'Scorpion King' Alberto Moreno must ensure there is no sting in the tail for Liverpool against Man United

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Liverpool left-back Alberto Moreno

    The international break was a manifestation of the pleasure-pain theory for Liverpool.

    The injury curse struck again as Sadio Mane was ruled out for six weeks after suffering a hamstring injury while on World Cup qualification duty with Senegal.

    And the absence of arguably the most important player to Jurgen Klopp’s counter-pressing system for the most salient fixture of the season so far, has Reds fans understandably concerned.

    But fear not, because Alberto Moreno was netting scorpion kicks at Melwood during the break. Of course, that is being facetious but there is a point here because the knock-on effect of Mane’s injury means a great deal for the Spanish left back.

    Indeed, it’s not hyperbole to suggest that the 25-year-old is actually now the most crucial player for the hosts in the clash with Manchester United.

    While the narrative backdrop has been dominated by the yin-and-yang nature of their contrasting fortunes in attack and defence, the sequence of events at Anfield could potentially be concentrated to one man.

    The expectation is that Jose Mourinho will adopt a similar long-ball style to the one employed in the dreadful 0-0 draw in the corresponding fixture last season.

    Although it means United may not offer a lot going forward, it is a tactic which negates Klopp’s lauded high press.

    The Red Devils perpetually looked for the direct ball out of the back last October with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marouane Fellaini the outlet to hold it up with supporting runners from deep.

    ANALYSIS: Jose Mourinho could well deploy pragmatic approach to stifle rivals Liverpool at Anfield

    If the Portuguese opts for a similar pragmatic philosophy then he has a player more adept with that style than Ibrahimovic in the free-scoring Romelu Lukaku.

    And this is where Moreno’s significance without Mane comes into play. The Senegalese’s boundless energy stores means he is capable of both pressing high up the pitch and, as is often the case, tracking back to cover the space which is left occupied by the Moreno’s forays up the pitch.

    Klopp likes his full-backs to push forward but inevitably it results in ample space in the channels and it’s an area which United could well look to exploit on the counter.

    Lukaku is deceptively quick and the big Belgian will be a real danger if Moreno, a player caught out of position more times than an amateur yogi, leaves a pocket of space in behind.

    Romelu Lukaku has scored seven goals in seven EPL games this season

    Romelu Lukaku has scored seven goals in seven EPL games this season

    Philippe Coutinho will likely move from his attack-mid slot to occupy Mane’s left-sided position and the Brazilian doesn’t offer the same type of assurance.

    Granted, Moreno has his uses – pace and crossing ability being two – and his flaws but against sides who sit in deep, he’s just not suitable. And yet, Klopp this season has, and will likely do so again at Anfield, trusted Moreno.

    With so much on the line for both the German and the club, Klopp can ill-afford another negligible performance from his left-back. And make no mistake, the magnitude of this game stretches beyond a geographical rivalry for Liverpool.

    They are already seven points adrift of the two Manchester clubs, have just one win in their last seven games in all competitions and have recently been divorced of a clinical attack.

    With the standard expectation that they will concede at least once, there’s not much room for confidence.

    Ultimately, that won’t be helped by Moreno’s presence in the starting line-up – even if he’s scoring scorpion kicks in training.

    Recommended