Liverpool’s flying start in the Premier League has galvanised the title hopes despite a strong run from Manchester City as well as Chelsea who have also maintained an unbeaten status similar to Jurgen Klopp’s juggernaut. The charismatic German has focused on defensive resilience, a slot that troubled the Reds for years and shattered their dreams.
The backline is responding well to changes, but a misfiring attacking third has forced the manager to tweak his formations in recent outings. A 4-3-3 helped Liverpool to attain success the previous term, and although Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane have found the net a few times already, the lethal front trio has failed to secure results on big occasions – against Chelsea, Manchester City and most recently, Arsenal.
Klopp tried out a change in setup and fielded them in a 4-2-3-1 keeping Mohamed Salah as the ‘number 9’. The strategy worked out against Red Star Belgrade and Cardiff City. However, the gaffer will require a specialist target man to have a more successful implementation of this gameplan against heavyweights.
An ageing Daniel Sturridge remains an option but is not expected to take centre stage due to his fragility and fitness concerns. Both Dominic Solanke and Divock Origi have been thrown among the reserves after failing to impress Klopp during pre-season and are unlikely to stay at Liverpool for long. Meanwhile, the Reds have an exciting solution in their ranks and should bank on Rhian Brewster once he recovers from an ongoing ankle injury.
The 18-year-old highly-rated Three Lions starlet impressed for his nation in last year’s U17 World Cup where he netted eight goals to win the Golden Boot reward and played a crucial role in England’s impressive title triumph. His form for the U23s earned him applauds and Klopp, a keen admirer of Brewster’s talent, successfully tied him down on a long-term contract despite interests from home and abroad.
It is believed that the teenager would be involved in the first-team later this campaign and he really should be integrated slowly but steadily with a view of securing a starting role in the long run.
Jadon Sancho, Phil Foden, Morgan Gibbs-White, Emile Smith Rowe, Callum Hudson-Odoi – his fellow countrymen from U17 World Cup fame have been handed senior minutes at Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Arsenal and Chelsea where they have already exhibited their mastery. Brewster, therefore, must be waiting to break into Klopp’s plan once declared fit and showcase his goal-poaching traits to offer the gaffer an alternate route to claim results from close contests.
