In what proved to be a blockbuster performance by a 2nd choice Liverpool side, Jurgen Klopp left Mark Hughes red-faced as Liverpool stormed past a hapless Stoke City at Anfield. From Alberto Moreno’s rocket opener to a stunning brace by a super sub Divock Origi, Liverpool’s front line was firing on all cylinders ahead of their key clash against Borussia Dortmund.
Jurgen Klopp rested a series of his key players as the likes of Coutinho, Origi, Lallana, Lovren, Sakho were all omitted from Liverpool’s starting XI against Stoke City. But as was clear by the scoreline, that didn’t stop the Merseyside Club from putting in a fantastic shift at Anfield. Here are 3 things which we learned from Liverpool 4-1 Stoke City.
3 James Milner has become an indispensable figure for Liverpool
When Jurgen Klopp gave James Milner the Captain armband in the absence of Jordan Henderson, the English Midfielder showed what a real Liverpool captain should do with his stunning performance against the Potters.
From being robust in midfield to providing accurate long balls to his strikers, Milner was a complete nuisance throughout the game as far as Stoke backline is concerned.
So after creating two wonderful assists for the likes of Sturridge and Origi today, James Milner is another Liverpool player who has undergone a complete changeover ever since the arrival of Jurgen Klopp.
2 Origi’s top form means trouble for Daniel Sturridge
Even though both of these Liverpool strikers hit top form today, it was Divock Origi who changed the game on its head after coming on as a substitute in the 2nd half.
The 20-year-old Belgian Striker was put in place of Sheyi Ojo in the 46th minute and boy did he made an immediate effect. Scored 2 goals in the succession of 20 minutes, Origi has shown what Liverpool fans can expect from him in the near future.
Given that Divock has scored 3 goals in 1 week, Daniel Sturridge’s position in the Liverpool starting XI looks to be in a bit of jeopardy.
1 Despite a resounding victory today, Liverpool should remain focused for Thursday
Even after scoring 4 past against a defensively robust Stoke side, one thing which Liverpool just couldn’t afford against Dortmund is being complacent. Against one of the deadliest strike forces in Europe’s top 5 Leagues, this victory against Stoke means nothing if Liverpool won’t work hard on the given day.
