14 Jan 2016

'Respect': Klopp hails 'magnificent' £65k-a-week Liverpool star after 'special performance' vs. Arsenal. Sell or keep?

Despite failing to win the game, there are several positives to be taken from last night's 3-3 draw with Arsenal, but solid defending is clearly not one of them (!) Once again, Liverpool were sabotaged by poor defending, but despite seeing his team concede three goals at home, Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has singled out Kolo Toure for individual praise.

In his post-match press conference, Klopp raved:

“If we talk tonight about special performances, Kolo Toure - I have to show more than my respect because it is not easy and he did great. You saw it".

Toure had a great game against Stoke City last week (a performance Jamie Carragher described as 'magnificent' - but did he really deliver a 'special performance' against Arsenal?

How is that even possible if Liverpool concede three goals on their own pitch?

I'm a big fan of Toure, but he had some shaky moments during the game, including:

* Weak defensive header that led directly to the attack that produced the first goal. Failed to keep pace with Ramsey, who consequently scored.

* Got turned by Giroud, and fell over, allowing the striker space to score.

Toure also had some good moments during the game (won 3 tackles/9 interceptions and clearances) but that's not enough (IMO) to meet the description of a 'special performance'. Additionally, Toure played more long balls than any other LFC player, and the majority led to loss of possession.

Still, it's interesting to note that Liverpool are unbeaten this season with Toure in the team (6 wins/4 draws/5 clean sheets), so he's clearly performing at a consistent level.

In my view, Toure - reportedly on £65k-a-week at LFC - deserves another one-year contract extension this summer. His experience is invaluable, and as long as he can be relied upon to do a good job, there's no sense in letting him go.

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Author: Jaimie K


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