Liverpool handed major boost ahead of Chelsea fixture as transformational trio could ignite

Liverpool handed major boost ahead of Chelsea fixture as transformational trio could ignite

Liverpool Echo Sports·2021-08-29 06:00

When Thiago Alcântara arrived at Liverpool last summer, fans purred about the prospect of having one of the best midfield three partnerships in the Premier League. But barring a brief flicker, supporters are yet to see the Spanish international link-up with Liverpool's two other strongest midfielders. Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and Thiago have started just one game together in the Premier League as midfielders and have played a total of 135 minutes of action with zero minutes at Anfield. That could all change Saturday afternoon which could be a major boost to Klopp's team. Liverpool saw a brief flicker of what a Thiago, Henderson and Fabinho midfield could look like when the Reds travelled to Stamford Bridge last year as the Spaniard, who was left out of the most recent national team squad, made a 45-minute cameo in an inspired debut. Read More Related Articles Read More Related Articles But barring a chaotic derby-day 90-minute outing, the trio have not featured in midfielder together since. And while all three of them failed to make the starting XI against Burnley due to fitness issues and with Fabinho missing the game due to bereavement, they should be at Klopp's disposal against Chelsea. Henderson and Thiago have made another week of progress in their recovery process, meanwhile Fabinho's decision to play rests entirely on his own mental state. He was back in training this week which suggests he could be involved. Despite having other options in the squad, if all three are available Klopp has an easy decision to make against Chelsea. Harvey Elliott and Naby Keïta both caught the eye against Burnley and Norwich City, but the game against Chelsea could come too soon in their metamorphosis under Klopp with Henderson, Thiago and Fabinho's experience crucial against a formidable opponent. Read More Related Articles Read More Related Articles Liverpool's midfield has looked more fluid with Keïta and Elliott, but that it not necessarily the priority against Thomas Tuchel's side. Against Chelsea, the attacking fluidity might suffer a little bit if Henderson and Thiago comes in, but the defensive solidity is what will be needed when coming up against the likes of N'Golo Kante and Mason Mount. Liverpool will be more cautious against Chelsea, who are capable of punishing the Reds at any moment with swift counter-attacks. While Chelsea present a daunting prospect, having Henderson's experience, Fabinho's defensive solidity and Thiago's ball progression ability will be a major boost to Klopp's side. It will be the first opportunity for Thiago to play in front of a full Anfield crowd as well as for The Kop to witness what could become an integral midfield spine in the flesh for the first time. Klopp will be hoping his midfield trio will have enough to get the better of Chelsea. One thing is for certain, there is much more to come and based on the 135 minutes they played together, fans should expect a thrilling roller-coaster ride on Saturday afternoon. Liverpool's three musketeers are finally here; whether the Premier League is ready, only time will tell. Read More Related Articles Read More Related Articles
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