Just over two months of Premier League football is left to play for Jürgen Klopp in his first full season as manager of Liverpool, and the club face a tough challenge to cement their place in the coveted top four and UEFA Champions League qualification. The Reds’ run-in includes the likes of Manchester City and Everton, as well as mid-table teams such as Burnley, West Brom, West Ham and Stoke City.
Liverpool Players That Need to Step up Until the end of the Season
With six teams still in the thick of a tight top-four race, the Anfield side will need to pick up wins consistently, regardless of opponents and their systems. Early on this season, the Reds proved their quality and ability to patiently exploit and break teams down. A key component to this sort of success returning to Klopp’s squad will be important players in the team stepping up and putting in excellent performances week in and week out.
Divock Origi
Divock Origi is still only 21 years old, and has the potential to be a top striker with the right system and management. He has had his share of peaks and troughs this year, and has struggled in 2017 to maintain good form when he has been in the team.
The Belgian forward has scored four goals and added two assists in league play, as well as scoring four more goals in domestic competitions. Origi has created nine chances, and currently has an 80% shot accuracy. He shows flashes of extreme quality from time to time, and this will be something he will look to build upon.
Within Klopp’s 4-3-3 formation with Roberto Firmino in the false nine role, the Reds have played some mesmerising football at times. However, Origi brings a different element to the side, and with Firmino a possible doubt for Sunday’s game against Burnley, he may have a chance to come in and produce an influential performance.
Origi is a tall, strong forward who can lead the line and occupy centre-backs. The stats also back up the case that he’s a good finisher when opportunities do fall to him.
He has the quality necessary, with his most recent impact a brilliant assist for Georginio Wijnaldum to finish off Arsenal last week. When he’s called upon, Origi is the sort of player who will need to increase his productivity this season and re-capture his form.
Emre Can
Emre Can had a solid season in 2015-16, but has struggled this season when he has been in the team. The German has three goals, two assists and has created 20 chances from deep in midfield, along with an 81% pass accuracy. However, he hasn’t looked sharp in 2017, and has failed to replicate the strengths of Jordan Henderson when he’s out of the side.
Henderson can be a powerhouse in the number six role, and likes to spread the ball around quickly and start attacks. One of Can’s key criticisms this year has been his inability to provide this similar ball speed and turn of pace in midfield to suit Klopp’s high-intensity game.
The 23-year-old did show signs of life in the Reds’ 3-1 victory against Arsenal though. He put in a very good performance, helping Liverpool win the midfield battle and dominate the match centrally. With Klopp’s thin squad this season, it’s likely that Can will be called upon for a number of games until the season’s close.
He will need to push on from a positive display last week, and show the same improvements moving forward if Liverpool are to gain extra momentum in the top-four push.
Philippe Coutinho
Philippe Coutinho, despite the excellent form of Adam Lallana and Sadio Mané, is still Liverpool’s talisman. The 24-year-old Brazilian remains the Reds’ best overall player, and has the potential to become a world-class talent.
He has six goals and five assists in the league, creating an impressive 45 chances. However, he has struggled to show this quality consistently since his return from an ankle injury he picked up against Sunderland earlier in the season.
Coming off a similarly impressive performance against Arsenal last week in what was a great team win, Liverpool’s little magician will now look to push on and provide the consistent quality and the ability to win games in decisive moments. As Liverpool’s best player, Coutinho’s return to top form is instrumental to any success the Merseyside club are to have this league campaign.
The Last Word
These are the sorts of players that will need to step up in order for Liverpool to finish in the top four. Champions League football returning is integral to Klopp’s long-term plan. It’s a must for teams chasing the top-calibre players in European football, with major financial benefits.
Consistency will be imperative. It’s something this side are clearly capable of, and will therefore need to be re-demonstrated from now until May with 11 matches left on the fixture list.
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