Liverpool head into tomorrow’s game against Crystal Palace in need of a boost.
Few had expected the Reds to lose against Atalanta midweek, let alone take a thrashing. But having lost 3-0 at Anfield on Thursday, a big response is needed.
Liverpool will also go into the match sitting in third place in the Premier League table. Now would be a bad time for another wobble.
As a result, most supporters will likely be hoping that Jurgen Klopp goes as strong as possible with his team. Full focus for Liverpool must now be on winning their final seven league games and hoping that that’s enough to crown them champions.
However, after watching some of the Reds biggest guns misfire in the Europa League, we’re hoping Klopp does something a little different. Darwin Nunez struggled against Atalanta. Consequently, a spot might now be open up front. And we know just the man to fill it.
Jayden Danns scores ‘outrageous’ backheel goal
Along with Nunez, it’s hard to argue the Cody Gakpo isn’t having the best moment of his career right now. Neither forward is being especially reliable in front of goal.
That’s why it was so heartening to see Jayden Danns stick the ball in the net for Liverpool’s U21 side last night. At Old Trafford against Manchester United no less.
And this wasn’t just any goal either. As seen in a clip from Liverpool’s official X account, this was something truly special from Danns.
Collecting the ball with his back to goal in the penalty area, the 18-year-old holds off two United defenders before wrong-footing the goalkeeper with a delicious backheel.
Former Liverpool striker Neil Mellor called the flick ‘outrageous’ on commentary and that’s the word that springs to mind for us, too.
Why Jayden Danns should start for Liverpool tomorrow
It’s kind of confidence inside the penalty box that Liverpool are really missing right now. It feels like it might be prudent to take both Nunez and Gakpo out of the firing line for a game.
With Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz either side of him, Danns would still have plenty of support from top-class senior teammates. He has already shown that he’s not fazed by the big occasion and is clearly enjoying himself right now.
Some would argue that a title race is not the time to blood youngsters. But we’d disagree. Nunez’s misses in particular have cost Liverpool this season. We can’t afford to let them do so again.
Getting the Uruguayan a rest against Palace could also lead to him being more refreshed for the games to come. He has looked a touch leggy of late. In short, we should be in the business of rewarding the kind of quality Danns is showing time and again. Now is his time, get him on the pitch tomorrow, Jurgen!