Three things Liverpool still need to fix ahead of the start of the season
The transfer sagas roll on but there are also squad depth issues that need addressing
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Van Dijk is needed
Liverpool supporters would like to see the protracted pursuit of Virgil van Dijk come to a successful end more than anything else. After a long summer of hopes being renewed and then dashed again, to get the signing of the Southampton centre-back over the line would provide welcome relief.
In fairness though, as we outlined earlier this week, there is little that Liverpool can do to force the issue if Southampton are adamant that either a) Van Dijk will not be sold or b) he will not be sold to Liverpool specifically. Even if they relent on the first, they could still refuse to listen to offers from Anfield after the ‘tapping up’ controversy earlier this summer.
Liverpool therefore have not just one but two obstacles to clear before they can be confident of completing a deal for Van Dijk. As it stands, Southampton are adamant he is staying and this saga is likely to run right down to the deadline.
Central midfield is still light
It is not just in central defence that Klopp could do with an extra body. The midfield is light too, particularly after a thigh injury ruled Adam Lallana out for a ‘considerable period of time’, thought to be around two months.
The consequences of failing to bring in RB Leipzig’s Naby Keita are suddenly clear, with Klopp only another injury and suspension away from having the as-yet-untested Marko Grujic starting in the middle of the park. Philippe Coutinho has, of course, appeared in the position recently too and his availability come September is a whole other story.
There has been little indication that Liverpool are considering an alternative to Keita, with the club expected to go back in for the midfielder next summer. Klopp is not the type to bring in a short-term option, after all, but more bad luck with injuries and that could cause a problem.
Where is the depth?
Ultimately, the overarching issue is depth and it even stretches to parts of the squad that look well-stocked at first glance. Nathaniel Clyne’s current absence is a case in point. Ahead of this weekend’s opener at Watford, Klopp noted that one of three options could fill in: Joe Gomez, Jon Flanagan or Trent Alexander-Arnold.
A natural centre-back recovering from a minor muscle injury and a liked but limited full-back who struggled for minutes at Burnley are not exactly stellar options. It is, instead, likely to be the highly-rated Alexander-Arnold, who is still 18 years-old and a novice at the top level. Even when the cover is there, it is a little thin.
Ben Woodburn is another promising academy youngster whose rise through the ranks has come on merit, but also because of the unavailability of senior players. Liverpool start the season with five games in 15 days, including a hugely important two-legged Champions League play-off. That they may be forced to call on teenagers in the tie is something of a concern.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments