For the primary time since 2016, a brand new supervisor will get the chance to place his stamp on the Liverpool squad in a summer season switch window, however the place do the priorities lie?
Jurgen Klopp has known as time on his unbelievable Anfield profession, having delivered on all his early guarantees after which some to etch his title into membership folklore.
It didn’t finish fairly how we pictured it solely a few months in the past, however the frailties that had been uncovered in direction of the top of the marketing campaign have opened up potential areas for enchancment throughout the pitch.
As we embark on a brand new period, there’ll undoubtedly be no scarcity of names linked to Anfield within the coming weeks and months as we put together for what’s going to hopefully be one other assault on the league title and European Cup.
Let’s check out the important thing areas Arne Slot could look to replenish throughout his first summer season on Merseyside, in reverse order!
Â
5. Goalkeeper
Lots will rely upon whether or not the time lastly comes for Caoimhin Kelleher to maneuver on looking for everlasting first-team soccer, however we’re not permitting ourselves to even entertain the Alisson rumours!
The Irishman has been a superb deputy to the perfect stopper on the planet and has stepped up in huge moments when required, the Reds can depend themselves fortunate to have the most effective No. 2s within the enterprise.
Ought to he depart, there might be a gap within the goalkeeping division, however it might additionally give a few of the youthful prospects the possibility to indicate Slot what they’re able to.
Discovering an ready and prepared second in command usually proves difficult as a consequence of restricted alternatives, however Kelleher’s 47 Liverpool appearances ought to theoretically encourage any potential newcomer.
Â
4. Left-back
With Andy Robertson now on the mistaken aspect of 30 and Kostas Tsimikas having began simply 17 instances in 2023/24, the brand new supervisor could really feel there may be room to do one thing at left-back.
Owen Beck could disagree, nonetheless, as he returns off the again of a formidable spell on mortgage at Dundee during which a cameo look for the Reds in January’s 4-0 victory over Bournemouth was sandwiched.
Joe Gomez additionally spent loads of time in that place all through final season, however Slot is alleged to favor versatile full-backs and he could look to herald a specialist to freshen issues up.
As one thing of a full-back-related aspect observe, the Dutchman may additionally need to check out the right-back place and a few competitors for Conor Bradley ought to he turn out to be the supervisor to lastly push Trent Alexander-Arnold into midfield.
Â
3. Proper winger
There’s room for manoeuvre so far as the specifics of the place are involved, however there’s a sturdy case to be made for Liverpool to strengthen within the ahead positions this summer season.
Mohamed Salah‘s contract scenario stays unresolved, however regardless of his fast future, the Reds haven’t made a senior attacking signing since Cody Gakpo‘s arrival 18 months in the past.
Questions had been requested concerning the type and health of all 5 first-team forwards in direction of the top of the marketing campaign, and hyperlinks to strikes away would come as no nice shock in sure circumstances.
The brand new period gives the chance for a refresh, and Slot could really feel the entrance three is an efficient place to place a stamp on his new aspect.
Â
2. Centre-back
Liverpool ought to have been available in the market for a centre-back a 12 months in the past, and the occasions which have unfolded since then have solely accentuated that truth.
Joel Matip‘s departure, Virgil van Dijk‘s age, and health points throughout the again line all level in direction of the necessity for another this summer season.
Jarell Quansah has unquestionably saved the membership some critical money together with his massively spectacular breakthrough season, however one in every of Slot’s greatest jobs will likely be to rectify the defensive shortcomings of latest months.
The Reds stored simply two clear sheets of their final 17 outings of the marketing campaign, and whereas that largely stems from a wider concern of the crew struggling to defend as a unit, a newcomer within the center with a constructive damage document actually wouldn’t do any hurt.
Â
1. Defensive midfield
As was the case at No. 2, the dialog across the want for reinforcement on the base of midfield feels as loud because it was 12 months in the past.
Wataru Endo‘s arrival raised eyebrows again in August, together with his age and price ticket providing little encouragement provided that the squad had been with out a recognised No. 6.
He took to the duty admirably all through 2023/24, however the actuality is that Alexis Mac Allister spent far an excessive amount of time defending the again 4 and it’s abundantly clear that his strengths lie additional up the pitch.
Whether or not we see consideration return to a few of the targets we had been linked with final summer season stays to be seen, however a top-drawer holding midfielder feels the best place to improve the beginning XI and additional squad.
