Trent Alexander-Arnold

[RedReet]

That's true - we look more solid in midfield without Phil. I guess the downside is that when teams park the bus we look a bit clueless at times without Phil.

I'm not sure how true that is. The only blips we've had realty since he left was those two back to back games against Swansea and West Brom. We had plenty of those while he was still here though and without checking I would guess our record is actually better since he left.

[The_weatherman]

I'm not sure how true that is. The only blips we've had realty since he left was those two back to back games against Swansea and West Brom. We had plenty of those while he was still here though and without checking I would guess our record is actually better since he left.

I agree, I think Phil rather slowed us down if anything. Keita coming in will move the ball even quicker.

[Assassin]

I agree, I think Phil rather slowed us down if anything. Keita coming in will move the ball even quicker.

Most games it was like we were dragging an anchor with him in the team. With the bus parked he was inaffective. Teams just doubled up on him and didnt allow him to cut inside. Threat completely nullified

[rudedog]

the good old revisionist spectacles getting some good use here

[labourRed]

Yeah, it is one of those weird footballing peculiarities that caught me out and I've no trouble acknowledging I was bang wrong to think our midfield wouldn't be able to cope post-phil.

We sold a world class player who at times seemed to carry our attacking threat (single-handedly at times) and we've become an indisputably better team that has teams at home and abroad petrified of playing (including the greatest manager/team adopting tactics to cope with our threats).

The introduction of VVD can't be overlooked tbf as well as a guy who is nailed on to score in every game.

[memzey]

the good old revisionist spectacles getting some good use here

Exactly. He was mustard for us, against all sorts of opposition, for about three years. Playing down his contributions almost makes light of the fact we cashed him in for major coin and still seem to have improved. This one is all down to Klopp. The right man, at the right club, at the right time.

[greenturnip]

Phil contributed more than goals - he certainly assisted Mo a few times. We're different without him - but if he had stayed I wouldn't be complaining! We need a bigger squad so that when you look at the bench there are always world class players on it.

[red g]

The entire narrative on our defending seems to be changing.

VVD has made a difference.

Karius has made a difference.

But the 2 full backs have definitely made a huge difference to the shape of our play going forward and backwards. Finally we’ve got guys on both sides who understand what is expected of them.

Other than the odd goal here and there we’ve been pretty solid at the back for months.

I think one of the major reasons City have been so good this year is their 150m+ investment in full backs and you can see how much we have improved with our 8m investment

[Bloodraven]

Or Dybala....

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...ge-W-Bush.jpeg

[BG1973]

Phil comparisons are silly - the team has evolved through the season, not as a result of him leaving

As well as that, this season we’ve had Mane and Salah available for most games (last season we pretty much lost everyone at once) and as yet for some reason players look fresher this year

We’d be even better with Phil in this current side.

[Norbs]

Fresher because fitter

[labourRed]

No post match love for this kid. Number one right back now. I'm boring myself repeating how good I think he is.

[red g]

Do you think he will stay a RB? as originally he was a centre mid just covering?

[labourRed]

Do you think he will stay a RB? as originally he was a centre mid just covering?

Conflicted on that one. I've always said he's too good to be a full back all of his career but when he plays as he did in the first leg of the city game he's putting in a full back master class. Ultimately though I can see him anchoring midfield but it'll depend on who we sign and injuries and what not. He's 19 and I reckon he can do what he likes in the game, incredible really.

[BG1973]

It is difficult isn’t it..

Think it depends on his ceiling in either position.

As to me a world class right back is more valuable than ‘just’ an excellent midfield player.

Especially in our formation.