Kevin Ball selects his ones to watch within the Liverpool ranks ahead of Sunderland's trip to Anfield.
Jordan Henderson
Jordan Henderson is a player we will all be looking out for on Saturday and he will deservedly receive a superb ovation from the Sunderland supporters. I travelled down to Liverpool earlier this week to do a feature with Jordan and he hasn’t changed a bit from his academy days, despite the fact he now captains one of the biggest clubs in the world and England. His determination and attitude is second to none and there are few better players in his position in the Premier League. Last season was tough for him due to injuries hampering his impact, but now he’s back to his best we’re once again seeing one of our best academy exports light up the biggest stage.
Roberto Firmino
Eyebrows were raised when Liverpool paid almost £30m for Roberto Firmino, particularly as Christian Benteke had joined in the same summer, but what a player the Reds have unearthed. Unlike many players he’s adapted quickly to the rough and tumble of the Premier League and he’s been vital to the Reds’ success towards the back end of last season and the start of this campaign. His understanding with the likes of Philippe Coutinho and Sadio Mane is telepathic at times and he’s seen off Daniel Sturridge, who is unstoppable on his day, for the central starting berth which speaks volumes.
Phillipe Coutinho
Modern-day transfer fees are often a source for debate as I mentioned with Firmino, but at £8.5m Phillipe Coutinho was a snip. I’m not quite sure why Inter Milan failed to see the talent possessed by Coutinho but since the moment he joined Liverpool I’ve been a big fan. His balance and panache on the ball is stunning and he can create or score a goal from nothing, a talent few players in world football possess. Our defence will have to be at its best to stop the Brazilian and even then it might not be enough because sometimes he’s unstoppable. He has everything in his locker and it’s no wonder he’s being linked with the likes of Barcelona because he is a true superstar.
James Milner
James Miler is the ultimate professional and Liverpool once again concluded superb business to sign him on a free. This season his attitude has been exemplary and he’s had to do a job at left-back which probably favours the team over himself, so he deserves a lot of credit for not only playing out of position but playing well. He’s turned a problem position for Jurgen Klopp into an area of little concern. He has a very good record against Sunderland scoring more goals against us than any other side, but I’m looking forward to seeing what he does at the back this weekend because from what I’ve seen he loves to get stuck in and isn’t afraid of a battle.
Joel Matip
Another free transfer, Joel Matip has been another impressive performer during the early stages of his Anfield career. The defender spent seven years with Schalke’s first team after initially joining the club’s youth set-up in 2000, and the German side have produced one hell of a player. I saw him likened to Rio Ferdinand on the TV last week and I can’t disagree because he has all the qualities to become of the Premier League’s best defenders, if he isn’t already classed as such. He has poise on the ball and can pass in close quarters and from range, but most important of all he loves to defend and too few players have that passion for defending in the modern game.