Liverpool won 2-0 against Everton in the Merseyside-Derby and Liverpool looked quite dangerous when they were doing counter attacks.
We asked the former Liverpool star, John Barnes, if he liked the way Jurgen Klopp approached the game and how come Liverpool looked to focus on the counter attacking aspect in the game.
During our talk he also shared his opinion on the Spanish midfielder, Stefan Bajcetic, who according to Mohammed Salah has been the best player for Liverpool recently.
Liverpool are a more balanced team without Harvey Elliot in the midfield
John Barnes says that Liverpool had a much better balance against Everton, which was caused by having three hardworking midfielders in the starting lineup.
“I think Liverpool had a much better balance on their team against Everton. We played with three hardworking midfielders, so Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson could participate more in the attacking game.”
“So, the team looks more balanced with three defensive midfielders which allows the offensive trio to focus on attacking while the fullbacks can contribute offensively as well.”
Even though Barnes likes Harvey Elliot, he suggests Jurgen Klopp to continue playing with more defensive orientated midfielders but says that it depends on the opponents.
“I really like Harvey Elliot as a player but when he plays in the midfield Liverpool will get exposed a bit more when they are losing the ball.
“But it also depends on who you are playing against but I like it when there are three hardworking midfielders in the midfield.”
Stefan Bajcetic is one for the future
Mohammed Salah recently told Sky Sports that Stefan Bajcetic has been the best player for Liverpool recently, but Barnes doesn’t want to put that pressure on the young Spaniard.
“Stefan Bajcetic is only 18 years old, so I don’t want to put that pressure on him and say that he is the one that should make Liverpool finish in the top four or win the league. But he has a lot of quality, that’s for sure.”
“He is one for the future, for sure. I really hope that he can continue his performances and his development because Liverpool needs that.”
But what is it that Bajcetic does so well? We asked Barnes about Bajcetic’s qualities and how Liverpool gets the best out of him.
“He really knows how to break things up and protect the defence. He understands his role and that is very important. He understands how to play for Liverpool but I’m not sure he would be as good if he was playing for Arsenal or another team because then he would have to play a different role.”
“But it also helps him to have Jordan Hendersson and Fabinho next to him because they are giving the team a really good balance.”
