Despite an impressive outing this season, Liverpool couldn’t claim a trophy…
Liverpool had a fantastic run in the Champions League this season, and The Reds have also managed to qualify for next season’s campaign. Having said that, Liverpool have gone trophy-less yet again. In fact, Jurgen Klopp has failed to lead the club to any silverware since his arrival, with the club failing to win anything since the League Cup all the way back in 2012.
Despite contesting three major finals since then, and having the Premier League title in their grasp during the 2013-14 season, Liverpool’s trophy cabinet has not been added to. After some scintillating displays in Europe this season, the team from Merseyside also came short against serial winners Real Madrid. Moreover, their loss in the final emphasised the areas which need to be improved if the club are to truly return to their glory days.
1. Goalkeeper
This weakness is unlikely to come as a surprise to anyone. Liverpool have had serious goalkeeping issues in recent seasons. Simon Mignolet was dropped by Klopp due to a poor run of form, and was replaced by Lorius Karius. The German also struggled initially, but impressed for Liverpool this season – keeping the most clean-sheets of any keeper in the Champions League.
However, his inability to handle pressure on the biggest stage was evident last weekend. Liverpool fans may feel sorry for Karius, but they’ll undoubtedly want him swapped for someone more reliable. The club have been heavily linked with Roma goalkeeper Allison, but the Italian club’s asking price is upwards of €60 million and may keep The Reds away. England international Jack Butland, who was recently relegated with Stoke City, may prove to be a cheap and reliable option.
2. Centre-back
Liverpool had serious defensive woes until Virgil Van Djik was brought in from Southampton for a record fee. His presence has greatly improved the team’s defensive structure, and Liverpool have conceded the fewest goals of any Premier League club since his arrival. Despite the positive turnaround, just one top centre-back can not solve all their problems.
On paper, The Reds have a number of options to choose from, with the likes of Matip, Gomez, Lovren, and Klavan all part of the squad – but none of the aforementioned players are world-class. Van Djik could also get injured at any point during the season, leaving the club helpless in his absence. As a result, Jurgen Klopp needs another proven central defender to partner the Dutchman and form a more formidable defence.
☑️ Keïta
☑️ Fabinho
⏳ FekirLiverpool's new-look midfield is taking shape. 🍿https://t.co/FmWBpqwwel
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) May 30, 2018
3. Midfield
Against Real Madrid, The Reds kept surrendering control and possession to the likes of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric – a shortcoming which Klopp will certainly be looking to address. Jordan Henderson and James Milner have outstanding work-rates in important games, but Henderson has had injury issues in the past and Milner is on the decline. With Emre Can probably leaving for free this summer, Oxlade-Chamberlain out injured for some time, and Wijnaldum failing to put in consistent performances, a midfield overhaul will be needed.
Liverpool have recently signed Fabinho from AS Monaco and his arrival is sure to bring stability and vision to the team’s midfield. Naby Keita will also join The Reds this summer from RB Leipzig, and the fans can surely expect a lot of creativity from the Senegalese international. With the influx of midfield maestros, Klopp’s ability to get the most out of his players will be tested.
4. Squad depth
The one thing that arguably cost Liverpool the Champions League title was a lack of squad depth. Their star man Mohamed Salah went off injured after half an hour, and was replaced by an unfit Adam Lallana. After the substitution, Klopp’s men never really looked like threatening the Real Madrid goal. It seems that the Merseyside club are overly-dependent on the attacking trio of Salah, Mane, and Firmino – and can not fare well if one of them is injured or out-of-form.
The only direct replacements for those three in the current side are Solanke, Ings, and Lallana, all of whom are yet to prove themselves or muster up enough appearances. If any of the starting forwards get injured next season, Liverpool may face massive problems in front of goal. A proven striker is needed, especially one who is content playing the back-up role and making the most of his opportunities. The Reds have been linked with Lyon’s Nabil Fekir, who has had a stellar campaign in France and could significantly bolster the team’s attacking options.