It was another positive week for Liverpool’s loanees, with Allan Rodrigues in impressive from at Apollon Limassol as six Reds enjoyed match action.
Recent weeks have been frustrating for the loanees, with mounting injuries and a lack of game-time denying numerous Reds the rewarding spells hoped for.
There was a positive upturn this week however, with the last seven days proving more productive as the majority of loanees who were fit to play featured for their temporary clubs.
Here’s how those who made it onto the pitch fared.
One loaned Red was in top form…
Allan provided the big positive this week, shining with a superb performance as Apollon Limassol demolished Paphos with a 6-0 victory.
The Brazilian was left out of Monday’s draw with Ethnikos but was handed a starting berth in the emphatic win – deployed in a central-midfield position in Apollon’s 4-2-3-1 formation.
And from that role, Allan shone with a complete performance as he dictated play from deep, alongside providing a solid defensive shield to help his team post a second successive clean sheet.
Hopefully, such a commanding display earns Allan an extended run in the team, with the youngster’s match action having been frustratingly sporadic this season.
Making for a nice improvement, five other Reds enjoyed match action…
Divock Origi made his 10th Bundesliga start of the season for Wolfsburg and played all 90 minutes of a comfortable 3-0 win over Borussia Monchengladbach.
In keeping with recent games, Origi again operated from a wide-right role in a three-man support cast for Mario Gomez – and the 22-year-old was not in his best form but still showed some bright moments.
Featuring as part of a fluid, interchanging attacking midfield unit, Origi struggled to get in the game for large parts of the win – displayed as he recorded the second fewest touches of the Wolves’ starting XI.
But Origi did produce some positive moments when on the ball – including going close to scoring in the second-half as his low left foot drive was smartly kept out by Gladbach’s ‘keeper.
And to Origi’s credit, he worked hard and showed impressive defensive awareness to track back and help his full-back, but it’s certainly not a position the Belgian will want to play in regularly.
Sheyi Ojo started a third successive game since returning from injury, featuring for 86 minutes of Fulham’s 3-1 derby-day loss to Brentford.
Playing from the right of a three-man attack, Ojo didn’t hit the level of his prior two outings, but he still carried one of the Cottagers’ biggest threats – and will be disappointed not to have registered on the score-sheet.
After going close with a right-foot rocket which was tipped over, Ojo – who had the most shots on target of any Fulham player – had big chance to double the lead but produced a weak glancing header when firm connection was needed.
Pedro Chirivella returned to action at WillemII after two games out with injury, and showed what a difference he can make to the Eredivisie side on an impressive comeback in a 3-1 win over Heracles.
The main positive was that Chirivella lasted the full 90 minutes, but his overall display was also pleasing as he played an important part in the victory with a destructive midfield performance.
Sitting as a deep-lying midfielder to protect his defence, Chirivella was influential in nullifying the opposition attack as he made the most tackles of any Willem player (4) on the day.
Taiwo Awoniyi continues to be Royal Excel Mouscron’s main man, with the Nigerian again spearheading his side in Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Sint Truiden.
Awoniyi led the line on his own in the stalemate – though was supported by No.10 Selim Amallah – and he provided a mobile, powerful target man for the Belgian side.
And the 20-year-old was unlucky not to add to his impressive goal tally for the season as he saw a first-half strike hit the post.
There was a surprise but welcome return to the fold at Forest Green for academy striker Toni Gomes’ after six League Two games without a minute of action.
Gomes featured as second-half sub in an eventful 3-3 FA Cup draw with Exeter, entering into a wide left role for the final 25 minutes at which time his side trailed 2-1.
And Gomes was in positive form in that cameo, with his pace and directness providing an injection in attack to help his side battle back to earn a replay.
Keita Watch
Liverpool’s club record signing has been in stunning form recently, but he kicked off a big week at RB Leipzig in uninspiring form as his side were thrashed 4-0 by Hoffenheim.
Keita was one of the brighter performers and played all 90 minutes – which was slightly surprising given the crucial Champions League clash with Besiktas looming on Wednesday night.
Keita and his teammates, therefore, have an instant chance to respond to a rare day to forget in the Bundesliga, where Leipzig sit second in the table, six points behind leaders Bayern Munich.
Liverpool’s Loanees This Week
- Origi – Played 90mins vs. Monchengladbach
- Kent – Unused sub vs. Hamburg
- Ojo – Played 86mins vs. Brentford
- Chirivella – Played 90mins vs. Heracles
- Awoniyi – Played 90mins vs. Sint Truiden
- Allan – Left out of matchday squad vs. Ethnikos Achna, played 90mins vs. Paphos
- Gomes – Played 25mins vs. Exeter
- Randall – Unused sub vs. Hamilton
- Williams – Missed Checkatrade Cup vs. Doncaster but could be involved vs. Slough in FA Cup on Monday
- George – Unused sub vs. Gillingham
- Keita – Played 90mins vs. Hoffenheim
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