Leicester City, reigning Champions of England. Zero wins and zero league goals scored in 2017. Claudio Ranieri axed, with the Foxes right in the midst of what looks set to be the tensest of relegation battles. Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez, the stars of yesteryear, both a shadow of their former selves (or perhaps reverting to their normal level after an exceptional season).
We all saw this coming. The manager-less side in blue came flying out of the blocks and delivered a performance which was the exact antithesis of their displays for the majority of this season. The intensity and burning desire to win was abundantly clear- these players had a point to prove after being widely accused of getting their manager sacked.
Liverpool, of course, played exactly into Leicester’s hands. Vardy has looked like the non-league player he once was for much of this season, as teams have worked out he is very limited when not given space to run into. Playing a high defensive line with Lucas Leiva at centre-back was a complete recipe for disaster (not the Brazilian’s own fault) and duly culminated in the opening goal.
The rest was the same shambles we’ve seen countless times of late, with Liverpool not looking remotely capable of coming back into the game, totally toothless and devoid of ideas. Philippe Coutinho managed to break his goal drought with half an hour left to play but it felt at the time like a mere consolation, which it turned out to be.
Questions will rightly be asked of Jurgen Klopp after yet another embarrassing defeat to a side at the bottom end of the table, but it is more obvious than ever before that this Liverpool squad lacks sufficient quality and depth, with several high-quality additions sorely needed in the summer.
Failure to achieve Champions League qualification would be a major blow to transfer targets ahead of a summer window which will be a defining one for FSG and a crucial one for Klopp who will be coming under increasing pressure for his first piece of silverware in English football and building a squad capable of mounting a serious title challenge next season.
Here, I take a look at each position in the squad, analysing the key areas of weakness (and strength) to see where Liverpool need to upgrade most urgently.
Goalkeepers
Loris Karius arrived from Mainz last summer for £4.7 million and was expected to take over as Liverpool’s new number one for the new season, only to break his hand in pre-season. Simon Mignolet began the season as first choice and did little wrong, until being replaced (perhaps somewhat harshly) by Karius for the 5-1 victory over Hull in September.
Karius’ Liverpool career got off to a nightmarish start, however, making several high-profile errors (most significantly in the 4-3 capitulation against Bournemouth) and had to be taken out of the firing line for Mignolet. The German had failed to convince and looked unrecognisable from the player voted the second best goalkeeper in the Bundesliga.
Mignolet impressed on his return to the side until switching off for David Luiz’ free-kick goal in the 1-1 draw against Chelsea. He then flapped at a corner for Hull’s opening goal in the 2-0 defeat against Marco Silva’s side, his familiar failings resurfacing once more. Karius, meanwhile put in a string of confident displays in the cup competitions but has not since been recalled in the league.
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It would be fair to say that neither goalkeeper is of the required quality for a side of Liverpool’s aspirations and a more experienced, high-quality senior professional would be an obvious area to strengthen in the summer. Investing in a reliable goalkeeper is crucial in creating a solid defensive foundation- a player the rest of the back line can trust to bail them out if need be- something Liverpool haven’t truly had since the prime days of Pepe Reina. A player such as Inter Milan’s Samir Handanovic would fit the bill perfectly- an individual of that ilk is what Liverpool ought to be looking for (although difficult to come by).
Whether Klopp sees this as a priority is very much unclear, with no major links to new goalkeepers from any reliable sources thus far. It might well be the case that he is prepared to see how Karius progresses over pre-season with a view to having him as the long-term number one, but on the evidence thus far, it’s certainly an area which could do with attention in the summer.
Right back
This is one area in which Liverpool are relatively well-equipped for the foreseeable future. Nathaniel Clyne is one of the top right-backs in the Premier League and is an excellent defender, first and foremost. He is somewhat limited in attacking terms, however, as he doesn’t offer consistent quality on the ball in advanced areas. Given Liverpool’s reliance on the full-backs to provide width as an attacking outlet, this is something of a concern in games where Liverpool dominate possession.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has emerged as a highly promising deputy for Clyne, even though right-back might not be his long-term position at the club (he certainly looks like a player who has the ability to become a long-term option for Liverpool). He provides more guile and creativity than Clyne with his more natural attacking instincts but is much more raw as a defender- which is to be expected given his inexperience.
Although Clyne’s attacking limitations are an issue at times, he is by no means anywhere near the top of Liverpool’s problems for now and between him and Trent, the right-back position looks sorted for the next few seasons.
Centre back
This is an area in need of major surgery this summer. Joel Matip has largely proved an excellent acquisition since his free transfer from Schalke, although he has struggled with injuries and his recent form has not been up to his early-season standards. Matip, though, is clearly the best centre-back at the club and should be the one who Klopp builds his defence around next season.
Dejan Lovren has generally played well, but there have been several shaky performances thrown in. He is one to keep hold of but should ideally should become more of the third choice option rather than an automatic starter.
Ragnar Klavan started well but is far from the required level. He’s also fine as a backup but has been needed to start in far too many league games this season. The same goes for Lucas, who clearly isn’t a centre-back by trade, and although an outstanding and loyal servant to the club, will most likely move on to pastures new this summer.
Joe Gomez, meanwhile, has hardly featured since recovering from an ACL injury but remains one for the future. Next season he will surely be expected to get more regular minutes and is a player of considerable potential- but not yet ready to become a starter.
A proven, high-quality centre-back should be an absolute priority for this summer, as fixing the defence is an essential issue which needs to be addressed and has been left unsolved for far too long. Virgil van Dijk, for example, would seem an obvious, albeit expensive target, but one who would improve Liverpool’s back line immeasurably.
Liverpool simply cannot keep conceding 50+ goals every season and until that stops happening, league title number 19 will not be achievable. That process begins with a solid centre-back partnership. It’s a position Klopp cannot afford to neglect this summer.
Left back
James Milner exceeded all expectations during the first half of the season, adapting to the position admirably. However, he has looked increasingly leggy of late and is proving far less effective as an attacking outlet, often guilty of slinging aimless crosses into the box. As a naturally right-footed player, his inclination to cut inside often slows down attacking moves. A left-footed player would provide much more balance to the side.
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Alberto Moreno, meanwhile, has hardly featured all season and it is very difficult to see a scenario in which he becomes a long-term option at left-back. The fact that Milner, a 31-year-old midfielder, has kept him out of the side all season is indicative of Klopp’s view on the Spaniard. It would be no great surprise to see him move on in the summer.
Liverpool haven’t had a top-class left-back since John Arne Riise and Fabio Aurelio (whenever he wasn’t injured), and a specialist left-back is a clear area to address this summer, as Milner clearly isn’t a long-term solution. It will be interesting to see whether Klopp goes back in for Leicester’s Ben Chilwell, who was a target last summer, while Schalke’s Sead Kolasinac and Monaco’s Benjamin Mendy would represent other viable options.
Midfield
Jordan Henderson has flourished as a holding midfielder this season and his importance to the side has been highlighted by his absence. Whenever the captain hasn’t been available, Liverpool have lacked a figure who dictates the tempo by circulating the ball quickly and accurately, also switching the play with longer passes from a deep-lying position.
Kevin Stewart will almost certainly move on in the summer, while Emre Can’s future is clouded by uncertainty having endured a very inconsistent season. It is still a mystery as to where Can’s best position is, but he certainly doesn’t have the tactical nous (yet) to play as a holding midfielder- nor does he have the speed of thought or guile to play in a more advanced role to good effect on a regular basis. With only 18 months left on his current deal, the German has much to prove if he is to secure his future under Klopp.
Gini Wijnaldum has generally impressed since his summer arrival from Newcastle, operating in a deeper box-to-box role than he did for Rafa Benitez previously. His intelligent use of the ball and tremendous work-rate have made him a crucial cog in the machine, although his return of three goals is a slight disappointment. The Dutchman tends to thrive when the rest of the team plays well, but often goes missing when the side is underperforming. Nonetheless, he has shown that he will be a key player for Klopp beyond this season.
The same applies to Adam Lallana who has been a revelation as a central-attacking midfielder this season, with seven goals and seven assists illustrating his improved productivity in front of goal. Sublime technical ability combined with an engine that never stops running, he has been one of Liverpool’s best and most crucial players this season, earning himself a fully-deserved new contract. Lallana’s performances have dipped since the turn of the year, but that is in keeping with Liverpool’s general slump in form. He will also be a key part of Klopp’s future plans as one of the few senior professionals in the squad.
Marko Grujic, meanwhile, has gone off the radar somewhat, having struggled with various injuries and has featured very little in his debut season at the club. Nonetheless, the Serbian has shown glimpses of his ability and will surely become a more prevalent figure beyond this season, while Ovie Ejaria has too showed his promise and will get more chances, but isn’t ready to become a first-team regular.
In terms of the summer window, a high-class midfielder would make a lot of sense given the lack of depth in that department. Klopp is unlikely to go out and buy a specialist defensive midfielder, so would probably look for a more mobile all-rounder to lessen the reliance on Henderson as the only viable holding midfield option. That kind of player might be Mahmoud Dahoud, a well-known target for Klopp, although he has been strongly linked with a summer move to Dortmund. Youri Tielemans of Anderlecht is a player of vast potential, as is Naby Keita of RB Leipzig, while Roma’s Leandro Paredes and Radja Nainggolan are other potential candidates.
It’s probably unlikely that Klopp would add more than one midfielder, unless Emre Can leaves. If that were the case, he might also look to find a similar type in the mould of Lallana, such as Bayer Leverkusen’s Kevin Kampl or Monaco’s Bernardo Silva.
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Either way, the midfield certainly needs at least one addition this summer as Liverpool have been far too reliant on the first-choice trio of Henderson, Wijnaldum and Lallana being fit this season. If any one of those are injured, the midfield functions much less effectively and Klopp must add quality and depth to ensure he has sufficient options to compete on all fronts.
Wide forwards
I use the phrase “wide forwards” because Liverpool don’t really play with orthodox wingers. Sadio Mane has been a sensational signing and has that right-forward spot locked down for next season, but as January showed, he’s the only player of that style Liverpool currently have (Sheyi Ojo looks very much outside the first team picture at the moment). Liverpool certainly need more of that player profile in the squad.
Coutinho has been almost exclusively used on the left-side of the attack this season, and obviously is a key player for Klopp moving forwards- although he is not a prolific goal scorer and eventually might end up dropping back into midfield.
Ben Woodburn has emerged as an exciting prospect and at 17, has a very bright future ahead of him. His role will most likely be as a squad player for the next few seasons, though, as he doesn’t yet have the physical stature to be playing regular Premier League football.
For the summer, the ideal scenario would be to bring in two new wide forwards, capable of playing on either side. A pacey, left-sided forward with a proven goal record would seem an obvious choice to boost Liverpool’s numbers (given Coutinho’s relatively modest return from that position), while perhaps a younger player with potential could provide a backup for Mane on the right. That way, the burden on Coutinho and Mane would be lessened and Klopp would have the option of moving Coutinho into midfield if he felt that way inclined.
Potential options include Christian Pulisic (despite his new deal at Dortmund, which could prove problematic for Liverpool), Julian Brandt and Inaki Williams. Meanwhile, Leicester’s struggles could mean Mahrez becomes a viable option for a cut-price fee, while Douglas Costa’s lack of game time at Bayern Munich could see him become available. Celtic’s Moussa Dembele might also be another option having thrived under Brendan Rodgers this season.
Strikers
Roberto Firmino has been Klopp’s main man as the focal point of Liverpool’s attack this season, with his relentless pressing and clever movement perfectly suited to Klopp’s style of football. The Brazilian is a streaky goal-scorer, though, and has been guilty of missing several high-profile chances that a top-class forward would be expected to bury. He will remain a crucial figure and his “defending from the front” is ideal against the big teams, but he should not be relied upon as Liverpool’s only established centre-forward, especially against so-called weaker sides where a more orthodox striker would be useful.
Divock Origi, meanwhile, has eight goals to his tally but has largely underperformed this season- although it has been difficult for him to find any rhythm given his lack of game time. Daniel Sturridge has similarly struggled and a parting of ways looks increasingly likely this summer, as there is very little prospect of him having a long-term future under Klopp. He’s a quality finisher, but simply doesn’t suit the way Klopp wants his team to play in terms of pressing from the front. He won’t accept a squad role in the long run, and nor should he.
Ever since Luis Suarez’ departure to Barcelona in 2014, Liverpool have lacked a clinical and readily available striker who can deliver 20+ goals every season. Harry Kane, Diego Costa and Zlatan Ibrahimovic have shown the value of having that bonafide, prolific centre-forward and it’s certainly something Klopp should look to address, especially if Sturridge departs.
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Firmino is clearly a very good footballer who certainly has an important role to play, but playing him as a centre-forward every game over a 38-game league season, you can’t see Liverpool winning the league. Klopp needs variety up there, and an orthodox striker is an essential position to recruit this summer.
Klopp has publicly spoken of his admiration of Ajax’ Kasper Dolberg, while Kylian Mbappe of Monaco is a young striker of tremendous potential with his searing pace and finishing ability (although he would inevitably command an extortionate transfer fee). More established options might include Mauro Icardi, Alvaro Morata, Alexandre Lacazette or even Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, but these would, of course, command hefty fees.
Summary
Overall, Liverpool’s two main priorities simply have to be a quality centre-back and at least one top-class forward. Goalkeeper, central midfield and left-back are also areas in clear need of improvement, although Klopp cannot fix everything in one transfer window and too many additions can prove disruptive.
The emphasis must be on keeping hold of the core of players already at the club, and adding several individuals of high quality to build around them, to strengthen the starting XI and improve squad depth ahead of next season.
It might well be the case that Liverpool need to pay a premium to secure Klopp’s top targets, but this is a summer the club simply have to get right. For the owners, it is a defining period as the current trophy drought cannot continue much longer until fans start to exercise their frustrations powerfully en masse.
Liverpool are not suddenly a terrible team because of their 2017 form and the nucleus of a strong squad is already there. The defeat to Leicester will have highlighted to Klopp that perhaps he has placed too much trust in some individuals and that improvements are needed where previously he was satisfied.
Now, more than ever, it is time for Klopp to be ruthless and build a squad capable of competing on all fronts for the entire duration of next season with no capitulation post-Christmas due to an injury crisis or fatigue. Liverpool simply must kick on from here and for that to happen, better individuals in certain positions are an absolute necessity.
Written by Joel Rabinowitz.
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