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Three talking points from Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Leicester City

Inconsistent Benteke

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Christian Benteke would have been disappointed to see his name amongst the substitutes on Boxing Day. Divock Origi has seemingly moved ahead of Liverpool’s second most-expensive signing after a series of lively performances. But the former Aston Villa man was granted a reprieve when Origi picked up a hamstring injury and Benteke slotted home a second-half winner. Whilst the Belgium international hasn’t been a roaring success at Anfield, Benteke is steadily adding to his goal tally (6). The towering striker should have scored a second but fluffed a great chance in the final moments of the game. Origi’s injury and lingering doubts over Daniel Sturridge’s fitness should provide Benteke with the chance to make the centre-forward spot his own in the coming weeks. Klopp wants to see more energy and movement from Benteke, something which the striker has taken on board: “Klopp explained what he’s expecting from me and I tried to do it on the pitch. I’m looking for 2016.” A great consistency will be required from the Belgian next year.

Impressive Lovren

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Many would have feared for Liverpool given Martin Skrtel’s injury which forced Klopp to rush Croatia international Dejan Lovren back into the starting line-up. A centre-half partnership of Lovren and Mamadou Sakho sounded calamitous and although the pair flirted with danger with some back passes which annoyed Klopp, the former Southampton defender was particularly impressive. Lovren showed exceptional reading of the game and looked more assured than the former Paris Saint-Germain defender. Even Jamie Carragher was convinced by Lovren’s performance.

A statement ahead of 2016

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Liverpool needed three points after a disappointing run of results in the Premier League. A three-game winless run had seen Liverpool drop off the pace in the race for a top-four finish but a 1-0 victory over Leicester City should resuscitate their stalling season. Liverpool gained ground on their rivals Arsenal and Manchester United, whilst also halting Leicester’s impressible run of victories. More of the same is required in 2016 as Klopp looks to settle on a preferred side and system.