Liverpool wrapped up their pre-season with a quality performance against Torino. The Reds were brilliant at Anfield as they ended up winning 3-1.
While the goals came from Daniel Sturridge, Georginio Wijnaldum and Roberto Firmino, there was one moment that certainly did not go as planned.
Liverpool were awarded a penalty early on and new signing Fabinho stepped up to take the shot.
The Brazilian had a wonderful record of penalties during his time at Monaco, having scored all 16 opportunities he got from the spot (h/t Guardian), however, Fabinho dragged his shot wide and Torino were left off the hook.
This could turn out to be a bit of a problem for Liverpool in the upcoming season as we have not had the best of times with penalty takers.
In the US leg of our pre-season, we saw Sadio Mane take the penalties and he was pretty successful. We have seen James Milner as the designated penalty taker until last season when the likes of Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah stepped up to take shots.
The problem lies in the consistency of penalty takers. While Milner seemed to be the No.1 choice for pens, he only started 16 Premier League games last season and came on as a sub in 16 more.
Milner started more Champions League games but is no guarantee that he will start many games this season.
If we are to stick with someone who would start more games, then the ball should be given to Mohamed Salah but the Egyptian missed a penalty last season and hasn’t taken too many for Liverpool since joining us from Roma.
Firmino is another player who will start a lot of games but the Brazilian too did not have a good record last season as he failed to convert any.
Mane is someone who is the third part of our brilliant attack but it seems like he is another player who is a little inconsistent when it comes to finishing.
This is one decision that will be tough for Jurgen Klopp to make given that penalties are an important part of the game.
The Reds have a number of choices this season to choose when it comes to who will be taking the pens and for now, if we are to go with anyone, it should be Fabinho.
The Brazilian might have missed the kick against Torino but it was a pre-season friendly and Klopp had stated that the former Monaco man was struggling (h/t Metro).
Moving to a new team does take time to adjust too and this could be a reason why Fabinho hasn’t been at his best in the few matches that he has played.
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Of course, should Fabinho not start a game, we would have to give the penalty to someone else and that position is still up for grabs as the season looms large.
