Salah’s goals can soften Coutinho blow

Cast your mind back 12 months ago, losing Philippe Coutinho in the January transfer window would have been a catastrophic blow to Liverpool’s ambitions under Jurgen Klopp. The Reds struggled when Coutinho or Sadio Mane missed games in the 2016-17 season. This was highlighted by Liverpool’s inconsistent form in the second half of the campaign. They did manage to finish in the top four but there was an over reliance on Coutinho and Mane. Mohamed Salah’s addition has taken the pressure off Coutinho and Mane. The Egypt international has scored 17 goals in 22 games in the Premier League since his £39m move from AS Roma in the summer. That is over half of Coutinho’s total of 41 goals in the English top flight during his six years at Anfield.

READ MORE: Liverpool not the same without Coutinho – Firmino

Lallana’s return from injury

Adam Lallana’s return from injury has been time well. The prolific form of his front four has given Klopp the luxury of being able to slowly ease Lallana back into the Liverpool FC team. The 29-year-old has played 127 minutes of Premier League football since his return in a 1-1 draw with Chelsea back in November. Lallana equalled Coutinho’s tally of 13 goals in the Premier League last term. It is easy to forget how crucial the England international was to their top-four challenge. Like Coutinho, Lallana is an unpredictable player capable of brilliant moments. With a World Cup place up for grabs, the former Southampton skipper has a point to prove at both club and international level.

Woodburn gets chance to shine before summer arrival

Ben Woodburn is a player who has fallen of the radar at Liverpool over the past few months. The teenager was talked up as an exciting prospect in 2016-17. The Wales international became the youngest player to score for Liverpool last term. At the age of 17 years and 45 days, Woodburn scored in Liverpool’s win over Leeds United in the League Cup. The attacker has proven his talent at international level. Woodburn scored a brilliant 25-yard winner in Wales’ 1-0 victory over Austria in their World Cup qualifier at the Millennium Stadium. Klopp has shown his willingness to give youth a chance. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez have been regulars in Klopp’s team this season. Perhaps it is time to give Woodburn a sustained opportunity to impress instead of shipping out the prospect on loan.