Season so far review by @cashboyle

Peter talks all thing LFC with our regular writer Caislyn Boyle

Can you give us a short recap of the Watford game?

Mo Salah. There’s your recap. I’m just joking, but in short Liverpool were dominant from start to finish. Watford are notoriously poor on the road, and you could tell from the outset that their plan was to stifle and contain. Once Salah scores that early goal that becomes impossible. The dovetailing between Firmino, Salah and Mane was a thing of beauty at times, as was Salah constantly leaving the Watford defenders on their arses. There was no panic after the United defeat, but acknowledgement that this game had become a must-win. Liverpool did win it, and on a weekend where none of the other top 6 were playing, that was crucial.

Salah gets all the plaudits for his 4 goals and rightfully so but who else impressed you in this game?

It’s hard to really single out defensive players given that Watford were so poor going forward, but that was at least in part because of how effortless Virgil Van Dijk makes it all look. Robertson was also electric down the left side, and his cross for Salah’s second goal was sumptuous. In terms of forward play you’d have to give Firmino credit for facilitating so much of our attacking play, as well as applying that deft flick finish for the third goal.

Can you give us a short review of the season so far?

Not over yet. I think it’s exciting for Liverpool fans to still have something concrete to play for in March – this CL quarter final really is very exciting and despite the tough draw it feels winnable. Compared to last season we are better off in the Premier League, although our record against the top 6 has worsened. The same issues have applied in the domestic cups though, so that tarnishes an otherwise positive review of the season. All in all we’re looking rosy, and in terms of our summer and January signings we look a much more complete outfit.

Rate each players performance this season on a Scale of 1-10 with a short reason for this?

Karius – 7 – has improved with consistent game time but still has a lot to prove.

Mignolet – 5 has dropped clangers once again, particularly at Spurs. Has been ousted now and is on his way out.

TAA – 8 – an extra point for just how good he is given his age. Dynamic, athletic and occasionally naive – he can only improve.

Gomez – 8 – an extra point for youth, recovery from injury and for the fact that he’s playing out of position. Has been exposed a couple of times this season, but really will be excellent.

Klavan – 7 – able when called upon. Nothing more really.

Lovren – 6 – makes high profile mistakes and then prolonged recoveries. If only his ability matched his commitment. Matip – 5 – that second centre back spot is there for the taking and he has wilted at the opportunity. A good ball player but not robust enough.

VVD – 9 – showed his class and elevated the class of others. He’s class

Alberto Moreno – 7 – was improving rapidly until the new Steve Finnan took his place. Will always be defensively suspect.

Andy Robertson – 9 – gets an extra point for proving everyone wrong who thought he just wouldn’t cut it. He just seems to epitomise what the fans want from a player – an absolute steal.

Henderson – 6 – season has been derailed by injury somewhat and his influence isn’t consistent.

Wijnaldum – 6 – once again, isn’t a consistent influence over a number of games but has his virtues.

Can – 8 – our best midfielder this season, both in scoring and in general play. Still occasionally sloppy but the youngest of the 3 and the most likely to improve.

Milner – 8 – Gets an 8 for his new twitter page and Champions League form alone. Every team needs one.

Lallana – 3 – has barely played but gets a 3 because he seems like a thoroughly nice chap. Could be out this summer. Firmino – 9.5 – has brought his game to a new level and Salah wouldn’t be what he is without him. Biggest compliment is that there’s no other player quite like him.

Mane – 7 – has had a well-documented dip but his numbers don’t suggest that. He was affected by that Ederson foul, make no mistake. Excellent player and I expect next season he’ll be electric.

Salah – 10 – self-explanatory.

SUBS – hardly any goals on the bench, but there are two strikers in Ings and Solanke. must do better.

What is your predicted line up for the Crystal Palace game with the CL game on the horizon?

Klopp may rest players like he did against Stoke last season. I would expect Trent to come back in, with Henderson dropping out and Oxlade-Chamberlain playing. He won’t rest the front 3 but he’ll want to take them off early. I’d like a cameo for Ings and/or Solanke. Much will depend on whether Zaha recovers from his reported injury.

Score prediction v Palace and why, please?

2-1 to Liverpool. I think we’ll win but Selhurst Park is a fiery atmosphere and Palace won’t make it easy. We’ll need to be aware of Benteke (despite his overall poor form) and that we only beat them 1-0 earlier in the season. Goals for Salah and one of the midfielders – I won’t venture out and guess which one.

Thanks Cash for this fantastic piece from all at FoL