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Analysis: Has Klopp Covered All The Holes In The Liverpool Squad?

Liverpool have the most successful history amongst the top English clubs. A trophy-laden past with dominance over the English league as well as on the European front made Liverpool one of the greatest clubs of the 20th century. But since the last few years, Liverpool are no longer the threat that they once used to be. Except for the 2013/14 season, Liverpool hardly challenged for the Premier League title and also did not compete in the European tournaments. The 2013/14 season gave hope to Liverpool fans that the renaissance had been triggered, as the Reds missed the title by a whisker. The next season was again a disappointment as it was an average season considering the standards that had been set the previous season. Brendan Rodgers was heavily criticized for his tactics and last season, he was sacked by the club.

Liverpool Klopp

Jurgen Klopp was brought in as a replacement in October last year. Klopp had a great time as Borussia Dortmund’s manager helping them win the Bundesliga twice and taking them to the Champions League final. Klopp was brought in with high hopes and his first season as Liverpool’s head coach was pretty good. There was a change in the players’ attitude and fans termed this effect as the “Klopp Effect”. Klopp had an immediate impact as he took Liverpool to two finals. Liverpool lost both and finished at an unsatisfactory 8th in the Premier League. Neglecting the impact on the players, there were a few issues regarding the personnel and the positions which Klopp was expected to solve this summer and so far he has done quite well.

Simon Mignolet has been Liverpool’s first choice goalkeeper for three seasons now. The Belgian is a great shot-stopper but lacks the confidence while dealing with set pieces. Last season was average for him and a change was expected this summer. Klopp signed Loris Karius from Mainz to give Mignolet stiff competition for his place in the starting eleven. Karius has been pretty good in the pre-season so far and he is expected to make it to the starting eleven next season. Klopp also signed centre backs Joel Matip and Ragnar Klavan from Schalke and FC Augsburg respectively. Martin Skrtel and Kolo Toure, Liverpool’s stalwarts in defense have left. So replacements were necessary and Liverpool have found perfect replacements in Matip and Klavan. These 3 signings have bolstered Liverpool’s defense. The only weak link is the left back position. Alberto Moreno was weak defensively but Liverpool haven’t found a replacement yet. That is one issue that Klopp needs to address.

The signings of Marko Grujic, Sadio Mane, and Georginio Wijnaldum have strengthened Liverpool’s midfield to a great extent. Wijnaldum and Grujic add strength and stability to Liverpool’s central midfield and Mane adds creativity and pace to Liverpool’s attacking midfield. Another recruitment that Liverpool need is a striker. Liverpool had problems scoring goals last season and adding a world class striker to the squad will help the Reds fight for the top-4 next season.

Klopp helped many players improve their form last season. Players like Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren, and Joe Allen, who were considered flops under Rodgers were amongst the most vital players last season for Liverpool. Klopp has had a very good impact on Liverpool and he is expected to bring the glory days back. Klopp has addressed most of the issues well and if he keeps on going this way, the Premier League title is not a distant dream for Liverpool. Also, he has signed a new contract and he is at the helm for the next six years at least. So maybe there’s a lot to come for Liverpool.