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Over-reliance On Mane? Three Wingers That Can Strengthen Liverpool Attack Next Season

Liverpool have gone off the boil in recent weeks, after starting the season with aplomb. Jurgen Klopp’s men looked all set to be top contenders for the title, but a poor 6 weeks starting from the new year have meant they have slipped down the ranks and are competing hard to finish in the top four.

Summer signing Sadio Mane has been absolutely sensational for the Reds this term and his absence in January, due to his involvement in AFCON with Senegal, hurt Liverpool badly. That period coincided with Liverpool’s worst run of the season so far and saw them get knocked out of two cup competitions and lose their footing in the Premier League as well.

If Liverpool are to continue challenging for the silverware in the upcoming seasons, addressing the problems in the wide areas will be very crucial. The over-reliance on Mane to provide the drive on the flanks needs to be resolved and here we look at three players who Liverpool should target to do so:

Emil Forsberg

The Swedish international has been one of the most impressive performers in the German Bundesliga this season and has played a huge role in RB Leipzig’s surprise title challenge.

25-year old Forsberg has already netted 6 times for the newly promoted outfit this season and also has a whopping 9 assists to go with from his 17 Bundesliga appearances. The former Malmo attacker has mainly been used through the middle by manager Ralph Hassenhuttl, but he can be equally devastating out on the wings. Excellent with the ball at his feet and with a keen eye for a pass, his penchant for finding the goal from distance to add to it, he could turn out to be a great addition for Liverpool.

Forsberg would add depth to Liverpool flanks.
Forsberg would add depth to Liverpool flanks.

Demarai Gray

The Leicester City wide player has found it hard to break into the playing XI on regular basis this term, but each time he has been afforded an opportunity, Gray has shown great promise.

The 20-year old has scored two times this season for the Foxes and has also set up two goals in the limited opportunities that have been given to him by manager Claudio Ranieri. Extremely pacey and a very good dribbler of the ball, the former Birmingham City man can play anywhere across the attacking line and has proven to be a goal threat from distance. Given his age, there is plenty of scope for development, and Klopp and Liverpool could reap the rewards of bringing him into the fold for years to come.

Gray might be unproven, but his potential would help Liverpool..
Gray might be unproven, but his potential is unquestionable.

Ivan Perisic

The 28-year old Croatian has been in fine form for Inter Milan this season and has been one of their key performers under new boss Stefano Pioli and could add a lot of value to Liverpool.

Perisic has been in great nick for the Nerazzurri and found the back of the net seven times and has also notched up two assists so far from 23 Serie A appearances. Speedy and skilled, Perisic is also equally good in the air and poses a threat from set-pieces, directly and indirectly. Given his pace and drive to get past opponents, he would sit well with the Klopp style of play, but given the bad history between the player and the manager during their days at Borussia Dortmund, a move might be a doubtful possibility. Nevertheless, the player would be a quality signing.

Klopp and Perisic may have bad memories but Liverpool would do well with the player.
Klopp and Perisic may have bad memories between them but Liverpool would do well with Ivan player in their ranks.