Having picked up seven points out of nine in the Premier League, Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool go into September with the hectic nature of the transfer window wrapped up and a relatively simply Champions League group to look forward to. They will have to deal with playing two games a week up until Christmas, but the team look ready for a difficult few months in the season. The Reds will look to kick on now, and although this team is far from the finished article, they still have reason to be optimistic about another strong season.
The Transfer Window
This transfer window was a mixed bag. Missing out on Virgil van Dijk and Thomas Lemar means that they are still restricted at the back and in terms of squad depth, but significant progress has still been made. Mohamed Salah has hit the ground running in the front three, providing blistering pace down the right hand side. The Egyptian talisman has already netted three goals in all competitions. Meanwhile, Dominic Solanke is an exciting talent in attack, and Andy Robertson looks like he could be a bargain for £10million at left-back.
In the final week of the window, Liverpool secured the signature of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, whilst confirming that Naby Keita will officially become a Liverpool player in July 2018. Both add huge amounts of quality to the Liverpool midfield, and help strengthen what needs to be a deep squad to compete on all fronts successfully, both in domestic and European competition.
Whilst Oxlade-Chamberlain’s end product still needs to improve, he looks to be a strong addition. His high-octane style of play means that he will slot right into Klopp’s high tempo system. Last season, the 24-year-old netted two goals and made seven assists in the Premier League, often being used as a utility player. He excels when playing centrally, however, and it looks like he will be another option to choose from in the midfield three.
As for Naby Keita, securing the services of the Guinean was a priority for Klopp going into the transfer period. Although the 22-year-old won’t play for Liverpool this season, his was still an excellent capture for the club. The RB Leipzig midfielder is a box-to-box, dynamic playmaker whose ball recovery and work in the middle of the park should prove invaluable to the side next season. He netted eight goals and provided seven assists from central midfield in the Bundesliga last season, and his ability to intercept passes makes him an excellent defensive player as well.
Despite the unfinished, frustrating nature of some of Liverpool’s transfer business, the club is still in a strong position for the rest of this season, with further reinforcements already set in stone for the following season.
Attacking Prowess
Despite the ongoing saga surrounding his future, keeping Philippe Coutinho remained a boost to the side. The Brazilian scored 13 goals and provided seven assists last season, and holding firm against Barcelona to keep hold of the talisman should be commended. The 25-year-old has the ability to create space for himself and open up an opponent set up to defend deep, which will be crucial against a variety of opponents.
Coutinho now joins an array of options for the midfield three. Joining the skipper Jordan Henderson in midfield, Georginio Wijnaldum and in particular Emre Can have started the season brilliantly. Coutinho can join the likes of Oxlade-Chamberlain as he tries to quickly settle back into the side.
The front three that remains the catalyst for Liverpool’s attacking prowess. Mohamed Salah has gelled brilliantly with Sadio Mané and Roberto Firmino. In three league games, Liverpool have scored an impressive eight goals. Seven of these goals were scored by the front three, the other coming from Daniel Sturridge off the bench.
Defensive Fragility
The greatest weakness in the side remains, as it has for multiple seasons, the defence. Whilst Trent Alexander-Arnold looks to be a brilliant option at right-back, and Andy Robertson impressed in his appearance at left-back, the key problem remains at centre-back.
On his day, Dejan Lovren can put in a great performance, but he is worryingly inconsistent. Having a quality centre-back partner for Joel Matip is integral if Liverpool are to tighten up. Additionally, as shown against Watford in the opening fixture of the Reds’ season, the team look weak and ill-disciplined when defending set pieces. This has to be an area that Klopp looks to sort out. Too many times has a lack of organisation when marking zonally led to goals conceded.
For now, Virgil van Dijk remains on the south coast. Until his potential arrival in coming transfer windows, Lovren must step up. The Croatian must aim to cut out the recklessness in his game. Meanwhile, when called upon, the likes of Ragnar Klavan and young Joe Gomez will need to put in solid performances, too. Last season, the Reds conceded 42 Premier League goals,and kept 12 clean sheets. They will need to improve on this if they are to push up the table.
The Last Word
In the next week, Liverpool face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in the Premier League. In midweek they then kick off their Champions League campaign at Anfield against Sevilla. This is sure to be an important week in the season, and despite their flaws, the team have the ability to push through and continue the strong start to the season.
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