted to the English league beautifully and is an important part of Klopp’s plans ahead of the entire season.
Joel Matip
Coming into the Liverpool squad on a free transfer, Joel Matip is climbing the list of best summer transfers, a step, every game he plays. He is an experienced defender who reads the game really well and though Derby did not provide him with enough of an attacking threat to worry about, he stuck to his task well. He is not fazed by the occasion or the opponent and is always zoned into the game and he looked hard to beat on Tuesday.
Matip is a tall imposing figure and a calm demeanour, something Liverpool have been missing for some time now. He will surely grow on to become a top class defender for Liverpool in years to come. He also showed that he can be a threat from set-pieces in the opposition box adding another dimension to this Liverpool attack.
