Liverpool 2017 vs. Liverpool 2007: Which Is the Stronger XI?
While Liverpool's supporters were rightly delighted with the 3-1 win over Arsenal, they'd be forgiven for feeling a little despondent, too.
Less than a week after failing to get off the bus at Leicester City, losing 3-0 to the struggling champions, they put the Gunners to the sword during the first 45 minutes at Anfield on Saturday.
It seems when it comes to a game against the big boys, these current Reds come out to play. Against lower opposition, however, they are struggling to consistently hit the same heights.
It is a problem Reds manager Jurgen Klopp needs to solve, and quickly. Liverpool's quest to play in next season's Champions League depends upon them picking up points against teams below them in the table.
Still, the positive result pushed them up to third place (they dropped to fourth when Manchester City won the following day), the same position they finished in 2007 under Rafa Benitez.
With boxing currently big news on Merseyside following local fighter Tony Bellew's surprise win over David Haye on Saturday, Bleacher Report decided to pit Benitez's boys against the current lineup.
Klopp's starting XI from the weekend goes toe-to-toe with the side Benitez picked for the 1-0 home loss to Manchester United on March 3 a decade ago, albeit the 4-4-2 formation used back then has undergone a tweak for comparison purposes.
Sticking with the boxing theme, we've scored every positional battle like a round of a fight. A 10-9 score equals a narrow win, while 10-8 is a comfortable victory. A 10-7, however, is very much a landslide.
Goalkeeper: Pepe Reina vs. Simon Mignolet
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Simon Mignolet was signed by former manager Brendan Rodgers to replace Pepe Reina. However the situation is reversed here.
Following his move from Sunderland in the summer of 2013, Mignolet never really had to compete head-to-head with his fellow goalkeeper to be Liverpool's No. 1. Reina spent the next season on loan at Napoli, before joining Bayern Munich on a permanent deal the following year.
The boot was on the other foot when Reina arrived at Anfield in July 2005.
Benitez, who wanted an upgrade on Jerzy Dudek despite the Pole’s heroics in a penalty shootout securing the Champions League in Istanbul less than two months earlier, signed his fellow Spaniard from Villarreal.
Like Mignolet now, Reina wasn't immune to high-profile errors during his time with the Reds.
However, despite the mistakes, he carried a far greater presence as the last line of defence. He was also far better with the ball at his feet, a crucial skill for the modern keeper.
Verdict: 10-9 to Reina.
Right-Back: Steve Finnan vs. Nathaniel Clyne
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After a quiet start to life at Liverpool, Steve Finnan became a reliable performer on the right side of the Reds' defence.
"He will be seven, eight, nine or even 10 out of 10 every week. Some players find a good level for individual games but don't do the same every week. Finnan does it for a whole season," Benitez said of the player, per LFCHistory.net.
Signed from Fulham in 2003, the Republic of Ireland international won the Champions League (although he came off at half-time in the final against AC Milan) and FA Cup during his time as a Red.
However, Nathaniel Clyne is an upgrade—a Finnan 2.0, if you like.
Faster, stronger and more suited to the demands required of the modern full-back, Clyne—unlike Finnan back in 2007 against the Red Devils—patrols the right flank without any cover in front of him.
Sure, his delivery from out wide suggests he might struggle to put a cross on a spot-the-ball picture, but he is the comfortable winner in this one-on-one contest.
Verdict: 10-9 to Clyne.
Centre-Back: Jamie Carragher vs. Joel Matip
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How Liverpool could do with unearthing a new Jamie Carragher right now, providing a defensive plug to solve a leaky defence that has conceded more goals than any of their top-six rivals.
While better known these days for his television punditry on Sky Sports, Carragher was a mainstay of Benitez's back four in the 2006/07 season.
How good was he really, though? Good enough for the Guardian's Rob Smyth to suggest the Liverpool legend was the best English defender around a decade ago, ahead of both Rio Ferdinand and John Terry.
Far from physically imposing, and with a turn of foot that suggested he might be running in treacle, the versatile Carragher relied on his positional sense and a determination to do whatever was needed to prevent the opposition from scoring.
Joel Matip, in contrast, has the stature and speed you might desire in a centre-back. Signed on a free from Schalke last summer, he just might be the best of the defensive bunch in Klopp's current squad now.
Yet Carragher's commitment and contributions throughout his long career get him the nod, even taking into account his unwanted ability to score in the wrong net.
Verdict: 10-8 to Carragher.
Centre-Back: Daniel Agger vs. Ragnar Klavan
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During nearly eight-and-a-half years at Liverpool, Daniel Agger made 232 appearances.
That number would be far greater were it not for his fitness issues, though. Comfortable on the ball, the left-footed centre-back displaced an ageing Sami Hyypia from the starting XI.
However, Agger's fragile body constantly betrayed him. Transfermarkt.co.uk provides a full list of the problems the Dane suffered before announcing his retirement at the age of just 31.
In his prime, and when fully fit, he gracefully glided across the Anfield turf, a thoroughbred who fitted in nicely next to workhorses like Carragher and Martin Skrtel.
Picking Agger over Ragnar Klavan—a steady Eddie signed by Klopp to add depth to his defensive ranks—is an easy decision.
Had Dejan Lovren featured against Arsenal (the Croatian was on the bench after only recently recovering from injury), however, this head-to-head would've been a far tougher call.
Verdict: 10-9 to Agger.
Left-Back: John Arne Riise vs. James Milner
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John Arne Riise and James Milner both played in midfield before shifting to left-back.
They also like to score set-piece goals, albeit Riise thundered in free-kicks while Milner these days is Liverpool's first-choice penalty talker.
Riise found the net 31 times in 348 appearances for the Reds, who stole the Norwegian from under Fulham's noses in the summer of 2001.
He was also part of an infamous falling-out with team-mate Craig Bellamy in February 2007, although nobody need take out a weapon to settle this dispute.
Milner has done a steady job in adapting to a new role this season. However, he still feels like a stop-gap measure in the position, a far safer bet than the unpredictable Alberto Moreno.
With Riise naturally left-footed, he has to get the nod here.
Verdict: 10-9 to Riise.
Holding Midfielder: Mohamed Sissoko vs. Emre Can
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Were it not for a serious eye injury suffered on the field, as well as the arrival of Javier Mascherano, Mohamed Sissoko would surely have made far more than 87 appearances for Liverpool.
Benitez knew what he was getting when signing the Mali midfielder in 2005, having worked with the player during their time together at Valencia.
While fellow midfielders Xabi Alonso and Steven Gerrard caught the eye, Sissoko was the destructive force who worked hard, both with and without the ball.
Emre Can has similar characteristics, although he's yet to hit the same heights as Sissoko.
The German looks far better when deployed as the sitter in Klopp's midfield trio, but that is a role Jordan Henderson occupies when the Reds captain is fit for action.
Henderson, of course, missed the win over Arsenal through injury. Can did an admirable job deputising for his skipper, yet Sissoko—even the 2007 version—still feels the better option for this combined XI.
Verdict: 10-9 to Sissoko.
Central Midfielder: Xabi Alonso vs. Georginio Wijnaldum
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Georginio Wijnaldum is developing the happy knack of scoring goals in big games for Liverpool (albeit only at home).
The Dutchman killed off any lingering hopes Arsenal had of claiming a point last weekend with a sweeping finish from Divock Origi's low cross. It was his fourth goal of the season, having also found the net against Chelsea, Manchester City and Watford.
Question marks over Wijnaldum's form away from Anfield will continue until he regularly makes major contributions on the road.
There are no doubts about Xabi Alonso's pedigree, though. Liverpool fans still adore the Spaniard, who may well have stayed longer on Merseyside had Benitez not foolishly chased after Gareth Barry in 2008.
"He was, by some distance, the best central midfielder I ever played alongside," Steven Gerrard wrote in his autobiography, My Story, (h/t the Daily Mail). Who are we to argue with Stevie G?
Alonso's a no-brainer selection here—this individual duel with Wijnaldum is the equivalent to an up-and-coming fighter fresh out of the amateurs getting into a ring to face an experienced world champion.
Verdict: 10-8 to Alonso.
Attacking Midfielder: Steven Gerrard vs. Adam Lallana
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Adam Lallana produced an outstanding individual performance against Arsenal last Saturday.
"His pressing and his willingness to win the ball back in the opposition half and get the team on the front foot was incredible. He was sensational," ex-Red Danny Murphy said on Match of the Day (h/t Chris Shaw of the Liverpool club website).
The midfielder—transformed from fringe first-teamer to certain starter since Klopp took over—has provided seven assists and scored the same number of goals this season.
And yet, for all Lallana’s good work, he does not stand a chance of getting into this combined XI.
That’s because Gerrard stands in the opposite corner, a man who pulled an underperforming Liverpool along so many times he might have back problems for the rest of his life.
Gerrard was in his pomp in 2007, too. Playing as the advanced midfielder, he contributed goals as the Reds reached another Champions League final (although they lost the rematch with AC Milan in Greece).
Lallana is good. Really good. But Gerrard is an all-time great. This isn’t a fair fight, it’s a no-contest.
Verdict: 10-8 to Gerrard.
Right Wing: Dirk Kuyt vs. Sadio Mane
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Here is an intriguing matchup between the ever-willing worker and the rapid raider. So, do you pick the tortoise or the hare in this duel?
Dirk Kuyt arrived on Merseyside as a free-scoring striker at Feyenoord, only for Benitez to turn him into a diligent forward most often used on the wings.
"In defending from the front and tracking back, Kuyt evidenced intelligent decision-making and astute awareness of the bigger tactical picture. Jurgen Klopp would surely love a 26-year-old Dirk Kuyt in Liverpool’s current squad," Glenn Billingham wrote for These Football Times.
Billingham is right—Kuyt's selflessness would suit Klopp's current methods at Liverpool.
Sadio Mane, meanwhile, has made a huge impact since his arrival at Anfield. His goal against Arsenal took his tally to 12 already in a debut season littered with eye-catching displays.
The Senegalese forward was badly missed while away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations. His pace adds an extra dimension to the attack, plus—like Kuyt—he does not shirk away from hard work.
In boxing, speed is vital. Mane, therefore, earns a narrow victory.
Verdict: 10-9 to Mane.
Left Wing: Mark Gonzalez vs. Philippe Coutinho
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Mark Gonzalez and Philippe Coutinho sit at opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to South American success stories in the Premier League.
Signed from Inter Milan for £11.05 million in January 2013, Brazilian Coutinho was a gamble that has spectacularly paid off.
He's contributed 35 goals, many of them stunners, and the same number of assists in 170 appearances for the Reds to date. Those numbers will continue to rise, as the player signed a new long-term contract in January.
Gonzalez, in contrast, never cut the mustard in England.
Liverpool had to wait for his arrival due to work-permit issues. Patience failed to pay off, though, as the Chilean failed to adapt to playing in the Premier League.
"He is a player supporters will like to see," Benitez said when Gonzalez finally turned up, per Harry Pearson of the Guardian. Rafa was partially right—the fans were happy...to see him leave for Real Betis in the summer of 2007.
In boxing terms, this isn't a fair fight. This feels like Homer Simpson vs. Drederick Tatum, only no manager is around to swoop in and spare Gonzalez from suffering a knockout here.
Verdict: 10-7 to Coutinho.
Striker: Craig Bellamy vs. Roberto Firmino
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Craig Bellamy would suit Klopp's heavy-metal style of football. Fast, forward-thinking and always willing to run, the Welshman could slot anywhere into the current front three roles.
His first stint at Liverpool is perhaps best remembered for two moments; scoring against Barcelona in the Camp Nou, and swinging a golf club at Riise's backside during a training camp in Portugal.
Bellamy was originally signed for £6 million after a productive season at Blackburn Rovers in July 2006. However, he lasted just one season before leaving for West Ham United.
The forward returned for a second spell in 2011, joining on a free transfer. He picked up the League Cup in 2012 after a thrilling final against Cardiff City was decided by penalties.
Roberto Firmino has a height advantage over his opponent (not that Bellamy has ever backed down from a challenge).
The Brazilian—he of many hair styles—cost £29 million from Hoffenheim in July 2015, although Klopp is adamant the Reds picked up a bargain, according to Andy Hunter of the Guardian.
Firmino is the lead architect of Liverpool's pressing game, and while a streaky scorer, he has reached double figures this season already, something Bellamy never managed in either of his stints.
Verdict: 10-9 to Firmino.
Result
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Final Score (adding a 10-10 verdict in for the managers)
2007 XI: 114
2017 XI: 110
A Liverpool side led by a peak-era Steven Gerrard is too strong for Jurgen Klopp's current crop, who look well-placed to improve and make it a closer match in years to come.
All statistics used in the article are from LFChistory.net or Transfermarkt.co.uk unless otherwise stated.
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