Jurgen Klopp gets vindication for brave Liverpool transfer deadline day decision in 3-2 defeat of AC Milan

The Reds boss rested two of his key players against the Serie A giants but it paid off.
Jurgen Klopp celebrates Liverpool’s victory over AC Milan. Picture: Shaun Botterill/Getty ImagesJurgen Klopp celebrates Liverpool’s victory over AC Milan. Picture: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Jurgen Klopp celebrates Liverpool’s victory over AC Milan. Picture: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Whether you were having a pre-match pint around Anfield or settling down for the game elsewhere, one thing at 7pm yesterday was the same - shocked faces aplenty.

"What, Divock Origi's starting... and no Virgil van Dijk!".

Summer squad fears

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Something like that, anyway, was how most must have responded to Liverpool’s starting line-up to face AC Milan.

So much emphasis in the build-up to the Reds’ Champions League opener was around just how tough Group B was.

With the Reds also being drawn against La Liga champions Atletico Madrid and Porto, it's been given the 'Group of Death' moniker.

With just two spots in the next round up for grabs, a good start was imperative. This was not the time to make changes.

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And even if Jurgen Klopp did want to rejig his team, who would he play?

After the transfer window closed, there were swathes of Kopites and pundits who had doubts about the Reds' strength in depth.

Everyone would concur that their starting line-up can rival any - both domestically and in Europe. What's below their XI is where the suspicions lay.

Not bolstering the forward line got the majority of the flak. There were understandable fears too much reliance was on Mo Salah and Sadio Mane and Liverpool would be in the mire if either suffered a long-term injury.

Liverpool celebrate Mo Salah’s goal against AC Milan. Picture: Shaun Botterill/Getty ImagesLiverpool celebrate Mo Salah’s goal against AC Milan. Picture: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Liverpool celebrate Mo Salah’s goal against AC Milan. Picture: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
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Klopp was always comfortable with his options, though. He even eschewed dipping into the market on deadline day after Roberto Firmino had suffered a hamstring injury against Chelsea.

It was a brave and unpopular decision - just like not replacing Gini Wijnaldum was.

But after its first test, Klopp’s stance has been vindicated.

Despite widespread pre-match disapproval, he tinkered with his team against AC Milan. And Liverpool swatted aside last season's Serie A runners-up.

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To be frank, 3-2 flattered the Rossoneri. Bar a 10-minute spell towards the end of the first half when the Italians netted two quickfire goals to stun the home crowd, Liverpool dominated.

Twenty-three shots on goals, of which eight were on target, a missed penalty and 15 corners reflects how they commanded the clash.

Salah, Jordan Henderson and a Fikayo Tomori own goal were on the scoresheet but the hosts’ win should have been more emphatic.

Origi’s impact

Divock Origi's starting spot ahead of Mane caught everyone off guard.

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The Belgian had widely been expected to leave in the summer after making just two Premier League starts last term.

On deadline day, though, the Reds decided they would snub offers if any were made for him. Instead, Origi would remain in his support-act role on Merseyside.

Liverpool forward Divock Origi. Picture: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty ImagesLiverpool forward Divock Origi. Picture: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Liverpool forward Divock Origi. Picture: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images

That choice looked a bizarre one after the former Lille striker was left out of the past three match-day squads before the Milan game.

If he wasn’t going to be used, surely it would have been better to have £20 million in the coffers ahead of the January window opening.

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However, Origi displayed that he still has a purpose at Anfield. The Champions League has provided him with the platform for his greatest performances donning the red shirt. Against Milan, he added another to his archive.

Origi was powerful, aggressive and the biggest compliment he can be given is Liverpool scarcely missed Mane.

The 26-year-old got his reward with a wonderful lobbed pass to assist Salah for the hosts' equaliser in the second half.

Those in the stadium rightfully gave standing ovation when he was replaced by Mane due to injury.

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After being a peripheral figure just hours earlier, there were fears he could be on the treatment table for a period as he limped off. Lucky it was just cramp.

No Van Dijk, no problem

After all, he's arguably the world's greatest centre-back and been the bedrock of Liverpool again establishing themselves as a European heavyweight.

You could fathom why Klopp made such a choice, though. Van Dijk only returned from a near 10-month absence from a knee injury in August and has already played six games this campaign for club and country.

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk. Picture: Nathan Stirk/Getty ImagesLiverpool defender Virgil van Dijk. Picture: Nathan Stirk/Getty Images
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk. Picture: Nathan Stirk/Getty Images
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Joe Gomez, handed his first outing since also coming back from a long-term knee problem, gave a sound account of himself overall in the Dutchman's place.

Central defence is an area of the squad supporters can’t argue is threadbare.

Joel Matip has started the season in excellent form and £36 million summer arrival Ibrahima Konate is still to make his debut. There's also Nat Phillips, who recently penned a new deal and Rhys Williams is on loan at Swansea.

Positive first test

With Liverpool eyeing a two-pronged assault on the Premier League and Champions League, they'll need everyone hitting the standards they showed against Milan.

This was the first real test of how Klopp's squad can cope when he makes changes.

So far, so good.