In this transfer window, Jurgen Klopp has transformed Liverpool into a force to reckon.
The process of bringing in quality recruitments began last summer when Liverpool signed Arsenal’s out-of-favour midfielder Alex Oxlade Chamberlain and announced the signing of Naby Keita subject to transfer in future. Klopp spent a tremendous amount of money in January to sign a much-needed centre-back, Virgil Van Dijk.
Reaching the final of the Champions League has motivated the Liverpool board to bring a few quality players who can help them to clinch the title in this season. The Reds have been lively in this window as they completed the signing of Fabinho, Xherdan Shaqiri and Alisson Becker. When questioned about his spending spree, Klopp defended himself by stating that this change was needed to get the players he wanted.
“Whatever people say and bring it up again and again, I have had worse days in my life and worse things happen to me. We have the players we wanted. I am fine with that. Better players than we already have are not waiting around the corner. You can’t get the world-class goalkeeper who had a really long contract at Roma on a free transfer.”
Enormous Squad depth in Final Third
Liverpool has increased their pool of players not only by numbers but also with quality. Their attacking trident is already decided after a breathtaking season. The advent of Xherdan Shaqiri will be a massive boost to the quality of Liverpool’s attack. The Swiss national has a reputation for scoring awe-inspiring goals. With the quality of players surrounding him at his new club, he would be left with no excuses to perform inconsistently.
Divock Origi and Lazar Markovic are back from their respective loan spells, Danny Ings and Daniel Sturridge have also recovered from their injuries. All of them will fight for a place in the starting XI.
Many thought that Philippe Coutinho’s move to Barcelona could obstruct Liverpool’s progress but all the doubts were cleared in the second half of the previous season as they reached the final of the Champions League.
Defence dilemma resolved. Almost!
After signing Virgil van Dijk in January, Liverpool has built a strong defence around him. The two young full-backs, Andy Roberston and Trent Alexander-Arnold, have performed exceptionally well in the previous season. They were defensively solid and always looked to surge forward in order to assist the team in creating chances to score goals. The only area of weakness left was the position of the goalkeeper but the arrival of Alisson Becker from Roma will now complete the last piece of the jigsaw.
Karius has not been able to gather himself after his horror night in Kiev against Real Madrid. His errors continued in Liverpool’s pre-season which forced Klopp to look elsewhere. Dejan Lovren is inconsistent with his performances but you can hardly question a player who has played in the final of the Champions League and the World cup in a span of 3 months. Though, it is yet to be seen who amongst Lovren, Matip or Klavan can fill into the boots of a second defender alongside Van Dijk.
The problem of plenty in midfield
Liverpool has an abundance of quality and versatility in their midfield. Last season, Klopp missed a traditional holding midfielder as Henderson or Milner played in that position. They are good central midfielders but do not have the defensive trait to bully the opposition in the middle of the park.
The signing of Fabinho will be a great addition to the squad as his height and experience can be vital for the Reds this season. Klopp is a fan of his versatility as the Brazilian can also feature in the right-back position.
Naby Keita is more of an attacking midfielder who can run all day. He will be the player for Liverpool to take the ball to the final third from the midfield. Adam Lallana will be a direct competitor for his place in the starting XI as the England international makes a return after an injury-hit season. The bench strength in the midfield is also looking strong with James Milner, Georginio Wijnaldum and Woodburn.
