Three things I have liked about Liverpool’s start to the season

Liverpool have made an impressive start to the 2018-19 Premier League season. The Reds currently sit top of the table on goal difference.

The last time the Reds made such a start was the 2013-14 season, and they very nearly clinched the Premier League title.

With an impressive start comes positive reviews, so I have decided to outline three things I have liked about Liverpool’s start to the season.

1. Sadio Mane

Not everyone was, but there were plenty of supporters critical of Mane last season for whatever reason that was. Some claimed he was a shadow of his former self, but that simply was not true.

The 2016-17 season saw Mane become Liverpool’s most potent option in attack. He gave the team what it severely lacked – pace. His ability to be that outlet for Jurgen Klopp’s side saw him arguably become the most important player in the team.

The problem with being associated as the best player in the side is always the following season. Opposition sides are more aware of the threat you bring, which therefore means you will always get more attention.

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LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 20: Sadio Mane scores for Liverpool during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, London. (Photo by AFP)

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Mane will always receive attention, but the reason why many felt he dropped off last season was simply down to the fact that Mohamed Salah had a season that we have not seen before. The Egyptian scored a total of 44 goals for the Reds in 2017-18, compared to Mane’s 20.

That is hardly a poor return from Mane, but Salah’s season just completely put perspective out the door.

Salah faces the same scenario as Mane did last season. Now that opposition sides know Salah and the threat he possesses, he will be the one gaining all the attention, which should free Mane up.

So far, the Senegalese international has netted three goals in three Premier League appearances this season.

One does get the feeling that he will be Liverpool’s most potent option in attack this season, and from what we have seen thus far, that shout is looking likely.

2. Alisson

I am sure his fancy tricks by foot will continue to give us a few nerves throughout the season, but apart from that, how good has he been!

The Brazilian just looks like a goalkeeper that we have severely lacked since the departure of Pepe Reina.

Alisson is so assured in everything he does, and importantly, he is a leader. There is no denying there have been a couple of saves that have been crucial in gaining three wins from three games.

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 20: Alisson of Liverpool celebrates during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool FC at Selhurst Park on August 20, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

The save from the free kick against Crystal Palace, and then the header against Brighton and Hove Albion where the Brazilian was at full stretch. Those are the two saves that stick out in my mind.

In the past, the reality is we have possessed goalkeepers that have cost us points, rather than gaining us points. It may seem harsh to say, but it is the truth.

I think we all knew we were getting a very good ‘keeper in Alisson, but from what we have seen thus far, perhaps he is better than we all first thought?

3. The way we won against Crystal Palace and Brighton

The game against West Ham United, we were never tested coming out 4-0 victors, but the games that followed that win were a real test of character.

Palace threw everything they had at us that night at Selhurst Park, and to stand tall and seal the victory in the dying moments was just a real sign of how far we have come. That would have been a game we would have drawn or lost in previous years, but with the Reds looking a more balanced outfit from defence to attack, there is a lot more confidence Klopp’s side can hold on now.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – Friday, January 5, 2018: Liverpool’s new signing Virgil van Dijk, who joined from Southampton for £75m, a world record for a defender, during the FA Cup 3rd Round match between Liverpool FC and Everton FC, the 230th Merseyside Derby, at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

The same can be said with the latest clash that came against Brighton. Liverpool deserved their win and dominated the majority of the clash, but there is no denying Chris Hughton’s side made it difficult for Liverpool at Anfield.

They defended very well and almost got an equaliser towards the end, but Liverpool stood tall again defensively. It is another game Liverpool would have drawn last season, so the progress defensively is evident.

It does feel strange watching modern-day Liverpool and feeling quite at ease with the game at 1-0 going into the final 10 minutes, but I hope it continues.

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