Reds starting to shine under Klopp

A few weeks ago, it felt like Liverpool’s season was limping towards a tame trophy-less conclusion, but on the back of three stunning home wins, the Reds suddenly look like a side Jurgen Klopp is proud to call his own. Our EPL analyst Adrian Clarke (sports [at] mediacorp.com.sg) weighs up the reasons behind the Merseysiders’ impressive late season hot streak ...

THE EMERGENCE OF ORIGI

Without trust, professional footballers cannot begin to thrive. So, when Klopp wrote Belgian youngster Divock Origi’s name on his team sheet for the Europa League quarter-final away leg to Borussia Dortmund, it was a seminal moment in the 21-year-old’s career.

With the manager’s show of faith transforming his feeling of self-worth in an instant, Origi put on a centre-forward’s masterclass at the Westfalenstadion.

Scoring once, and playing with assurance, he provided a perfect outlet for counters in a match in which Liverpool needed a good result to take back to Anfield.

Since then, the striker has continued to blossom — scoring five goals in four starts — and his influence has boosted the team at a crucial period.

Working like a trooper, looking after the ball confidently, providing a physical presence, mixing his game up, and lethal in front of goal, Origi is now seen as somebody who merges the qualities of Daniel Sturridge, Robert Firmino and Christian Benteke in one youthful, hungry package.

Not bad for a kid who was voted into last season’s Ligue 1 “Worst team of the Year” when he was with French club Lille. But a nasty ankle injury picked up against Everton has ended his season. How will the Reds fare without him now?

MATCH TOUGH

Sometimes, a challenging fixture list sharpens the mind, and I firmly believe this Liverpool side has benefited from that.

Since losing the League Cup final, Klopp’s men have faced Manchester City, Manchester United (twice), Tottenham Hotspur and Borussia Dortmund (twice). These were all intense, fast-paced matches that needed the players’ full attention. Because they went unbeaten in that run, confidence has soared.

Instead of switching off against the likes of Stoke City, Bournemouth and Everton, Klopp’s men instead carried on with the same focus and, as a consequence, they were far too hot for those inferior opponents to handle.

Some teams come out of a run of tough games complaining of mental fatigue. The Reds have used those tests to grow instead.

MILNER HAS STEPPED UP

It was a blow to lose Jordan Henderson to a season-ending injury. But when one door closes, it usually opens for somebody else. And in the captain’s absence, James Milner has raised his game three-fold.

Covering extra mileage with the armband wrapped around his biceps, the 30-year-old is playing like a man possessed, bossing central ground while also drifting wide to make best use of his crossing talents. He made two goals against Stoke, produced another two crosses for strikes against Dortmund, and backed that up with another twin assist in the Merseyside derby.

In a matter of weeks, his reputation at Anfield has gone from mediocre to magic.

AN INJECTION OF YOUTH

Divock Origi is not the only youngster to be given an opportunity of late. The likes of Kevin Stewart, Brad Smith, Connor Randall, Sheyi Ojo and Jordon Ibe have also been asked to deliver a performance for their manager — and by and large, they have grabbed that chance.

Wing wizard Ojo conjured up a gorgeous assist for Sturridge at home to Stoke, and backed that up with another lively showing at Bournemouth. On the other flank that day, the powerful Ibe created five chances on his return to the fold.

The youth-team products have added a fresh spark and healthy new verve to the team’s play.

We have seen how much of an impact rookies can have at Old Trafford this term, and Anfield also feels like it is home to some stars of tomorrow.

Instead of having a smallish pool of 18 senior pros to count on, Klopp has widened his net considerably. The academy graduates have pepped up performances.

SIX MONTHS OF KLOPP

Liverpool look fitter, stronger, and significantly more united than they were as a team six months ago. After a slowish start to life under the charismatic German, the Reds are finally playing in a style that reflects Klopp’s personality.

Important victories were an essential part of the growing process. A 6-0 thrashing of Aston Villa, the 3-0 spanking of Manchester City, a 2-0 home leg triumph over United, the dramatic 5-4 aggregate win over Dortmund, allied with a 4-0 success against Everton, have all helped to bond the players, fans and manager.

There is now a sense that this group can write exciting new chapters in the club’s history. Spirits are high, and belief in the boss has intensified.

FINAL SCORE Prediction: Liverpool 2 Newcastle 1

Rafa Benitez will always be treasured at Anfield, and home supporters will give him a hero’s welcome later today. Unfortunately, I struggle to see how his improving Magpies team can live with such an on-song Liverpool. I suspect the Reds are playing too well to be tamed.

Big Match Predictions

FA CUP SEMI-FINALS

Watford v Crystal Palace

If you studied the formbook, you wouldn’t fancy either of these FA Cup underdogs to prevail at Wembley. Each is in the midst of a fairly rotten run, but one of them has to book their place in the final. Managers Quique Flores and Alan Pardew both see themselves as tacticians, so it could be cagey, but it’s Watford that possess the most firepower. I can see Troy Deeney or Odion Ighalo putting their name in lights.

Prediction: Watford 1 Crystal Palace 0

Everton v Manchester UnitedHow much longer can Roberto Martinez cling on to his job? He desperately needs to beat United in this one, but if recent displays are anything to go by, the Toffees don’t stand a prayer. Short on experienced defenders for this clash, Louis van Gaal’s youngsters will sense this as an opportunity to fill their boots beneath the arch. I foresee a one-sided semifinal that could put a nail in Martinez’s coffin.

Prediction: Everton 0 Man United 2

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE

Leicester City v Swansea City

No Vardy, no party? We’ll find out tomorrow as the league leaders take on Swansea without their suspended striker. Tactically, his absence will have an impact on the style of play they produce, but there’s no shortage of spunk in Cladio Ranieri’s line-up, so I’m predicting that others will step into the breach and deliver an upbeat performances. With nothing to play for, the Swans surely can’t keep the Foxes at bay. Can they?

Prediction: Leicester 2 Swansea 0Tottenham Hotspur v West Bromwich Albion

Spurs have huge momentum. They were breathtakingly good when demolishing Manchester United and Stoke, and with the wind behind them, it’s hard to imagine West Brom putting a spanner in the works. Tony Pulis loves to be a party pooper, and will set his team up to frustrate the second-placed side. But I don’t know if they’re good enough to withstand a 90-minute barrage. I back Spurs fine run to continue.

Prediction: Tottenham 2 West Brom 0

TV TIMES

Tonight:

Man City v Stoke (Singtel Ch102 & StarHub Ch227; 7.30pm)

Liverpool v Newcastle (Ch102 & Ch227; 10pm)

Bournemouth v Chelsea (Ch103 & Ch228; 10pm)

Aston Villa v Southampton (Ch104 & Ch229; 10pm)

Tomorrow:

Sunderland v Arsenal (Ch102 & Ch227; 9.05pm)

Leicester v Swansea (Ch102 & Ch227; 11.15pm)

Tuesday:

Tottenham v West Brom (Ch102 & Ch227; 3am)

FA Cup semi-finals

Tomorrow:

Everton v Man United (Singtel Ch109; 12.10am)

Crystal Palace v Watford (Ch109; 11pm)

About the author:

TODAY EPL analyst Adrian Clarke is a former Arsenal midfielder who has played at every level of the English game. Now an experienced sports journalist, he writes for several major football websites, and international publications. Follow him @adrianjclarke