1) Sakho is a better defender than Hummels
Mats Hummels, regularly linked with a move to any top club looking to solidify their defence, is among the world’s most overrated players. He has gained his reputation more for his poise with the ball than his ability to win it. He is often vulnerable in the air, caught on the turn by rapid forwards and, this season, even his positioning has been found wanting. His attempt to prevent James Milner heading the ball on to Divock Origi for Liverpool’s goal was laughable. Hummels’ subsequent headed equaliser does not change the fact that Mamadou Sakho, though not above the odd error himself, is a far better defender.
2) Sturridge cannot presume to start ahead of Origi
Jürgen Klopp’s decision to start with Origi was vindicated, as the young Belgian pestered the Borussia Dortmund defence relentlessly and took his first scoring chance well. Daniel Sturridge has niftier feet and is generally a more reliable finisher but if the England striker and Christian Benteke do not show more willingness to do the chores that Origi does not shirk, then they will have to get used to watching the younger player from the Liverpool bench or a different club.
3) Henderson is admirable, even if he is replaceable
It was a pity that a knee problem forced Liverpool to withdraw Jordan Henderson at half-time. He worked as energetically as ever during the first half and played a role in establishing the lead. The captain’s attitude is admirable even if his quality is questionable. The squad will be poorer without him if he has to miss the second leg and more of this season. On the plus side, Joe Allen deputised well for him here.
4) Liverpool must build on big-game mentality
Liverpool fans had cause to travel to Dortmund with optimism, since most of their team’s best performances under Klopp have come in big matches, including against Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea. That reflects well on the German’s ability to rouse his players when it matters most but he will know that sustainable progress will only come when his players regularly perform at their best even in relatively low-profile games.
5) Weidenfeller shows why Dortmund gave him deal
Dortmund rotate goalkeepers between European and Bundesliga matches, with Roman Bürki the regular domestic option and Roman Weidenfeller playing in the Europa League. The 35-year-old made some important saves against Liverpool, especially during a rare flurry of attacking from the visitors just after his team’s equaliser, and he showed why he was recently awarded a new contract. Simon Mignolet was awarded a new contract by Liverpool earlier this year, too.
