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It is fair to say that this is the best chance Liverpool have had to win the Premier League. The Reds are four points clear at the top of the table, and have lost just one league game all season.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have been in excellent form since August, and despite starting the season as second favourites behind Manchester City, they go into the final 17 games in pole position at the top of the Premier League table.
Liverpool will also be hoping to go one better in the Champions League, having been beaten 3-1 in the final by Real Madrid last season. After sneaking through their group with a win over Napoli, the Merseyside giants have been drawn against German champions Bayern Munich in the round of 16.
There have been some real star performers for the Reds so far this season. Virgil van Dijk has made a real difference since moving to Anfield, while the front three of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino have continued to produce excellent performances.
Cracks have begun to appear in the last couple of weeks though. Liverpool lost their first league game of the season against Manchester City last week, with Leroy Sane netting City’s winner. They were also knocked out of the FA Cup in the third round, losing 2-1 away to Wolves.
Jurgen Klopp may be looking to strengthen his squad in January, as he looks to take his side to their first Premier League title. They do lack the squad depth that Manchester City have, so that may be an area he may be focussing on.
Here are five men Liverpool could target this month.
#1 Kalidou Koulibaly (Napoli)
This is probably the dream signing for Jurgen Klopp this January. Despite the impressive form of Virgil van Dijk since he moved to Anfield this time last year, there is still a feeling that Liverpool may be vulnerable at the back. Joe Gomez made a very good start to the season, but he is currently out injured, while Dejan Lovren, who put in a poor performance against Manchester City, went off injured against Wolves.
Klopp will then be undoubtedly looking at bringing a centre back to the club to partner van Dijk while those two are out, and Koulibaly is certainly someone capable of doing the job.
The Napoli man is currently one of the top defenders in the world, and he could help create a formidable partnership at the heart of the Liverpool defence. This one may be unlikely, but it would be an incredible signing.
#2 Benjamin Pavard (Stuttgart)
Pavard rose to prominence during the World Cup with France, where he played at right-back, and was one of the breakout stars of the tournament. In the Bundesliga with Stuttgart, he has continued his form from the World Cup, and at 22, looks like he could grow into a quality player.
He has been deployed usually as a centre back for the German side, and that is his more natural position. This will certainly benefit Liverpool, as it means they would add depth at centre back, while also adding some cover at right back, where they look vulnerable if Trent Alexander-Arnold were to pick up an injury.
Pavard is someone who has the attributes Klopp looks for in a defender, as he is good defensively, and has the ability to pass the ball out from the back.
#3 Ben Chilwell (Leicester City)
Chilwell is a player Liverpool have been sniffing around for a while, and January may be the time for them to make a bid for him. The Leicester man has had an excellent season so far, one which has seen him become the first choice left back at the King Power Stadium, as well as break into the England squad for the first time.
There is little doubt that Andy Robertson is one of the top left backs in the country, and possibly Europe, but if he gets injured, Alberto Moreno is the only natural back up option.
The Spaniard has shown on numerous occasions that he isn’t good enough defensively, and with his contract running out in the summer, it seems unlikely he will be at Anfield next season. Signing Chilwell would be beneficial for Liverpool in the long term, as well as this season.
#4 Nabil Fekir (Lyon)
Fekir is someone whose name will be familiar to Liverpool fans, as he was close to moving to the club in the summer, only for the deal to fall through at the final moment. The Frenchman would add some versatility to the Reds squad, as he has the ability to play in an attacking midfield position, as well as anywhere across the front three.
So far, Naby Keita has struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League, and Fekir would certainly take some of the pressure off him. There is still the worry that Liverpool may struggle to cope if they lose any one of the front three to injury or suspension, and the Lyon man may end those worries. The 25-year-old was willing to move to Anfield in the summer, and the chances are, he is still is now.
#5 Timo Werner (RP Leipzig)
Werner is another man who would offer some depth in attack for Liverpool. The Reds' current back up options at centre forward are Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi, but the pair were disappointing against Wolves, and there has been speculation regarding their future at the club.
The 22-year-old is clinical in front of goal, and would add even more firepower to Liverpool’s already impressive front line. He has a good goal record, having scored 45 goals in 80 league games for RB Leipzig.
He has been linked with a move to Anfield in the last few days, with rumours suggesting he isn’t willing to sign a new contract with the German club. There is competition for his signature, but he would be an excellent addition at Anfield.
