With 4 back to back victories leading into the international break, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool are on the rise early this season, going into the game against Manchester United at the 4th place in the points table. There are a number of star performers for the side who have started the season with a bang but every now and then, Klopp’s side have shown a weakness that can hurt them in the long run. At the moment, they are one of the favourites to take away the Premier League title but Klopp will know that he needs every player to be at their best to give Liverpool a chance at the title. Though not many players are horribly out of form, here are three players who should step up for Klopp after the international break:
Loris Karius:
Jurgen Klopp spent £4.2m to get the German goalkeeper Loris Karius to the club early this summer. Karius was supposed to take over Simon Mignolet, one of the most error-prone goalkeepers in the league, in the first team but he has not filled the manager and fans with hope. His game against Swansea at the Liberty was a bit nervy and there are calls for the manager to stick with Mignolet at least for the short term. However, the Belgian is far from a man who should start for a club like Liverpool and Karius should make sure that he works harder and helps Liverpool stay tight at the back.
Nathaniel Clyne:
One of the most consistent defenders for Liverpool, Clyne has made a decent start to the new season. He has hardly ever been criticized for his contributions at the back but Clyne has not been the presence that Liverpool needs in the final third. He is a smart defender who will keep Liverpool’s goal away from danger but he will have step-up his game if Liverpool are to be considered genuine title contenders. The Reds will want him to keep up his defensive discipline but will also want to see him add more of an overall threat to the squad.
Daniel Sturridge:
The English striker had a decent international break getting himself on the score-sheet but he has not been the first choice for the club this season. Roberto Firmino provides that bit extra to the Liverpool side and Klopp has used Sturridge as an impact player when needed. But he is the best goal scorer in the squad and will have to prove himself to Klopp, cement a place in the starting lineup and help Liverpool that one step further. His injuries have long hampered his progress but having kept himself fit for a long time now, he will have to step-up after the international break to give Klopp an extra option in attack.
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