Nat Phillips and Ozan Kabak are beginning to gel at the heart of Liverpool’s defence, with the two young defenders playing key roles in wins over Leipzig and Wolves.
Both defenders won four aerial duels and covered each other brilliantly to cope with the pace of Adama Traore and Pedro Neto.
It was the first game for a long time where Liverpool looked genuinely comfortable with just a one-goal lead.
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – MARCH 15: Adama Traore of Wolverhampton Wanderers runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Ozan Kabak and Georginio Wijnaldum of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool at Molineux on March 15, 2021 in Wolverhampton, England. PHOTO BY PAUL ELLIS – POOL/GETTY IMAGES.
Wolves had their chances and had they been a bit more clinical, they might have made Klopp’s side pay but Kabak and Phillips made sure the three points were awarded to the Anfield side.
Securing the clean sheet is something that Liverpool will be delighted with given their recent performances.
While Kabak and Phillips were the standout performers for me, special mention must go to Fabinho who was terrific at keeping the home side at bay.
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – MARCH 10: Fabinho of Liverpool poses for a photo with his Player of the match award after the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match between Liverpool FC and RB Leipzig at the Puskas Arena on March 10, 2021 in Budapest, Hungary. PHOTO BY LASZLO SZIRTESI – UEFA/UEFA VIA GETTY IMAGES.
The win will give supporters some hope that their side can make it back into the top four after a seriously dire run of form. Liverpool are now just five points off Chelsea which makes the defeat to the Blues that little bit more painful.
Alas, there are nine games remaining and if Liverpool can go on a run of wins, they may well find themselves back in the top four and secure qualification for the Champions League for a fifth consecutive season.
