If only Jurgen Klopp’s forwards had so much composure.
48 hours after the once-rampant Reds let Newcastle United off the hook at Anfield, wasting chance after chance before Joe Willock’s stoppage-time leveller, Liverpool’s summer target did what Sadio Mane, Diogo Jota and co could not.
Inside just 90 seconds at the Stadio Olimpico, Joaquin Correa raced in behind the AC Milan defence, rounded Gigi Donnarumma and slotted the ball into an empty net.
It was the sort of dead-eyed ruthlessness Liverpool are crying out for; a brilliant individual goal reminiscent of a prime-era Roberto Firmino.
Correa’s second of the night, meanwhile, was made in Liverpool and perfected in Lazio.
Lucas Leiva snatched back possession and laid it off to Luis Alberto, who threaded an inch-perfect pass into Correa’s path. The former Sevilla schemer tends to save his best performances for when Milan come to town and last night was no different; two goals in a thumping 3-0 triumph, Lazio’s tenth successive home win.
La Lazio Siamo Noi reported last week that Correa has emerged as a summer target for a Liverpool side in need of some fresh blood.
In the last few days, the Argentine’s £70 million release clause expired. It remains to be seen whether that means Lazio will demand more or less than that already lofty figure (Calciomercato).
Either way, a forward with such brazen self-confidence in front of goal would certainly be welcome at Anfield right now.
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