Liverpool’s win over Crystal Palace was not perfect, but it did produce something that has been rare enough this season — multiple quality individual performances.
Alan Shearer has now named three Liverpool players in his Premier League Team of the Week, with Freddie Woodman, Andy Robertson and Curtis Jones all making the cut after the Reds’ 3-1 win at Anfield.
Woodman was outstanding as a stand-in goalkeeper, Robertson delivered a reminder of his enduring quality, and Jones again showed why the idea of him leaving Liverpool should not be treated lightly. Here’s why they made the cut.
What does Arne Slot have to do to win you back next season❓💭
Gary Neville during his presenting duties for Sky Sports.
Credit: James Gill/Danehouse/Getty Images
Freddie Woodman was Liverpool’s unexpected hero
Woodman was the biggest story of the three.
The goalkeeper made his first Premier League start for Liverpool against Palace, stepping in with Alisson Becker and Giorgi Mamardashvili unavailable. That alone could have made it a difficult afternoon, but Woodman handled the occasion superbly.
He denied Jean-Philippe Mateta twice in quick succession, with the second save leading directly to Liverpool’s counterattack for Robertson’s goal.
Palace’s goal came in controversial fashion after Woodman went down injured, but that should not take away from his performance. It was a clean sheet in all but name.
Andy Robertson and Freddie Woodman during Liverpool vs Crystal Palace
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Andy Robertson showed he still has big moments in him
Robertson’s inclusion was just as deserved.
The Scotland international scored Liverpool’s second goal, finishing smartly after Jones released him at the end of a rapid break. Sky Sports named Robertson Player of the Match.
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Robertson is ending his Liverpool career this summer, bringing an end to a remarkable nine-year spell at Anfield. Performances like this only underline what Liverpool are losing. Robertson may no longer be the force he was in his prime, but he remains a player capable of shaping big moments.
Curtis Jones keeps proving Liverpool may regret an exit
Jones had a part to play in Liverpool’s best work against Palace. He started at right-back, helped create Robertson’s goal, and gave Liverpool the kind of control needed in a game like Saturday’s. It follows a similarly impressive display in the Merseyside derby.
Jones has been linked with a summer exit, with Inter Milan among the clubs credited with interest. He may not be first choice, but it feels like selling him could have a Luis Diaz feel to it when we look back 12 months from now.
What should Liverpool do with Curtis Jones? His contract expires in 2027 ❌
Curtis Jones of Liverpool FC during the UEFA Champions League match between Galatasaray v Liverpool at the Rams Park
Credit: Gerrit van Keulen/Soccrates/Getty Images
Liverpool’s best performers, according to Shearer anyway, are all players on the fringes rather than nailed-on starters. It’s a testament to the quality in depth Arne Slot has to work with — depth that will be lost if the summer business isn’t on point.
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