This is Jürgen Klopp’s third full season in charge of Liverpool and expectations this season are higher than the previous two.
The Reds have managed to do some good transfer business and have spent the most money amongst the Premier League clubs, so the fans anticipate their side to challenge Manchester City for the title.
Unlike last season, Liverpool have much better depth this time around. Despite the lack of quality depth last season, Klopp’s side managed to finish in the top four and made it to the final of the Champions League.
The only issue with having squad depth is certain players will miss out on starting regularly. We take a look at three players who will need to step up when afforded with an opportunity in the coming season…
#3 Georginio Wijnaldum
The Dutchman has had a couple of good seasons at Anfield. A player who had a more attacking role at Newcastle United, Wijnaldum has had to curb his attacking instincts to play in the three-man midfield more often than not.
This season, Wijnaldum will have to be on his toes as Liverpool have a lot more options in midfield. Emre Can might have left the club, but Fabinho and Naby Keita’s additions mean Wijnaldum isn’t a guaranteed starter.
Adam Lallana has looked good in pre-season as well and not so long ago, he was a key figure in Klopp’s geggenpressing model. And then of course, we have Jordan Henderson. The Liverpool skipper will be preferred over Wijnaldum when it comes to playing as the deepest midfielder.
Wijnaldum will have to ensure his performance levels don’t dip when he starts.
#2 Xherdan Shaqiri
Amidst all the hullabaloo of Shaqiri’s arrival and how he is getting another chance at a big club, you have to remember that he will be directly competing with Mohamed Salah for a starting berth.
Shaqiri can be deployed in a central attacking midfield role as well, but considering Liverpool’s front three, we might not see a change in formation too often.
The pressure will be on Shaqiri to deliver when he starts simply because of the player he’ll be replacing in the team.
The problem with replacing Salah isn’t just about the combination play, but also the sheer volume of goals the Egyptian manages.
#1 Joel Matip
It’s now or never for Matip. Last season, he often flattered to deceive as Lovren jumped ahead of the pecking order and partnered van Dijk.
Though Matip has the ability, he has often looked clumsy at the back and needs to be more assertive.
Under Felix Magath, Matip was often deployed as a defensive midfielder at Schalke because he was impressive on the ball and read the game well. We simply haven’t seen that at Anfield yet.
The Cameroonian hasn’t had the rub of the green when it comes to injuries either. If he wants to be a regular for the upcoming season, he needs to step up else see more of Cup action and the bench.