The summer transfer window leading into the current Premier League season saw clubs around the table spend millions of dollars on top transfer targets. However, one club that maintained a positive net spent is Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool. The German, who is entered his first full season incharge of the club made some top class signings to add to his squad and the likes of Sadio Mane, Georginio Wijnaldum, Joel Matip and Loris Karius have already cemented their place in the starting XI. The likes of Marko Grujic and Ragnar Kalvan have also helped the side when called upon but even with these many options, Klopp’s Liverpool do not look the real deal that can stroll through to the Premier League title.
The German gaffer framed the entire Liverpool squad according to his plans but many still argue with the fact that Liverpool still needs a reinforcement in a couple of areas. Klopp might change his mind and spend on one or two players to make the side a genuine title contender. The attack of the side looks as one of the most exciting and balanced in the league. The likes of Divock Origi and Danny Ings are on the sidelines deputizing for Roberto Firmino and Daniel Sturridge, giving Liverpool plenty of dynamic options up front.
Their midfield is also strong with the likes of Adam Lallana, Georginio Wijnaldum and Jordan Henderson all thriving in a three man midfield so far this season. Emre Can, Lucas Leiva and Kevin Stewart are the options for the manager in this area and it is unlikely that Klopp will add any more players to the already strong midfield. Though the manager might need a top class defensive midfielder to keep the side strong at the back, but the lack of a proper option in the summer means that there is hardly any chance of finding one in January. Their center half pairing seems to be a problem that is solved with Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip wearing a commanding look every game while Klavan, Lucas and even Sakho are ready to provide cover when needed. Loris Karius, to a certain extent, solved their crisis with Mignolet and the competitions between the two will only improve the quality between the sticks.
This leaves the club with two positions that need some strengthening. The full back position in the squad is easily the weakest link for Liverpool. The debacles of Moreno have thrown him on to the bench with James Milner proving to be effective while Nathaniel Clyne has cemented his place in the right side of the defense since the start of the season. Neither player has a proper backup for injuries and Klopp must make sure that he has an option for crunch game in case of contingencies. Another position that the club is a bit shy at the moment is the wings. As a natural winger, Liverpool only have Sadio Mane as the only player in the squad. Sheyi Ojo is the only other player who can play in a similar position and Klopp surely needs to add a player to his squad to add that dimension to his attack.
In January, neither place can be filled competently and the only option for the manager would be a loan deal for a couple of players. Like he did with Steven Caulker in January last season, Klopp will have to find a full-back and natural winger who are good enough for the team but will wait for their time on the bench. The current Liverpool squad is not too far away from one that can challenge for the title and if Klopp can add a couple of decent players to the squad to avoid injury situations, Liverpool might just be able to go all the way this season.