Opinion – Signing a playmaker in the January window is of paramount importance for Liverpool

Why Liverpool must look to buy a playmaker in the January window

Liverpool have made their best start to a Premier League season, winning eight of 11 games played, drawing the other three. They have already faced four of the top six rivals, three of them away from home.

Hence, from that perspective, remaining unbeaten after going through a tough run of fixtures is a testament to how well they have played this season. Further evidence as to why the Reds are in the title mix this year.

However, the games gone by has seen Jurgen Klopp’s men struggle for creativity in the middle of the park. As a result, the famous front three has laboured through, especially in games where the transition from the defence to the attack needs to swift and rapid.

The best example was the games against Napoli and Arsenal, where they struggled to quickly move from defence to attack and involve the front line. Roberto Firmino was forced to come deep and receive the ball, while Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah were starved off any service due to the midfield being very deep.

For the reasons above, one would feel that Klopp is missing someone like Alex Oxlade Chamberlain, who linked midfield to attack in the most adequate manner. His injury for the whole season means Liverpool should look to sign a playmaker in the January transfer window.

Liverpool’s need for a No. 10

It is true that the Reds have Xherdan Shaqiri who can fill in that role, or even Naby Keita can play in a slightly advanced midfield position. However, getting a new playmaker would enhance the quality of the squad and also add competition to the most important position in the team.

Manchester City are the best in the Premier League due to the fact that they have a good defence, a firing front line, but most importantly, a midfield that can operate on different levels. The likes of Bernardo Silva, David Silva and Kevin de Bruyne are ideal linkers between midfield to attack in transition.

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Liverpool now have a good defence, a world-class front line, yet they miss a linker in the midfield. If they are to challenge the Cityzens for the title this season, they might need to buy one playmaker in the January transfer window. Possibly, a failed attempt to sign Nabil Fekir could be reignited, or even someone like Lorenzo Insigne could be ideal for the team.