Liverpool find themselves second in the Premier League table and the progress made by Jürgen Klopp’s side has been remarkable. It hasn’t been all smooth-sailing but the fans haven’t had too many ‘if only’ moments which is a testament to the efficiency Klopp has brought in his first full season in charge.
Sitting six points behind a formidable Chelsea team, we assess a few talking points regarding Liverpool going into the New Year and the upcoming important fixtures, the transfer window, player options and other situations.
The Story so far, as if we haven’t heard this couple of seasons ago
Brilliant offensively but defensively sloppy, for all of Jürgen Klopp’s high-intensity football philosophy that is “Geggenpressing,” Liverpool have often found themselves undone at the back. Despite some free flowing football and a lot of goals, they haven’t been able to continue their run consistently in all the games.
Although they are the division’s top scorers, the Reds have often been questioned about their defensive lapses which have cost them dearly against teams like Bournemouth, Burnley and recently against West Ham United.
Most Liverpool supporters would have grabbed the opportunity if one had said to them they will be placed second in December. The Reds somehow picked up important wins against Chelsea and Arsenal both away from home and being unbeaten against Spurs and Manchester United but have failed to kill games off against some lower ranked teams in the league.
Does Klopp need defensive and offensive reinforcements in January?
Injuries to important players have not helped the Liverpool cause. Joel Matip and Ragnar Klavan have far been Liverpool’s best and shrewdest signings defensively with the duo not costing the club beyond a meagre £4m. However, despite ringing in changes in the summer, injuries have cost the Reds of momentum going into games.
Joe Gomez has just returned from a long-term injury and finds himself knocking on the door of a first team opportunity but considering he is short on experience and match fitness, Jürgen Klopp could dip into the transfer window to look for potential reinforcements in defence. Sadio Mane is AFCON bound as well, meaning he will miss important fixtures away at Manchester United and the EFL Cup Semi Finals against Southampton.
The Reds have been linked with a number of players since the past few months like Mohammed Dahoud, Quincy Promes and Sardar Azmoun, all likely names who could be on Klopp’s wish list to fill in for Sadio Mane, but any big money move at this given point of time does not seem viable under the German who usually does his business in the summer. Defensively, despite Joe Gomez coming back from his injury lay off and uncertainty of the Liverpool back four with Lovren’s form and the exile of Tiago Ilori and Mamadou Sakho evident, Klopp should consider buying players.
Opinion: Yes, one Attacker should be brought in who can play on either flank preferably on the right-hand side as the team has often lacked a pacy right sided winger or a false number nine. Defensively a CDM would help more than a centre back.
