Liverpool fans would have been pleased to see their teams display in the opening match of the season against Arsenal. The Reds outscored the Gunners by 4 goals to 3. Coutinho, in particular, was really impressive, scoring two beautiful goals. Lallana and new signing Mane, were the other two goal scorers. The expectation will be very high from Klopp’s men this season, given that he has had time to assess his squad, get a full preseason in and buy a host of quality players who have really strengthened his squad depth. Liverpool did look a little sluggish in the first but then returned to produce an inspired performance, which totally blew away Arsenal.
Jurgen Klopp may have spent £70 million during his first transfer window at Liverpool, but there are a couple of positions for which supporters are desperately asking the German to make more signings before deadline day slams shut. Sadio Mane and Wijnaldum are part of the contingent which has arrived at Anfield this summer. However, Liverpool still look short in the left-back position and central midfield. Can and Henderson have played there last season and now Klopp has also brought Wijnaldum but none of them can be categorised as a proper central defensive player. All three of them have a tendency to move forward into the final third but their deep position hampers their movement to a long stage, thus minimising their contribution to the team.
Even against Arsenal, though they looked threatening going forward, they were often left exposed defensively by the hosts. Emre Can is almost the perfect midfielder but playing so deep, is wasting his attacking talent and he is not quite used to the positional aspect of it when defending. Lucas Leiva is a complete defensive midfielder in the team but even he has issues with injuries, which more often than not leads to him sitting out.
Klopp usually prefers a high pressing game, which often to gaps opening at the back, leaving the back-line exposed. What Klopp needs is a quality defensive minded central midfielder, who can hold his position and cover for full-backs or centre backs whenever they decide to venture forward. Wijnaldum has played in that holding till now but even the former Newcastle player was overrun against AS Roma’s midfield duo of Kevin Strootman and Mohamed Salah.
If Klopp can manage to get a left-back and a defensive midfielder before the transfer window shuts, then that would mean the jigsaw is complete and the team can then fully focus on mounting a proper title challenge. The midfielder’s currently playing that role don’t possess that ability to break up play consistently like a N’Golo Kante or Francis Coquelin would. Therefore a signing is must in this area.