5. Lovren Block
After a big win like last night it is hard to remember there were plenty of early moments where the fate of the game was very much undecided. Liverpool did not come flying out the traps like they did against Spurs and Southampton with early goals.
The European competition is usually at a slightly slower pace than the impatient hustle of the Premier League. The first 25 minutes were pretty nervy. Liverpool looked like they wanted to concede possession and play on the counter.
While the score was at 0-0, Porto had a couple of great chances to take an early lead. Liverpool often struggle to break down teams who are sitting deep and defending a one goal lead. The game would have gone very differently if Porto has scored first.
The fact that they didn’t can be attributed to a wonderful block from Dejan Lovren early in the first half. It looked a certain score with the goal gaping but Lovren’s touch took it over the bar for a corner.
The introduction of Virgil van Dijk has been good to Lovren in two clear ways; he can shift to his more natural right side of the pairing; and he can let van Dijk call the line and organize the back four.
That means Lovren can play far more out of instinct. Not having the responsibility of leading his teammates allows him to just play football. This was a great block that kept Liverpool in the game.