Liverpool were tipped to be a genuine ‘top four’ contender prior to the 2016-17 campaign in Jurgen Klopp’s first full season in charge. After taking them to two finals since replacing Brendan Rodgers midway through the previous campaign, the Reds looked like a rejuvenated force under the former Borussia Dortmund gaffer and gained attention with ‘gegenpressing’ and ‘heavy metal football’.
Liverpool started their campaign brightly and to everyone’s surprise, they kept on pushing for the Premier League title until January when their season hit a new low as they jeopardised their top-four hopes as well as were knocked out from both domestic cup competitions.
However, they gained some momentum from next month and kept on fighting till the last gameweek when a 3-0 home victory against Middlesbrough secured a fourth-placed finish thus registering a spot in next season’s Champions League final playoff round.
Liverpool Players Who Impressed This Season:
Liverpool have been a collective force under Jurgen Klopp as almost every individual contributed their very best in this campaign. New signing Sadio Mane along with Samba boys Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino as well as English sensation Adam Lallana – The Reds’ ‘Fantastic Four’ delivered majestic displays in the attacking third.
Dutchman Georginio Wijnaldum had a prolific debut campaign for his new employers, also young German midfielder Emre Can stepped up to fill the void of skipper Jordan Henderson who missed a majority of the season due to injury concerns.
Milner deputised perfectly in a makeshift left-back role, also custodian Simon Mignolet showed some late improvements and helped his side to achieve Champions League dreams.
Players Who Disappointed The Most:
Young Belgian marksman Divock Origi was expected to step up in absence of injury-plagued Daniel Sturridge particularly after an impressive debut campaign last year.
Despite early promise, Origi failed to live up to the expectations and struggled to score in crisis time. Daniel Sturridge spent a majority of another season on the sidelines and the Reds now might be forced to sell him due to his uncertainty.
Season Status:
Liverpool were not at all title favourites, yet they briefly competed against Chelsea and gave them a run for their money even after the Blues’ 13 consecutive wins. But significant injury concerns, thin bench strength as well as lack of transfer activity derailed their campaign.
Jurgen Klopp was eyeing cup glory as well as a top-four finish. However, a disastrous January ruined their hopes of any silverware as they got knocked out from both domestic cup competitions and Premier League title race.
Areas of Improvement:
The Reds must increase their squad depth and at least add a prolific goalscorer along with a dynamic winger, centre-back, left-back and a central midfielder.
With Champions League football on the cards, the Reds must try to lure world-class talents who are unsettled in various top clubs of Europe. Defence has been vulnerable at times and needs reinforcements.
Also, they desperately need a midfield blocker who will screen the back-line and inject combativeness in the middle of the park.
Expectations From 2017/18:
Jurgen Klopp has taken Liverpool in the right direction so far with proper signings and positive football. Their transition phase seems to be over and they will now look for a good run in their return to the elite European competition, as well as a top four finish along with a silverware in form of any domestic cup competition.
