The three unsung heroes of Liverpool's title bid

Premier League leaders Liverpool are having quite the season thanks to the standout performances of Jurgen Klopp’s star players.

The goals of Mohamed Salah, the defensive displays of Virgil van Dijk and the almost unbeatable form of Alisson Becker have seen Liverpool romp to a seven-point lead at the top of the table.

But who are the unsung heroes of Liverpool’s title bid? We’re not just talking about players, but also the surprise tactics and unexpected statistics behind the Reds’ peerless showings.

Here are four suggestions.

1. Georginio Wijnaldum

When Liverpool brought in Naby Keita and Fabinho over the summer, it could have easily spelt the end of regular minutes for the likes of Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Georginio Wijnaldum in central midfield.

But Klopp has continued to call on most of the squad’s midfielders, in part because of the indifferent starts made by Keita and Fabinho. But the varied attributes provided by each midfielder has also been a basis for rotation.

Wijnaldum, who has started more league games than any other Liverpool midfielder this season, has quietly been one of their most effective players. He has scored just once in 19 league appearances but that’s not what he’s in the team for.

Indeed, his performance against Arsenal was indicative of his usefulness. Wijnaldum completed 34 of his 39 passes, won all three of his attempted tackles, recovered the ball seven times and succeeded with three of his four take-ons – only Sadio Mane completed more (5).

The Dutchman’s game doesn’t attract much attention and that’s probably exactly what Jurgen Klopp wants. Wijnaldum is a discreetly effective midfielder who aids Liverpool’s quick transitions from back to front, making him invaluable.

2. The offside trap

Virgil van Dijk’s influence on Liverpool’s defence has rightly been discussed plenty since his arrival at the club in January. The Reds have conceded just eight goals in 20 Premier League matches this season, and much of that is to do with Van Dijk.

But perhaps something that hasn’t been mentioned enough is Liverpool’s use of the offside trap to quell attacks. Klopp’s defence often employs the offside trap, which involves the entire back line pushing up together so that the opposition forwards are penalised.

On Saturday, Arsenal were caught offside on 12 occasions at Anfield, the most times any side has been caught offside in the Premier League so far this term by at least three.

The entire defence is responsible for making sure it works properly, but Van Dijk’s vocal, commanding presence in the middle clearly brings authority to the utilisation of the offside trap.

3. Mohamed Salah’s creativity

Since joining Liverpool from AS Roma, Salah has emerged as one of world football’s most prolific goalscorers. He has found the net 45 times in 56 Premier League appearances since the beginning of last season.

But this term, Salah has added another string to his bow by becoming Liverpool’s creator-in-chief as well as their primary goal threat. The Egyptian’s 13 league goals have seen him join the early favourites for the Golden Boot, but it’s his creative stats that really catch the eye.

Salah has created 43 chances in the Premier League in 2018/19, at least 18 more than any other player (Robertson and Firmino are on 25). He has also provided seven assists, at least four more than any of his teammates (Roberton, Firmino and Alexander-Arnold all have three).

And only Leroy Sane has assisted more goals than Salah in the Premier League than Salah, whose total is 17.

Those numbers confirm Salah as the complete package and rid any doubts that last season was a freak campaign.

The post The unsung heroes & tactical details behind Liverpool’s title bid appeared first on Squawka News.

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