Considering that Liverpool have just been confirmed as champions of England for the first time in 30 years, it might seem like an odd time to think about chopping and changing the squad.
Football never stands still, however, and Jurgen Klopp will already be sketching out his summer transfer plans. He certainly doesn’t need to make wholesale changes, but there are still areas where he can strengthen.
Liverpool’s recruitment team has been widely lauded as the best in the country over the last few seasons and, with Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Andy Robertson among their biggest success stories, their combination of data analysis, scouting and intensive profiling has worked wonders.
Combine that with a coherent long-term vision for the squad and, admittedly, a willingness to spend big to implement that vision, and it’s little wonder the club has done so well recently.
Given the financial implications of the coronavirus crisis, it’s unlikely that Liverpool will spend vast sums this summer. Instead, Klopp’s focus will be on adding depth to a squad which is already well equipped to win silverware.
With Chelsea bringing in Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech – most likely with more signings to come – the title race could be that much more competitive next season.
Manchester City will still be formidable rivals, not least if their European ban is upheld and they turn their full focus to domestic football. There are even cautious signs of improvement from Manchester United, who will be desperate to stop Liverpool from equalling their record 20 top-flight triumphs.
As such, Klopp needs to prepare his squad to defend a multi-pronged assault on their title. Here’s where he might look to improve each area of the team.
Defence
While Liverpool’s back five have been fantastic over the last couple of years, rock solid in the centre and hugely versatile in the full-back positions, they have relatively few options at left-back. James Milner usually fills in when Robertson is injured and, while he is characteristically reliable, it’s still a makeshift fix.
Klopp may decide that teenage academy product Yasser Larouci is ready to make the step up next term. Larouci impressed in pre-season last summer but his incipient momentum came to a halt when he was stretchered off after a nasty tackle in a friendly with Sevilla.
Neco Williams, another promising academy player, made his Premier League debut against Crystal Palace on Wednesday and is likely to compete with Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back next season. The early signs suggest Liverpool are going to strengthen their defence by promoting from within.
Were they to sign a new left-back, the difficulty would be convincing someone to come in as back-up to Robertson for the foreseeable future.
Liverpool have been credited with an interest in Bukayo Saka and Jamal Lewis, with Saka heading into the final year of his contract at Arsenal and Lewis a realistic target in light of Norwich’s near-certain relegation. Whether either of them would be happy to sacrifice game time for a move to Anfield, only they can say.
Midfield
Though there are question marks over a couple of players, Liverpool are well stocked in the middle of the park.
Adam Lallana looks set to leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season and Georginio Wijnaldum is heading into the final year of his current deal, though he could still sign an extension.
Otherwise, Klopp can still choose from Milner, Fabinho, Naby Keita, Jordan Henderson and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain with youngsters Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott as competition.
Liverpool have been linked with a move for Thiago Alcantara over the last few days, with Bild reporting that the Spain midfielder intends to leave Bayern Munich.
He would likely come at considerable cost, however, and would expect to slot straight into the starting line-up. While it might be possible to fund the transfer in theory were Liverpool to raise cash through player sales, it would be a surprising move.
Attack
While it would be hard for anyone to break into a front three of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino, Klopp may want to add depth in attack with Xherdan Shaqiri tipped to leave this summer.
Werder Bremen forward Milot Rashica would be an interesting option. Bremen are on the verge of relegation from the Bundesliga and will struggle to hold onto him if they drop down to Germany’s second tier.
Despite Bremen’s struggles, Rashica has tallied seven goals and five assists in the league this term. He would be a far more affordable option than dream targets like Jadon Sancho and Kai Havertz and, with Bremen teetering on the brink of the 2.Bundesliga, a back-up role at Liverpool might not be as much of a sticking point for him.
While he is generally deployed on the left of a front three, he can also play more centrally and in attacking midfield. His versatility would be a useful asset.
Liverpool have also been linked with Adama Traore but, after a breakthrough season, Wolves will be desperate to keep him.
More on Liverpool
- Coutinho: From world-beater at Liverpool to failure at Barça, Newcastle may be his only hope
- Liverpool’s excuse for not signing Werner is a sign of things to come
- ‘The Kop went wild!’: Remembering when Liverpool last won the title
- Barnes exclusive: ‘Could I have played in this Liverpool team? Great players fit into any era’
- How Liverpool went from Europe’s best to waiting 30 years for another title
from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/3ifxbgu
Post a Comment