Written by Jack Bailey -@thebaileys22
Relentless Robbo
3 times a week, every week, Andrew Robertson bombs down that left wing like the Duracell bunny. I’m honestly not sure how he does it. Whatever Carol and Caroline are feeding him in the AXA must be useful, either that or he has a can of IRN BRU before every game.
He was so deadly tonight, especially in the first half, also did a great job getting back for the goal-line clearance, shame no one was there to back him up. The best left back in the world put in a great shift tonight. Warrior.
Tenacious Trent
See what I’m doing with these titles, hopefully keep it up. Anyway, our other full back, this one from West Derby, He’s boss as well. Not sure what all this midfield talk is about, not sure what Southgate is smoking but let’s save that for another time. I never thought it was possible to run a game from right back but this fella does it so many times.
Every thing good about our play today came from him. His pressing, passing, crossing and shooting were all top notch. Unlucky not to get the goal awarded to him as well. Doubt he’s that bothered, doubt anyone was really, the three points is all that matters, Trent will have many more goals to come in his career. Starboy.
Hard-working Hendo
What more is left to be said about our captain? Forgot he could hit them like that. We needed it. Reminded me of those games under Rafa where Gerrard pulled us out of shit-street. Absolute corker of a strike. Was so dogged in his overall performance as well, did all the bits that go unnoticed and that no one likes doing.
Kept the midfield ticking all night in probably the closest thing to the ‘Gini’ role. Didn’t start at the weekend but took full advantage of the rest tonight. He’s the heartbeat of the team and we look so much better with him there. Also gives players a bollocking if needed, which some did at points tonight. Leader.
Oooffff!!! pic.twitter.com/ethWJKrbZG
— The Redmen TV (@TheRedmenTV) September 15, 2021
Daring Divock
When the team news was announced at 7:40 tonight, the first name every one questioned was Divock Origi. Hasn’t been seen in about two months then rocks up tonight in the starting eleven. He put in a great shift, tracking back for tackles, pressing well and making a nuisance of himself for that Milan defence.
This was a much better showing than the ones we were used to last season. Also got an assist, not sure where that pass came from but we will take it all day. Loves European Nights this fella, if he can play like this more often it would be very handy for us across the season. Did go off with a knock, hopefully its only a precaution as he was probably going to play Norwich next week. Cult-hero.
Super Subs
Gonna combine two players here because I can, Thiago and Curt Jones. Thiago came on for Naby and Curt came on for Jota. I thought both were terrific when they came in.
Thiago continued on from where he left off on the weekend. I could watch him break up play and spray balls around all day and never get bored, the man is a machine and will be so good for us this season. Can’t wait to see more of him.
Then we have Jones, deployed on the left of a front 3 for the first time in a long while. We haven’t seen him since the Ossasuna friendly where he got a concussion. He did not look out of place at all. Looks a proper first-teamer as he did last season. In the little time he was on there were so many good dribbles, runs and touches that makes me look forward to seeing him next. He gets forgotten about sometimes but he could be a real-good player in a few years, already is a very good player. Another gem on our hands. Another Starboy for the list.
Overall a nerve-wracking start to our European campaign but would we have it another way? Probably not. This game was always going to be full of excitement and it fit the bill. I think Atleti drew with Porto so we are in a good position in the group with our win. Onto the next one. You’ll Never Walk Alone up the mighty reds.
