Threat to Dominik Szoboszlai as Liverpool’s pecking order is established

Ian Doyle’s analysis following Liverpool’s Europa League match vs LASK

Konate concern as Quansah shines

When Liverpool played in the Europa League the last time, Jarell Quansah had good reason to be irritated.

The 20-year-old believed he had given the Reds a point against Toulouse with a dramatic late equaliser, his first goal as a senior, but it was disallowed for a questionable handball against Alexis Mac Allister that occurred far earlier in the action than it appeared to have the day before.

However, Quansah’s breakthrough campaign has already been unforgettable, with three of its six starts coming in Europe, including the visit of LASK Linz.

Quansah once again showed excellent ball control and defending skills, which belied both his youth and inexperience at this level. This was best shown when he raced back to make a good block to keep Liverpool’s clean sheet intact during a rare LASK break in the second half. The centre back should be proud of those who have mentored him during his time at the Academy.

Ibrahima Konate, his center-back partner, was less persuasive. The fact that the Frenchman began showed how much he has dropped in the hierarchy behind Joel Matip, and despite missing multiple games due to injury this season, the Reds are still able to get by with a certain amount of rustiness in his play.

In any case, Konate will be aware that much work still needs to be done.

Elliott poses a query to Szoboszlai

The midfield is the one region of the “midweek” team that is determined to take advantage of every opportunity.

With Wataru Endo, Harvey Elliott, and Ryan Gravenberch securing two of the three spots, and Curtis Jones holding the advantage for the third, the cup games have provided a platform for players such as Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.

Gravenberch will always draw attention due to his all-action play style and eagerness to extend his legs on forward runs. He also seems to be growing into the job, as shown by his performance against Manchester City over the weekend.

Elliott was the more impressive player today, despite the Dutchman having his moments as well. His busy performance once again demonstrated why he has consistently contributed this season, whether starting or coming off the substitute as has been the case in every Europa League game.

The 20-year-old should have done more to strengthen his case for a second Premier League start of the season on Sunday against Fulham, especially considering Szoboszlai’s performance has declined in his last few appearances on the right side of the engine room.

Endo, who entered Liverpool and developed into the game at number six, will similarly benefit from having played just four complete ninety minutes. Mac Allister was obviously tired after admitting to nodding off at a squad meeting prior to the City match.

Anfield remains inhospitable

One of Jurgen Klopp’s more audacious pre-game statements as Liverpool manager was always going to be that this would be a legendary European evening.

Although Anfield was unable to fully awaken itself on a bitterly chilly evening (the visiting team’s unwavering support was the loudest fan), it is nevertheless unwelcoming to the visiting team.

The Reds have now won their first 10 home games of the season in all competitions for a fourth time; they have done so in the double-winning season of 1985–86, when they won the first 13, and in 1893–94, when they won the first 16. and 1972–73, when they won the first 11.

The upper deck of the spectacular new Anfield Road stand will stay closed for Sunday’s Premier League match against Fulham. Fans will reenter for the match against Manchester United on December 17.

Furthermore, there will probably be more than 60,000 participants by the time the Europa League’s round of 16 rolls around in March. Those renowned nights in Europe might just be around the corner.