Blog

How Twenty3’s Discover tool identified the perfect van Dijk replacement

Everyone involved in the world of football had the same question in October – how would Liverpool replace Virgil van Dijk? The Dutchman hobbled off in the Merseyside derby. It was later confirmed that he had suffered an ACL injury and that he’d likely not be seen on the pitch again this season.  The one…

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Why the goals have dried up for Liverpool

It’s been 350 minutes since Liverpool last scored in the Premier League. For context, you could watch Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame back-to-back with time to spare. The Reds went from rampant to blunt in the blink of an eye. Since the 7-0 win over Crystal Palace, they’ve netted just once. In the space…

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The art of shot placement and why Diogo Jota is a master

Hitting the target and making the goalkeeper work is no longer good enough at the very top level. More often than not, chances are at a premium in the must-win clashes and failing to make the most of an opportunity is viewed as a waste. What’s more, these must-win matches are becoming increasingly more common.…

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Debunking the Liverpool ‘defensive crisis’ myth

Since day one of the season for Liverpool, a narrative has been pushed that defensively they’re not as secure this time around. Virgil van Dijk had a lapse in judgement against Leeds United to gift Patrick Bamford a goal and Marcelo Bielsa’s team carved out multiple openings against the champions. In reality, a number of…

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What is Roberto Firmino?

Roberto Firmino remains an enigma. He’s now into his sixth season as a Liverpool player and there are people out there who still don’t know what he does for the Premier League champions. There are always preconceived notions in football, often expectations detailed to people at a young age, and these are hard to shake…

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Zouma: Chelsea’s own Van Dijk is perfect Silva foil

Ohh Thiago Silva. The Brazilian completed his move to Stamford Bridge last week after his Paris Saint-Germain contract expired. The 35-year-old is a serial winner and brings experience to a youthful Chelsea team. It’s an exciting time at Stamford Bridge following the arrivals of Ben Chilwell, Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech to their ranks already.…

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The importance of dominant-in-the-air centre-backs

When the term ‘modern-day defender’ is muttered, the mind automatically assumes ball-player. It’s natural. Every player these days is judged on their footballing ability due to the nature of the game. Teams no longer just put pressure on the opposition. It’s not just a token effort and pressing triggers are, instead, like military operations. A…

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Why Liverpool might want Jamal Lewis

If reports are to be believed, Liverpool are about to improve their one area of weakness. The Premier League champions don’t currently possess a natural understudy to Andrew Robertson at left-back. When the Scotland international isn’t available or he’s rested, the team’s dynamic changes completely. I guess they managed just fine last season, amassing 99…

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Why Thiago might be the sprinkling of midfield stardust that Liverpool need

Liverpool are reigning champions of the Premier League, Europe and the world. Jurgen Klopp, with the help of Michael Edwards and the recruitment team, has put the Reds back on their perch and it’s happened without the club spending eye-watering fees on a regular basis.  Yes, the club did part with close to £130million to…

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The curious case of Roberto Firmino’s Anfield drought

Liverpool are Premier League champions. Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane are battling it out for the Golden Boot and Alisson Becker is leading the race for the Golden Glove. Then there’s Roberto Firmino, a player without a league goal at Anfield all season. In a team filled with overperformers, it can seem as though he’s…

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