Liverpool have been Europe’s deadliest team in the past year, but they can still improve. Winning their sixth Champions League last year gave Jurgen Klopp and his men the much-needed boost to challenge for their first league title in the Premier League era, and they have delivered. After football resumes in June, the title is coming to the red half of Merseyside.
The loopholes in the Reds’ overall squad, however, were highlighted just before Covid-19 hit the world. A humbling defeat against Watford and elimination from the Champions League at the hands of a defiant Atletico Madrid put a number of question marks on the Liverpool side.
Many pundits have claimed that the downfall of Liverpool was near if coronavirus hadn’t stopped the game. Liverpool shall surely win their most awaited title this season, but Klopp and his staff very well know they have a huge ground to cover if they want to stay relevant in the next season.
Today we take a look at some points where the champions-elect could look to improve in the forthcoming season.
Three Areas Liverpool Need to Improve Next Season
Improve With a Great Backup Goalkeeper
Liverpool’s Premier League campaign almost got hit with a huge blow when first team keeper Alisson Becker was injured at the beginning of the season. But, backup option Adrian did a pretty good job.
Though the Spanish second-choice keeper made some good saves in Alisson’s absence, key statistics say otherwise.
Adrian had just three clean sheets in the nine Premier League games he started. Also, he conceded a goal every 71 minutes for Liverpool at the same time. Comparatively, after Alisson returned from injury, he went on to keep 19 clean sheets in 20 games which clearly depict the gap of quality between the two stoppers.
Adrian might be a good backup option. But if Liverpool wish to upgrade their level consistently to challenge for all titles every year, they surely need a much better second-choice keeper.
Lack of Quality Squad Depth in Midfield
The Liverpool midfield was nothing short of awe-inspiring at the beginning of the season but again, it can improve. But as the season progressed, they struggled to maintain their form and fitness.
While Jordan Henderson started facing injury spells, Fabinho lost his magical tough in the midfield. Naby Keita never hit his peak which he was expected to, on his arrival. On the other hand, Adam Lallana and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have time and again proved why they still don’t start for Liverpool.
Only James Milner and Gigi Wijnaldum have been consistent. But, Milner is closing to his peak and the Dutchman is arguably some way from reaching his.
Liverpool need some really good impactful signings in the centre of the park. While the existing experienced players cannot be a part of the long-term plan, the younger ones are way below average to wear the Red jersey.
A Strong Centre-back Alongside Virgil van Dijk Would Improve the Defence
The Watford and Atletico losses emphasised on one key issue. Virgil van Dijk may be invincible, but football is a team game. Both the oppositions targeted the second central defender alongside van Dijk in their respective victories and succeeded.
Joe Gomez is inconsistent, while Dejan Lovren‘s Liverpool career is probably finished. Surprisingly, these are the only two realistic options alongside the Dutchman. If Liverpool can bring in a defender who is even 75% of what van Dijk is, they can combine to make one of the strongest defensive back-lines in the world.
Attack wins you matches, but defence wins you trophies. The Merseyside club already boast Europe’s best front-three at the moment. If they can upgrade their defence too, we might witness an invincible side.
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