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Alberto Moreno's Liverpool rise under Jurgen Klopp

Liverpool defender Alberto Moreno

Alberto Moreno has overcome his Liverpool 'rage' under Brendan Rodgers to become a key man for Jurgen Klopp, according to WhoScored.com.

Klopp's short tenure at Liverpool has not been without drama, and that peaked in East Anglia on Saturday as Liverpool came from 3-1 down to secure a memorable 5-4 victory over Norwich.

Two goals and an assist for Roberto Firmino helped the forward secure the highest statistical rating from WhoScored.com all weekend in the Premier League (9.28), with the Brazilian recently emerging as something of a favourite under the new manager. Another player who would certainly fall into that category is Moreno, although the Spaniard endured a somewhat more troubling afternoon on Saturday.

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Still only 23, the naivety of youth was clear to see from the full-back as he conceded the penalty which could have put the game beyond doubt for the Canaries. Fortunate not to be punished initially for a very risky challenge on Norwich debutant Steven Naismith, Moreno seemed almost determined to bring the Scotland international down, bundling him to the ground to give Lee Mason little choice but to point to the spot.

That, however, was a rare blemish in what has been an impressive run for Moreno since Klopp's arrival. The German seems to have earmarked the former Sevilla man as a key component to his side, offering a balance to the equally forward-thinking Nathaniel Clyne on the opposite flank.

Moreno: Rodgers made me 'rage'
Moreno: Rodgers made me 'rage'

Alberto Moreno: Brendan Rodgers had me in a 'rage' at Liverpool.

While injuries have played a part in a number of the manager's selection decisions so far, the fact Klopp's two first-choice full-backs are the only players to start every league game since his appointment seems no coincidence. Indeed, it's marked quite the turnaround in fortunes for Moreno, who seemed to have lost the faith of former boss Rodgers.

Rodgers was forced to field Joe Gomez out of position at the start of the campaign and, despite Moreno's return to fitness, persisted with the teenager at left-back. Indeed, Moreno's three league starts under Rodgers this season only came following a long-term injury suffered by the former Charlton defender.

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Brendan Rodgers talks to Alberto Moreno of Liverpool
Image: Alberto Moreno fell out of favour during Rodgers' final months at Anfield

A lack of competition may well have played a part in Moreno's inclusion since, but his performances have rightly encouraged Klopp and the Liverpool fans.

Following his signing last summer, it was clear to see the 23-year old excelled going forward, and his ability in the opposition half has been a real weapon for the Reds this season. Moreno has created 43 chances in the Premier League, which is enough to rank ninth in the top-flight and first for all Liverpool players. That's 10 clear of any other defender. Norwich's Robbie Brady is his closest challenger having played on the wing at times this season, with Aaron Cresswell (26) and Charlie Daniels (25) some way back in third and fourth respectively.

Danny Ings scores his first goal for Liverpool to give them the lead
Image: Moreno set up Danny Ings for his first goal in Liverpool colours back in September

The fact, then, that Moreno has registered just one assist - for Danny Ings' opener in the reverse fixture against Norwich - suggests his input would have been far greater had he been servicing more prolific forwards. Despite netting five times at the weekend, only bottom club Aston Villa have a worse conversion rate than Liverpool this season (7.7 per cent), with their flying full-back's efforts often squandered.

Nevertheless, his ability to break at speed certainly suits Klopp's playing style, with the onus on pressuring opponents and not allowing them time to settle or regroup. When Liverpool do win back possession, Moreno can then get into advanced positions quickly to utilise his statistical crossing strength - no Liverpool player finds a team-mate with more deliveries into the box than Moreno, excluding corners.

Though the defensive side of his game will continue to be called into question, it's an aspect that will improve with age. For now, though, the positives are outweighing the negatives from the young full-back, whose rating has jumped from 6.75 under Rodgers in the Premier League this season to 6.93 under Klopp.

Jurgen Klopp manager of Liverpool embraces Alberto Moreno of Liverpool after victory in the UEFA Europa League
Image: Klopp and Moreno embrace after Liverpool's Europa League victory at Anfield

Far from the finished article, Moreno will likely have a key role to play as Liverpool aim to secure their place in the Capital One Cup final with a win against Stoke on Tuesday night. Carrying a one-goal advantage into the second leg at Anfield, the Reds will be favourites to do just that.

Watch Liverpool v Stoke live in the Capital One Cup semi-finals, Tuesday, 7pm, Sly Sports 1 HD.

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