Last season, Liverpool finished 8th in the Premier League, which is way below par for a club of Liverpool’s stature. We may give an excuse that the focus was on Europa League, but still finishing 8th is bad. This is Jurgen Klopp’s first summer as Liverpool’s head coach and a lot of things are expected to change, some personnel changes and some tactical changes. Klopp has already completed 3-4 new signings and is expected to make a few more. There are 2 positions where Klopp should bring in new players before the start of the season: left back and striker
Left Back
At the moment, Liverpool have Alberto Moreno and Joe Gomez as proper left backs. Last season, Rodgers started with Gomez as the first choice left back but an injury ended the season for the teenager. Alberto Moreno was the only option for Klopp when he took over. Moreno did not have a good season. He had all sorts of problems while defending. Alberto Moreno was great going forward, making darting runs and linking up well with Coutinho and Firmino. Moreno fulfilled his attacking duties very well but was equally unstable with his defensive duties. He left huge gaps at the back, letting oppositions attack from the left.
Liverpool need a conventional sort of left back who gives priorities to his defensive work. Liverpool have been linked with Ben Chilwell and a few more left backs. But fans must be hoping that one of these rumors becomes true. Liverpool do have Joe Gomez, and next season he has to be the first choice left back until the club finds a better player.
Striker
Liverpool faced striker problems throughout the last season. No. Actually for the last two seasons. Luis Suarez left Liverpool in 2014 and since then, Liverpool haven’t been able to find a replacement. Sturridge has missed more matches owing to injuries than he has played in the last two seasons. Mario Balotelli was signed in 2014 but he was a big flop. Last summer, Liverpool signed Danny Ings, Christian Benteke and Divock Origi. Ings missed almost all of the last season and Christian Benteke could hardly find his footing at Anfield. Origi was good but he requires development in certain areas.
Liverpool need a striker who can score 20 goals in one season. Sturridge has the quality but his fitness is always a concern. Liverpool have been linked with Gonzalo Higuain but the deal has hardly progressed. If Liverpool want to become credible title challengers, they need to sign a “world class” striker.
If Klopp can bring in two new players at the above mentioned positions, Liverpool will surely compete for the top-4 next season.