Aa far as collective performances, Newcastle’s starting XI and subs saved a career best for the Carabao Cup final at Wembley against Liverpool.
Dan Burn and Alexander Isak’s goal scoring heroics entrenched them in Geordie folklore forever, Nick Pope earned his redemption for his 2023 absence with a game-saving stop from Curtis Jones’ strike, and what a game our midfield trio had as well!
But one player in particular deserves a new level of praise for a truly world-class performance that arguably deserves more plaudits…
Livramento’s masterclass on Mo
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We’re of course talking about Tino Livramento: deputising for the injured Lewis Hall, playing out of position, playing in the biggest game of his career against arguably the best player in the world this season in Mohamed Salah.
Sunday was the first time in Mo Salah’s illustrious Liverpool career that he didn’t attempt a SINGLE shot or create a chance in a match where he played 90 minutes! That’s massive.
On the day, it was a complete mis-match in Livramento’s favour, which really is saying something given the Egyptian’s remarkably consistent form all season, experience and record on the big stage.
Joelinton also played a huge role in dominating that left side, but Tino deserves huge credit for his role at both ends of the pitch, which brings us onto his other underrated contribution…
Huge role in second goal
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Whilst his defensive play was stellar, Livramento’s attacking contributions were perhaps even more important.
Early in the second half, the pairing of him and Barnes were causing trouble on Liverpool’s right flank, capped off with a bursting run and cross (with his weak foot too) to find Jacob Murphy, who nodded the ball down for Isak’s clinical half-volley.
Whilst the England international is still chasing his first competitive assist in the black and white of Newcastle, it’s this pre-assist to Murphy and Isak that might just be the attacking contribution we’ll remember for a long time to come.
The numbers don’t lie…
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At 22-years-old, the numbers behind Livramento’s star making performance tell the story of a far more experienced full back who has been there and done this before.
In 90 minutes, Livramento recorded the following stats:
* A pass accuracy success rate of 85%
* Successfully completed 100% of his tackles and dribbles
* And won 100% of his duels
Much discussion was made a few weeks ago when Livramento was high on the list of potential transfer targets for Manchester City.
But if the youngster’s Wembley performance was any indicator, it may just take an astronomical fee from the Cityzens for Newcastle to even consider selling him: a true bargain at £40m.