Two winners, two losers for Liverpool as Thiago shines while Klopp makes mistake vs. Ajax

David Lynch

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Two winners, two losers for Liverpool as Thiago shines while Klopp makes mistake vs. Ajax image

Liverpool ignited their Champions League game and possibly their season as they claimed a dramatic 2-1 win over Ajax on Tuesday.

Joel Matip's header secured a first three points in Group A for the Reds, who had been comprehensively beaten by Napoli in their first outing last week.

The Sporting News was present at Anfield and we've had a look at the winners and losers from a vital victory for Jurgen Klopp's side.

MORE: Liverpool vs. Ajax result, report and highlights as Joel Matip heads home late winner

Winners

Diogo Jota

With Liverpool so blessed in the attacking department, Diogo Jota's early-season absence through injury went somewhat under the radar.

However, making his first start since overcoming a hamstring injury here, the Portuguese reminded every supporter exactly what they have been missing.

Although he did not get on the scoresheet, Jota showed off the less-heralded parts of his game, enthusiastically leading the press and linking play impressively - most notably in setting up Mohamed Salah's goal. 

Issues might persist in other areas of the team, but it is hugely helpful to have a player of this quality returning to the fold up top.

Thiago Alcantara

Of course, there isn't a single supporter who doubted that their team was missing Thiago Alcantara during his most recent lay-off. 

And the Spain international proved that it wasn't simply a case of absence making the heart grow fonder with a typically classy performance in midfield this evening. 

He brings a balance to that area of the pitch that has been notably absent since he walked off injured at Fulham on the opening day of the season.

Klopp must do everything he can to keep his No.6 fit in the coming months if this season is to bring any degree of success.

MORE: Liverpool UEFA Champions League 2022 fixtures and schedule

Losers

Harvey Elliott

It is not that Harvey Elliott is playing poorly for Liverpool since being thrust into the team in the early stages of this campaign.

In fact, the 19-year-old has arguably been one of the standout performers while seeing his more experienced colleagues struggle of late.

However, Klopp just doesn't seem to have got things right in asking the boyhood Reds fan to start games on the right-hand side of a midfield three. 

Trent Alexander-Arnold is far too used to having Jordan Henderson fill the gaps he creates bombing forward to have a player who also constantly wants to make things happen in front of him. 

And asking Elliott to be a Henderson-like workhorse and cover spaces doesn't seem like a particularly good use of his prodigious talents, either.

Klopp must surely use the approaching enforced break to find a solution to a malfunctioning right-hand side that was once again exposed for the Ajax leveller.

Joe Gomez

Replaced at half-time in Naples and dropped for Joel Matip here, Joe Gomez could have done without seeing his replacement score the winner.

The Englishman has had his fair share of bad luck in terms of injuries at Liverpool, but saw things fall for him when it came to fitness issues as Matip and Ibrahima Konate were both struck down at the start of the season.

However, one poor 45 minutes after some decent performances at the back, and he finds himself back on the bench with little prospect of returning to the starting XI.

You have to a feel for him.

David Lynch

David Lynch Photo

David Lynch is a freelance football journalist primarily covering Liverpool FC. He has reported on the the Reds for over a decade for publications such as the Sunday Mirror and Evening Standard, carving out a reputation as a trusted voice on all things Anfield in the process. Having followed Liverpool across England and Europe over the course of his career, David has filed from illustrious venues such as Camp Nou, the Allianz Arena and the Estadio do Dragao, as well as from multiple Champions League finals.