26 Feb 2024 13:34:31
I see a lot of players are, quite rightly, receiving praise for their performance and application on Sunday. Kelleher, superb. Endo, warrior. Van Dijk, imperious.

However, there was one player that really stood out for me when he came on. A youth player that I had heard of but not seen much of, who made Caicedo and Enzo look amateur by comparison. For me, James McConnell looked like the best midfielder on the pitch, the moment he came on.

I thought he was brilliant. He used the ball so well, knew when to retain possession and when to expand his play. Plus, took his yellow card smartly as, if he had not, with our numbers pushed up so high, we would have been in trouble. I was worried when Mac Allister went off, as I thought we would lose that control and necessary decision making. But boy did James turn up and take on the role with ease.

He recently signed a new contract too. So, Klopp clearly recognized the potential and I honesty wouldn't mind seeing more of him as he appears to have that high level calmness, unfazed by the occasion and simply gets to work.

Would love to see him on Wednesday, give him the full 90 to see what he is really capable of. I suspect the team, as a whole, will be comprised of youth players. We do need to rest legs, and while Southampton are a stern test, our focus should be on preserving as much quality for Saturday as we can. The injuries we have sustained have made that abundantly clear.

1.) 26 Feb 2024
26 Feb 2024 14:18:36
LFC Mango, I thought James McConnell was outstanding in everything he did. Very good at receiving the ball under pressure (did you see him lost those two Chelsea players when VVD fizzed it into him? ), makes good decisions with the ball, never lost it and knows when to hold and release the ball.

The only thing I saw that he currently lacks, is to receive the ball and advance it up the pitch at pace. For me and for now, that's it. Apart from that, we got another one right hear, man.

2.) 26 Feb 2024
26 Feb 2024 15:07:44
Mango, you may just get your wish to see McConnell start if Endo's injury or knock (according to the protective boot he was wearing after the game) turns out to be more than minor.

3.) 26 Feb 2024
26 Feb 2024 15:55:47
ArAy1969, I look forward to that, man.

4.) 26 Feb 2024
26 Feb 2024 19:37:02
Looked excellent. Very composed on the ball and didn't shy away from it at all.

None of the kids did shy away and thatsbwhat I'm most proud of. Bobby Clarke looked so strong holding players off as well.