Mamadou Sakho didn’t just start against Bordeaux, but he captained Liverpool in their 1-1- draw against the French side in the Europa League. Liverpool didn’t start with Henderson, Milner or Skrtel but it might have been a surprise seeing the French central defender getting the armband, when he didn’t even get to start a game for the Reds this season.
Liverpool have stuck with the central defensive partnership of Dejan Lovren and Martin Skrtel since the start of the season and the first three games saw them keep three clean sheets. Then it all went horribly wrong for the team and they conceded six goals in just two games with both Skrtel and Lovren making mistakes which have cost their side the points.
Lovren had been one of the players who had a horrible time last season for the Reds and many expected him to lose his place come the start of the season. Rodgers though stuck with the Croatian which was a bit of a shock to most supporters. Lovren did recover at the end of last season with a few good performances, but everyone knows that Liverpool have looked a little more assured when Skrtel has played alongside Sakho.
The French beast rises at home
The stats were certainly impressive for Sakho in the game against Bordeaux, the French club are no small fish as Willy Sagnol have made then a formidable team and the club did hold the French Champions, PSG to a 2-2 draw during the weekend.
Sakho had a pass completion rate of 90% and won four aerial duels, he also had three tackles and had seven clearances in the game. Plus, he was played in a three-man defence. This being his first game of the season showcased his ability to perform and more Liverpool fans would be wishing to see him in the game against Norwich.
Some of Brendan’s man management hasn’t been the greatest and this is just an example of that. When you have a solution who is ready to do well at all times, he should be given the chance to perform and for some reason, Rodgers just does not want to play with Sakho.
The big French defender has always been at his best when he gets a run of games under his belt and this performance could just be the catapult to get those games going. Sakho should start more games for Liverpool instead of Lovren, the French defender might not be the best defender with the ball at his feet but he does have a lot of strength and can make some great tackles as well.
Sakho should start against Norwich in the weekend, he has performed in midweek and with Lovren not playing at his best, there really should be no doubt if the French defender should start for Liverpool.