5 qualities Liverpool need to find to have success in 2018
By David Gate
No.1 – Leadership
Throughout this side there is a lack of leaders. This seems barely plausible with such a charismatic and dynamic manager. However, Jurgen Klopp has not found an on-field proxy for his energy and belief.
The captain Jordan Henderson is one of the most unfairly maligned players I can remember in my 30 years of following the Reds. His main problem seems to be that he is not Steven Gerrard. But if that is the standard – the best Liverpool midfielder of all time – then good luck to ANYONE.
In some ways Henderson shows more vocal leadership. You see him arguing with refs more than Stevie ever did and I don’t doubt for one moment he has a passion worthy of the armband. But so much of Gerrard’s leadership came from never hiding, leading by example and what we call ‘clutch’ moments. Hendo needs a few more big moments when we look lost or struggling.
James Milner is the cliché model professional. No tattoos or expressive haircuts. Just a simple Yorkshireman earning his living being good at football. His presence has been essential in a squad lacking leaders but he is not a rallying figure.
Liverpool desperately need a little more of this quality particularly at center back where the quiet Joel Matip and the limited Ragnar Klavan and Dejan Lovren are not going to give you that spark.