3 players Liverpool can target in January

Liverpool FC v SSC Napoli: Group E - UEFA Champions League
Liverpool FC v SSC Napoli: Group E - UEFA Champions League

Things are going as well as they can for Liverpool FC at the moment. Barring the recent injury to star midfielder Fabinho, Jurgen Klopp's men are better than anyone expected so far this season. The Reds currently sit at the top of the Premier League, unbeaten. They have collected 37 out of a possible 39 points, and hold a 9 point lead over Manchester City. In the Champions League, they just need to avoid a loss on the last day to qualify for the next stages.

However, this does not mean that Liverpool should not sign anyone in the transfer window. If history has taught us anything, it's that complacency in the transfer market can cost a team big-time. Klopp chose not to sign anyone in the summer, but he might change his mind now given that Manchester City look willing to reinforce, and the fact that his team faces a very tough schedule ahead.

Here, we take a look at three players who Liverpool can try and acquire in the transfer window.

#3 Ryan Fraser

AFC Bournemouth v Manchester United - Premier League
AFC Bournemouth v Manchester United - Premier League

Coming into this Premier League season, Ryan Fraser was one of the most exciting prospects outside the top six. Last season, the midfielder had his breakout year and was one of the best players in his position in England's top division. He scored 7 goals and had 14 assists in the Premier League, and he seemed set to repeat that form this season. That has, however, not been the case.

The Bournemouth attacking midfielder has disappointed so far this season - he only has 3 assists and one goal in 12 league appearances. However, his poor form does not mean that Fraser is not talented. The Scottish international is still only 25, and capable of producing some brilliant moments here and there. He was recently linked with Liverpool, but the rumours were squashed quickly.

Nevertheless, he is someone the Reds should look into. Adept at playing on the left or the right-hand side of the midfield, Fraser could be a very good bench option with his eye for passing and the odd goal he contributes here and there.

He would be a direct replacement for Xherdan Shaqiri, whose time at Liverpool has been colder than it has been hot. Moreover, Fraser plays with fellow Scotland international Andrew Robertson for the national team, and the two could combine well at Anfield down the left-hand side. Under Jurgen Klopp, we could see the best of Ryan Fraser.

Also check out: Premier League Premier League Table Champions League table

#2 Danny Da Costa

Danny Da Costa is one of the most underrated right-backs in the world
Danny Da Costa is one of the most underrated right-backs in the world

Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp has a different system than most teams - instead of a traditional number 10, or number 8 creating chances from the midfield, the task of creativity falls to the full-backs Right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold and left-back Andy Robertson form the best fullback duo in the world and it is them who create all the goalscoring opportunities for the Reds down the flanks.

However, Liverpool is a bit overdependent on these two. In the recent Napoli game, Robertson had an off day offensively and Trent was benched, which made the attack look clueless. Deputy right-back Joe Gomez is not that good as a fullback, and James Milner cannot perform the role as well as required.

This is where Danny Da Costa comes in. The German international has been superb for his team Eintracht Frankfurt this season. A lanky, physical presence at the back, Da Costa is 26 years old and seems to be hitting his peak right now. The player traditionally plays a deeper role in the midfield, but he is very good at tackling and loves to cross the ball. He is averaging 1.5 key passes per game as well as 2.1 crosses, and his abilities make him a great fit for Liverpool.

His passing needs a bit of improvement, but half a season under Klopp could very well remedy that fault in his game. Plus, he is German and might fancy a move to Liverpool where he can develop his game under his fellow countryman. His presence would greatly help Liverpool in managing game-time between the other two fullbacks who have too much pressure to perform at the moment.

#1 Jadon Sancho

England v Montenegro - UEFA Euro 2020 Qualifier
England v Montenegro - UEFA Euro 2020 Qualifier

Jadon Sancho was benched for Dortmund's all-important game against Barcelona this Champions League match week. When asked about Sancho not starting, coach Lucien Favre told Sky that Dortmund "needed players on the pitch who were focused and ready." After being subbed on, Sancho scored a wonderful goal within a few minutes.

There is no doubt that the English international is a generational talent. He can score, he can create; he is the perfect creative catalyst any team needs in the middle of the park. Liverpool have been linked with Sancho for quite a while now, and would face tough competition if they do aim to sign him - but the money will be worth the value.

The Reds lack a creative presence in their midfield. Naby Keita has failed to perform consistently, whereas the likes of Gini Wijnaldum and Jordan Henderson are simply not naturally creative players. If the Reds are to sign Sancho, he could move forward and create chances in the final third. His addition to the squad would be a signing for years to come, and would greatly bolster the club's chances of securing a league title this season.

Sancho does have a bit of an attitude issue, but that is nothing Jurgen Klopp cannot handle. Plus, the youngster is English and sooner or later, he must join one of the top clubs in his home country. At the moment, there is no better fit for him than Liverpool - they just have to make the move as soon as possible.

Quick Links