It's not just tonight's game but in general I think Klopp right now rates Grujic and Trent highest of all our kids.
Grujic was desperately unlucky last season with two lengthy injury layoffs. I remember reading his interview recently in Serbian media where he was saying that it's no wonder he had those injury problems considering how intensity and amount of training and games was a whole level above anything he experienced prior. Think he's lot more robust right now and in much better position to compete for his place in the squad. His goals in preseason are a good start and something to build on.
Would definitely add Woodburns name to Kloppīs favourites list. He started him against Stoke aged just 17 and was a regular feature on the bench last season.
Iīll start what I am about to say with a caveat. It was pre-season and it was against Tranmere who are sadly way down the divisions now. But you can only beat what is in front of you. Also, senior pros donīt take these initial games very seriously and know itīs just about fitness. Firmino was nothing like the running machine we are used to in the Premier League. So itīs easy to stand out when you are in the best team and the experienced heads are leaving you to shine while they are just picking up some minutes match sharpness. All that said though...
Ojo & TAA ran the show in the first half. Ojo was a legitimate threat whether he was popping up on the left, right or center. Won the penalty, linked well with TAA... I wish we had something similar with a left footed full back & Kent on the left side. Flannaghan had a decent game but he will never offer what we need there to stretch play.
Second half, how do you pick from Woodburn, Kent & Solanke? As a one time fullback myself, I would hate to have Kent running at me. He (and Woodburn) genuinely appear to be completely two footed in terms of dribbing. They seem to run as fast with the ball as without. They have tricks but importantly, donīt use them for flash. Above all that though - they are effective. The amount of dangerous stuff played into the box by Ojo, Kent & Woodburn last night was exciting. Kent showed what happens when you take that same penetration and creativity from Barnsley pitches and put it to work with similar attacking talents. Mayhem.
Solanke looked like the Costa-lite we heard off. Although less of a physical presence, relying on his technique more. What technique though.
Woodburn though. If you told me he was a wily old pro winding down his career in midfield having been on the wing his whole career I would believe it. I donīt know where he picked up a career load of experience from but it definitely sets him apart from others of his age.
They need to do this against bigger tests than Tranmere of course. But Ojo looked great the tail end of 2015/16. Kent made a shite Barnsley side look, well, slightly less shite in the Championship and Woodburn has shown that composure and footwork everytime we have seen him so far. So I have no worries that they will.
