Jurgen Klopp has taken over at Liverpool and the German announced himself in the Premier League in some style.
Addressing the press from Anfield on Friday, Jurgen Klopp was shining like a beacon. His simplicity and honesty captivated not just the fans but the media as well.
Klopp laid out his plans for an expansive brand of football and withheld from making promises he cannot keep.
Jurgen Klopp came across as a man who is aware of the task at hand and is well prepared. The German said that he had seen the last three Liverpool games against Sion, Carlisle and Aston Villa since being confirmed as Liverpool manager.
His emphasis on improving the Liverpool defence suggests that he has done his homework.
Klopp has hailed the potential in the current squad, but it is no secret that Liverpool are still 3 additions away from a top side.
It is quite astonishing that throughout his time at Liverpool, Brendan Rodgers never quite managed to sort out his side’s defensive problems. Constantly overlooked, year after year, Liverpool’s defensive unit has gotten worse.
There was no guarantee of a trophy or false hopes from Jurgen Klopp. But the German did say that if he stays for four years, Liverpool should be able to win one title at the very least.
Here at Soccerlens, we look at 3 additions that can breathe life back into Klopp’s Liverpool and take them closer to the title in future.
Defensive Midfielder
Perhaps the most important addition required to the Liverpool side right now.
The Liverpool midfield has been overrun countless times in the last 3 years and not just against top sides.
Although Lucas Leiva has done a good job when called upon, let’s be honest – he is not quite up to it.
Klopp will need to add defensive protection to his midfield. Someone with high concentration levels, tenacity and positional understand can do a world of good for the likes of Coutinho, Henderson and Emre Can.
Player options: Christoph Kramer (Bayer Leverkusen), Julian Weigl (Borussia Dortmund), Johannes Geis (Schalke 04)
Right sided centre back
The most popular question amongst Liverpool fans at the moment is – who will partner Mamadou Sakho?
Dejan Lovren and Martin Skrtel have been nothing short of comical and it is quite astonishing how Skrtel has survived four managerial changes at Liverpool.
The Slovakian’s commitment towards Liverpool is beyond question, but he is simply not up to the mark in a back four. He has played better at in a back three, but that is history now.
As for Dejan Lovren, the less we talk about him, the better it is.
Klopp will need to sign a defender come January and the likes of Subotic have already been linked.
Klopp emphasized that the attacking players can only play with freedom if they know that their side aren’t conceding a goal with every opposition attack.
One of the first things on his to-do list will be to find a solid partner for the Frenchman Mamadou Sakho. Liverpool have two fine full backs in Clyne and Moreno. A good partner for Sakho would give Klopp a solid back four to work with.
Player options: Niklas Sule (Hoffenheim), Neven Subotic (Borussia Dortmund), Tin Jedvaj (Bayer Leverkusen).
Goalkeeper
Simon Mignolet is a good keeper and an even better shot stopper.
However, the Belgian lacks in terms of communication and organising his defence.
Furthermore, Liverpool’s high pressing game would require him to push out and play in a high line – which he is, simply incapable of.
Player options: Timo Horn (Koln), Loris Karius (Mainz), Bernd Leno (Leverkusen).
Who would you sign for Liverpool in January? Let us know in the comments below.
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