Ian Doyle provides analysis after Liverpool continued their impressive start to the Champions League under Arne Slot
With Jurgen Klopp not in situ with Red Bull until the New Year, the reunions in Leipzig were restricted to the pitch. And both Dominik Szoboszlai and Ibrahima Konate underlined why the cut-throat Champions League offers little room for sentiment.
Warmly received by their former supporters, the duo – who were brought to Anfield for a combined fee approaching £100million – were instrumental in inflicting further misery on their old side as Liverpool maintained not only their 100% start to the competition this season but also their unprecedented opening to life under Klopp’s replacement Arne Slot.
Szoboszlai spoke before the game of doing the “dirty job” for the Dutchman as the advanced midfielder, his role as much about pressing hard and getting the tackles in as creating chances and knitting play together.
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In truth, the Hungary international delivered a sprinkling of each attribute as a relentless feature in an engine room that, after spluttering slightly during the opening stages at the RB Arena, soon clicked into gear.
Szoboszlai was close to gaining an assist his work-rate alone merited when an intricate move with Alexis Mac Allister ended with the Argentina international smashing the crossbar from range.
Further back, Konate continued his fine European form. Having scored in the win at AC Milan last month, this time the centre-back was content ensuring none were leaked at the other end, Liverpool keeping a seventh clean sheet in 12 games in all competitions this term.
The France international was particularly impressive during some uncertain early exchanges for Liverpool, defending on the front foot and dragging the backline forward, the value of which was apparent given the number of times Leipzig were caught offside, including when Lois Openda thought he had notched a late leveller.
Indeed, it was notable that it took a rare misstep from Konate to prompt Leipzig’s best opportunity which ended with Caoimhin Kelleher saving well from Benjamin Sesko.
With Virgil van Dijk rarely troubled and Ryan Gravenberch offering athletic cover, Liverpool largely kept Leipzig – second in the Bundesliga – at arm’s length.
While a third defeat out of three for the German side, Liverpool now sit alongside Aston Villa as the only clubs to have taken nine points from nine in the new-look league stage. It’s the perfect platform for the tougher tests on the horizon.