Commanding centre-half to complement Joel Matip
Liverpool signed two centre-halves in the 2016 summer transfer window. Joel Matip was a success story, injury problems aside. The Cameroon defender was a calming presence in Jurgen Klopp’s back four. His fitness problems and African Cup of Nations saga forced the Liverpool boss to rely on Ragnar Klavan. The Estonia international was largely disappointing when asked to deputise for Dejan Lovren or Matip. Klopp can’t have a situation where Liverpool are relying on Lucas Leiva to play out-of-position at centre-half next term. The German has acknowledged this weakness considering Liverpool’s pursuit of Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk. That transfer chase ended in disappointment but if Klopp was willing to spend £60m on the Dutch defender, surely the Liverpool boss will invest significant funds in another defensive target.
A left-back to replace James Milner
James Milner acquitted himself admirably in an unorthodox left-back role. Klopp turned to the England international at full-back given Alberto Moreno’s unconvincing performances in the 2015-16 season. The Spain international should be transfer listed this summer after the former Sevilla man was frozen out over the past season. Milner is more than adequate playing at left-back in the Premier League, but the 31-year-old could struggle in the Champions League and a more demanding fixture list next term. Klopp needs to sign a solid defender to take over the reins from makeshift left-back Milner last summer. Worryingly for Liverpool fans, Klopp appears to be focused on signing a centre-half and a winger more than a new full-back.
More pace…
Sadio Mane’s introduction to the Liverpool team last summer highlighted what a bit of pace can do for Klopp’s side. The Senegal international moved to Liverpool in a £34m deal from Southampton. Mane justified his price tag with a return of 13 goals and five assists in 27 appearances in the Premier League last term. Liverpool have been linked with a move to sign Mohamed Salah from AS Roma. While Salah has questions to answer about his ability to perform in the Premier League from his brief spell at Chelsea, the African forward has excellent in Serie A. The pacy winger scored 15 times and made 11 assists to help the Rome outfit finish in second place. Liverpool struggled badly when Mane took part in the African Cup of Nations before his season came to an end prematurely following a knee injury in the Merseyside derby at Anfield in March.
Time to sign a striker…
Klopp is clearly content to play with Roberto Firmino in a false nine role. With a fully fit squad, the Liverpool boss regularly opted to start with the Brazilian up front ahead of Daniel Sturridge. The England international endured another disappointing campaign despite his flurry at West Ham United in their penultimate game. Liverpool will be competing on four fronts next season and Klopp will need options to change up his tactics depending on situations and a cluttered fixture list. While Firmino will more than likely continue in his forward role, Klopp needs to add a proven goal-scorer to his team to give him the ability to find more solutions to win games.
More midfield muscle
Liverpool lacked power in midfield in the absence of Jordan Henderson. The Reds captain spent the second half of the season sidelined with a foot problem. Emre Can and Georginio Wijnaldum were first-team regulars in the England international’s absence. The German midfielder is a powerhouse but is prone to showing a lack of composure and inexperience. Wijnaldum is a crafty player but doesn’t have the power of Can or Henderson. With a return to the Champions League on the horizon, Liverpool need to reinforce their midfield options.