I think Stewart has been the one who has arguably produced the best 3 performances in the cup games, in a position in which we lack depth as a defensive midfielder.

He has shown good composure in a tight situations, bravery with and without the ball and good positioning. His passing is a bit erratic and like most defensive midfielders he gets a bit a lost if he finds himself up field, but at his main job he has done very well. We didn't really look like conceding against Exeter or West Ham and I think he was a key part of that with his work in front of the defence.

I don't think Tex has done enough considering the number of players in front of him for those positions. We'll see if he agrees a new deal but I suspect he will sign a deal somewhere else in the summer as we can't promise him the game time he will want.

Smith is putting pressure on Moreno, Brannagan at 19 has done enough to suggest he is worth preserving with and seeing how he develops in the next 12-18 months.

I don't see a future for Ilori who I expect will leave in the summer.

I think Stewart is the one who at worst has put himself in the shop window well and at best has given his Liverpool career a shot in the arm and maybe another year if he wants it, especially as we are likely to be in the Europa again next season.

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

I don't think being limited is a massive detriment to being a good defensive midfielder. More knowing your limitations.

Not saying he is going to turn into a first team player, but before these three games he looked a certainty to leave, he has given himself a chance with good performances.

"the balance in the first 11 is wrong"

agreed, there's no pressing strikers on the pitch. What's Klopp thinking not putting them out on crutches.

comment by selbstgerechtein (U7048)
posted 4 hours, 52 minutes ago
I think Stewart has been the one who has arguably produced the best 3 performances in the cup games, in a position in which we lack depth as a defensive midfielder.

He has shown good composure in a tight situations, bravery with and without the ball and good positioning. His passing is a bit erratic and like most defensive midfielders he gets a bit a lost if he finds himself up field, but at his main job he has done very well. We didn't really look like conceding against Exeter or West Ham and I think he was a key part of that with his work in front of the defence.

I don't think Tex has done enough considering the number of players in front of him for those positions. We'll see if he agrees a new deal but I suspect he will sign a deal somewhere else in the summer as we can't promise him the game time he will want.

Smith is putting pressure on Moreno, Brannagan at 19 has done enough to suggest he is worth preserving with and seeing how he develops in the next 12-18 months.

I don't see a future for Ilori who I expect will leave in the summer.

I think Stewart is the one who at worst has put himself in the shop window well and at best has given his Liverpool career a shot in the arm and maybe another year if he wants it, especially as we are likely to be in the Europa again next season.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Agree about the importance of that centre midfielder in front of the defence. We looked a lot more solid, Lovren and Caulker looked good. Stewart is clearly a pretty limited player but just having someone there makes the difference.

Lucas used to be able to do that job for us but he just can't do it consistently like before his injuries. We need to invest in this position in the summer, I felt we should have signed one this month but surely it's too late now.

Brannagan impressed me yesterday. He was up against a very physical West Ham midfield and he held his own and looked like he belonged at this level.

Smith was a little disappointing yesterday when with ball and I think Stewart will have a decent career but not at the top level for me.

Comment deleted by Site Moderator

Comment deleted by Site Moderator