From title challengers to just another top-four hopeful, things have escalated quickly at Anfield this season. A dreadful January was the reason why Liverpool fans cannot hope for anything beyond Champions League qualification this time out but until the New Year, they looked like a team who could potentially challenge Antonio Conte’s Chelsea for the title.
The Blues look to be cruising on to the title now and the biggest reason behind that is Liverpool’s sudden dip in form.
One of the many reasons and probably the biggest one why Liverpool suddenly bottled it was their lack of squad depth. Sadio Mane was representing Senegal in the African Cup of Nations while Coutinho was just making his way back from injury. Roberto Firmino also had to experience a disappointing run of form.
Without European commitments, this was Liverpool’s biggest chance to end their trophy drought but they failed to take the golden opportunity.
The fans will hope that Jurgen Klopp has learned his lesson and breaks the bank in the summer to strengthen his team. Here are five areas where Liverpool must strengthen themselves when the transfer window reopens in the summer.
#1 Central defence
It has been a long time since Liverpool really had a rock-solid defence. Probably the last time when the fans were happy with their defence was when Samy Hyypia was there. Since then, despite having some big names in the ranks like Agger, Skrtel, Sakho, Lovren and many more, the Reds have never been able to perform really well defensively as a unit.
There is a saying that, ‘Attack wins you games, defence wins you titles’. Jurgen Klopp must ensure that Liverpool have a much-improved defence next season. The Reds should sign at least one quality central defender in the summer if not two.
Mamadou Sakho is a quality defender, full of top-level experience but it is clear that Klopp has issues with him. Lucas, who has been used at centre-back this season, has hardly impressed in that role and we expect the Brazilian to leave as well with his contract expiring.
So, Matip, Lovren, Klavan and Gomez will remain as the four options at the heart of the defence and to be fair, Matip is the only one good enough to play week in week out for the Reds. So, at least one top-notch defender should be the biggest priority for Klopp in the summer.
#2 Left-back
It was shocking to see Klopp not signing a left-back last summer even though he was short of options in that particular position. Liverpool’s left-back problems have not been sorted out since the Rodgers era. Alberto Moreno is a good full-back when it comes to his attacking prowess but he leaves plenty to be desired defensively.
Milner’s versatility and adaptability have bailed Klopp out this season for his complacency but the German gaffer should bring in a quality left-back in the summer. A natural left back, who can bomb forward and can also track back, should be among Liverpool's biggest priorities in the summer.
Milner has not done much wrong at left-back this season but against teams who like to sit back and defend deep, the Englishman has struggled to help Liverpool as he lacks pace. Being right-footed makes his job tougher as he always tends to cut in rather than cross from the left flank.
Getting a new left-back will give Klopp an option to use Milner in midfield where he is more effective.
#3 Central midfield
Liverpool’s squad depth in the middle of the park is extremely thin for a team who aspire to challenge for the title. If the Reds manage to qualify for the Champions League next season, they will have to play more games, which is why Klopp should try to get at least one top-class central midfielder in the summer.
Maybe even two, if he is backed by the owners.
Henderson has done an excellent job in the holding midfield role this season but there is no backup for him in that position. Also, Liverpool should go for another box to box midfielder who can compete with the likes of Lallana, Wijnaldum and Can for the other two positions in midfield.
Liverpool’s game is much more fluid compared to other teams in Europe. This is why Klopp should target midfielders who are good both defensively and attacking-wise and have plenty of energy to cover every blade of grass.
#4 Wide forward
Klopp’s system at Liverpool right now is highly reliant on the pace of Sadio Mane. When the Senegalese was absent, Liverpool struggled to create opportunities. The likes of Firmino, Coutinho, Lallana are quality players but cannot offer the drive from the wide areas that Mane offers. This is why Klopp needs to bring in a natural wide attacker in the summer.
We have seen German wonderkid Julian Brandt linked on a regular basis with Liverpool throughout this season. He could prove to be a brilliant signing if Klopp decides to break the bank on the Leverkusen starlet.
Lorenzo Insigne is also a rumoured target. The Italian wizard is a tailor-made player for Klopp’s system thanks to his eye for goals, blistering pace and mobility.
#5 Centre-forward
Despite the fact that Liverpool have scored the most number of goals this season in the Premier League, Roberto Firmino’s proficiency in front of the goal has come under scrutiny time and time again. It’s clear that Klopp wants the Brazilian to spearhead his attack because of what he brings to the game but it is as clear as daylight, that he is not clinical enough in front of the goal.
Klopp rates Firmino high as a forward because of his amazing work-rate, the way he shifts to the flanks, the way he comes deep to create attacks but the manager should now realise that, in order to achieve success, they need someone more clinical, someone who is far more decisive than Firmino.
There are some quality complete forwards who possess a similar work ethic as Firmino and are also prolific scorers. Klopp must bring in a natural striker at Anfield next summer, pushing Firmino deeper.
Also Read: Liverpool’s title drought: Can Jurgen Klopp bring the Holy Grail to Anfield?
