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Ibe takes step towards next level

There are more glamorous locations, and more star-studded nights, to announce yourself on such a stage. But then, Jordon Ibe's progression in a Liverpool shirt has never always followed the expected route.

In what was meant to be his breakout season with the Reds, he has struggled. He was – unfairly – expected to usurp Raheem Sterling as the club's big hope. Instead, he found himself usurped from the starting line-up, dropped by Brendan Rodgers after two league starts.

Enter Jurgen Klopp, a coach whose work with those founded on potential was infamous at Borussia Dortmund. Ibe's name, naturally, was one of the most discussed. A few good cameos under the new coach, most notably at Chelsea, raised eyebrows, and excitement, once more.

And so, he was given a chance from the start in Kazan. In deep Russia, in front of a hostile crowd, with temperatures plummeting and a trough-like pitch.

It was in that environment that he stepped up for Liverpool, scoring his first goal and putting in a fine performance – one, to the letter, what is expected of a wide player under Klopp.

He was excellent on the ball throughout. In fact, he managed just one dribble fewer than every other single player on the pitch combined.

His first goal for the club was just reward. It was a very well-taken goal, too. Fingers will be pointed at the Russian defence, but they stood off only because the teenager had troubled them so much previously. He had earned the right, and the respect, to gallop up the pitch and finish off the post.

To score a goal of that quality was a big moment. To do it in such an environment could prove a catalyst for him under the new boss.

IN PICS: Rubin v Liverpool match action

Seeing is believing for Klopp

This game represented something a little bit different for Klopp at Liverpool. In every other game he's taken charge of so far, his preparation has been restricted to clips spliced together in the Melwood video room.

He would have known of Spurs, Southampton, Chelsea and Bournemouth, of course – but all still would have been a relatively new experience.

The trip to Russia, however, was not so unfamiliar. His planning would have been founded on the 90 minutes he spent watching the opposition in the dugout, as he did at Anfield two weeks ago. His tactics and shape would have no doubt would have been aided by what he saw, with his own eyes, during the 1-1 draw on Merseyside.

How pleasing this result was, then. Rubin Kazan were shut down. Their every movement was traced, their every attempt to build something denied quickly. This was in part because of Klopp's tactics in general, the Russians not good enough to play their way around it, but also because they had been well-scouted.

The German can take a performance, tweak it and adapt. The next time Klopp will have a similar opportunity is Southampton away in the Capital One Cup quarter finals. The Reds will await to see if he can do likewise once more.

Firmino continues to improve

It took Roberto Firmino no more than three minutes to impose himself on the game, producing a filthy piece of skill to set up James Milner, who subsequently clipped the crossbar. The Brazilian, clearly, was starting as he meant to go on.

He was central to a lot of what Liverpool did well, looking comfortable in possession, despite the cabbage patch of a pitch he was playing on. His touches were light, but with intent; his movement was graceful, but also obvious to his team-mates. Bar the odd flash in his first few cameos, he was unrecognisable to the player who struggled to adapt to life to Anfield.

There is no guarantee of permanent adaptation, of course. But he is getting to grips with life as a creative source for Liverpool, and he is acquainting himself – quickly – with Klopp's demands. He looks better for it.

The only issue, for now, is his finishing touches. It was something that permeated throughout the entire team – 12 shots on goal, none on target in the first half – but it was the no.11 who found himself in the good positions, barely able to profit.

The signs are promising. His improvement is clear. It was a strong 80 minutes from the Brazilian.

IN PICS: Rubin v Liverpool - fan gallery

Reds are pitch perfect

No trip to a faraway land like the Republic of Tartastan without some sort of lamentation of the pitch. It was turgid, and tricky to navigate through. Sympathy is required for the players for dealing with it.

Liverpool coped as best they could, however. Their passes were quick and direct; the touches were sharp. With Christian Benteke up front, the simple solution would have been to look for his head; instead, the Reds stuck to their gameplan.

It did cause a few problems, most notably when Milner's effort in the opening exchanges lifted a little higher due to the bobble of the ball. But Ibe, with his goal, demonstrated good technique to keep the ball under control before slotting home.

After Klopp's first game in charge, he spoke of how he wanted his side to be better with the ball. They appear to be getting there.

More goals needed to calm nerves

Somehow, with five minutes remaining, this game was still in the balance. Despite the possession, shots and territory, the inevitable home rally came.

It should have never have got that far, in truth. The Reds' profligacy in front of goal should be a mild concern of the manager's. Relinquishing possession and feeling pressure in the final minutes of a tie such as this one is inevitable with just one goal separating the two sides. The problem comes in the fact there was such a small error of margin.

Liverpool will have to take their chances with more regularity. They will have to stop resorting to long-range pot-shots which trouble the television cameras more than the opposition goalkeeper. It was an issue under Rodgers, and it continues to be under Klopp.

It wasn't just front foot, either. With time ticking, Liverpool became sloppy, giving away silly free kicks in dangerous areas. They must be wary of letting a good 75 minutes be ruined by a weaker 15. More goals, ultimately, will ensure that doesn't happen.