Liverpool’s performances in the Premier League have been frustratingly inconsistent so far and though they are still in the top four, there is not much optimism and belief at Anfield that they are going to stay there.
Jurgen Klopp’s style of football has been quite attractive with all the tremendous speed and zonal marking. But as many had widely apprehended at the beginning of the season, it is difficult to retain that level of intensity for the whole campaign. And the fact that Liverpool have hugely relied only on a few quality players in the squad to get the task done, is a huge blunder on the club’s part.
After a blistering start to the season, Klopp saw star winger Phillip Coutinho sidelined for a few months with an injury, which was shortly followed by Sadio Mane leaving for the African Cup of Nations. And without the two main players on the flanks, the Reds found themselves in deep water that consequently pulled them out of the title race. It was difficult to get in a quality backup midseason and Klopp’s men struggled until Mane returned to the side to restore stability.
Then there is the worrying concern of players losing the magic touch temporarily as the season enters the last lap, which was precisely the case with the two wide players against numerous small teams. But, it seems Klopp has now identified the crux, although a bit late for this season, and is reportedly preparing a huge bid for Athletic Bilbao star Inaki Williams.
The 22-year-old Spanish international has earned rave reviews for his performances with the Spanish side this season and it has spurred heavyweights like Juventus, Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund to target the winger for next summer. The Italian giants are even known to be ready to trigger his big €50 million release clause to end all competition.
Williams is definitely one of the hot prospects this summer transfer window and Juventus will not be having it easy in their pursuit. Given both Dortmund and Klopp’s knack for getting players young and bringing out the optimal potential in them, this bidding war is expected to go to the wire.
Williams has scored five goals and provided five assists in 38 appearances across all competitions for the Basque club this season so far. He has garnered a lot of applause for his versatility as he can play anywhere in the attacking third and could just be the ideal addition Klopp is looking for in the team.
