Champions League: Liverpool 2-0 Porto: 5 Talking Points & Tactical Analysis

#3 Liverpool's midfield produced a dominant display

Jordan Henderson

Liverpool deployed their usual 4-3-3 formation tonight, which saw Fabinho as the defensive midfielder, and Jordan Henderson and Naby Keita playing supportive roles to the strikers with wingers playing slightly further up the pitch.

Henderson linked up well with Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold to make things happen in the offensive areas of the pitch. He produced an extraordinary cross but Roberto Firmino was not able to convert it from that volley. During the second half of the game, he sat back with Fabinho to cut down Porto's counter attacks and settle for a two-goal lead.

Fabinho struggled to catch up with the strikers Moussa Marega and Soares but he produced a much improved second-half performance. The Brazilian won plenty of duels and ran the show in the middle of the pitch in the final 45 minutes to help his side defensively and offensively.

Naby Keita was often criticized for his defensive contributions. But, the Guinean made sure that their midfielder was not overrun and thereby covered plenty of ground to make things happen. He was rightfully rewarded with a goal early on in the game.