'I've got to say': Steve Nicol makes Barcelona comparison after watching what Liverpool did yesterday
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Liverpool have struggled to maintain their lead in games this season, despite this, they have maintained a winning record.
Arne Slot’s side have had six games so far this season, including their 3-2 Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid, which was won by a brilliant Virgil van Dijk header in the final moments of the game.
But their performances overall have not been as dominant or composed as what Liverpool fans are used to, especially after the 2-1 Merseyside Derby win, which saw Everton get one goal back in a poor second half for the Reds.
It was a disappointing end to the game at Anfield, which had the tone set by a blistering first 45 minutes, which saw Hugo Ekitike get on the scoresheet alongside Ryan Gravenberch, who showed his world-class qualities.
They would still be considered in the conversation as one of the best teams in Europe, but Steve Nicol has pointed out a comparison with European giants Barcelona that does make it difficult to consider Slot’s team the best.
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Barca had their first match in the Champions League this season, beating Newcastle United 2-1 away from home as they were able to control the tempo of the game even when the Magpies mounted a comeback.
This example for Nicol is exactly what he believes his former team have been lacking, but specifically in the Everton game, where they allowed the pressure to mount.
He said: “Everton didn’t create anything clear after that, but they still had some pressure, and they were still getting close.
I’ve got to say, watching it, I was thinking about Barcelona against Newcastle during the week, and I’m thinking Liverpool are sitting at the top of the league.
They look a million miles away from Barcelona right now.
Barcelona just completely shut the game down, passed the ball around, and made the opposition work for it.
“So, yeah, all things in the garden look really rosy with five wins out of five.
But for the second hour of the game, there wasn’t much between Everton and Liverpool.”
It is still early in the season, and there needs to be time for the side to gel together, but the Scotsman has a point against a team over the Toffees’ quality currently; you cannot be allowing them back into the game.
Despite them giving away a 2-0 lead in the Atletico game on Wednesday, there is still a lot to be excited about when it comes to the opportunity of winning the European Cup.
It will take some tinkering, but the squad played well, as they have done in most matches, in the first half, and they have a difference maker in the competition with their great depth of attack.
In the central striker position, they can easily rotate Ekitike and Alexander Isak, who both bring great qualities to the side.
Even on the wings, besides starters like Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo, there is a wildcard in Rio Ngumoha, and Florian Wirtz could even drift into the left flank if needed.
These options open up the perfect chance to succeed in Europe because it is all about energy, innovation, and special players, and this forward line has all three.
If the correct balance can be struck for these midweek games, then there is no doubt they will be able to rip up the world’s best.