Anthony Stanley's Five Thoughts From Liverpool's Draw With Rubin Kazan

Make no mistake, there are huge reasons for optimism, even if this Liverpool result against Rubin Kazan had a whiff of frustration. We can see new manager Jürgen Klopp’s methods taking shape before our eyes, we can see patterns trying to be born; maybe a final ball slightly off or a player just failing to make the right decision — as Klopp said: “98 percent OK.”

Every team will have nights like Thursday. Even against 10 men, it often can be devastatingly hard to break down the proverbial parked bus. And the Reds tried valiantly in their 1-1 Europa League draw. With a fully fit squad, with slightly more integration and the verve that will come from these things, there will be goals. We’re witnessing the evolution, a hugely talented squad of players working with a supremely capable manager.

Any team missing the collective attacking talents of Daniel Sturridge, Christian Benteke, Roberto Firmino and Danny Ings from the starting lineup is bound to feel the pinch. Divock Origi ran ceaselessly, tried laudably in a thankless task for a new recruit, and last night will have done the Belgian no harm at all. He played a vital part in the equalizing goal and was a presence up front throughout the game.

Benteke showed what he can provide when he came off the bench and immediately set about terrorizing the Rubin defence. He was unlucky to hit the bar from Adam Lallana’s perfectly weighted through ball, and perhaps if he was fully fit and firing, he would have fancied himself to get on the scoresheet from his six shots at goal. Firmino, also returning from a spell on the sidelines, showed the Anfield crowd what we can expect when he attains full fitness and sharpness. He is capable of the most sublime touches, and his turn of pace will leave many a Premier League defender choking on dust in the next few weeks.