For some observers it might have looked like an uninspiring summer transfer window for Liverpool Football Club.

The Champions League winners have just brought in three new faces.

Out of the new recruits I doubt any of them will be automatic starters in the first-team this term.

The Anfield outfit have brought in two teenagers, Sepp van den Berg and Harvey Elliot.

Centre-back Sepp arrived in a £1.3m deal from Dutch side PEC Zwolle. Last year the defender became the youngest player to play in ten Eredivisie games. He’s a classy performer, who has great pace, and he’ll no doubt develop under the tutelage of manager Jurgen Klopp and fellow Dutch defender Virgil van Djik.

I’m pretty sure Van den Berg will get some first team exposure in his debut year but it’ll probably be limited.

Former Fulham kid Harvey Elliot became the youngster player to play in the Premier League when he got his chance against Wolves in April of this year.

The sixteen year old has already impressed Klopp but the German boss has suggested that the young forward might be better off getting game time this year and that could see him go out on a loan deal at some point:

‘Now he is here so let’s work with him. He needs game time, we will see where he gets that but he is obviously a fine, fine footballer and that’s why we were really interested in signing him.’

Via The Metro

The only other new face is Spanish goalkeeper Adrian. The former West Ham United shot-stopper arrived on a free transfer and is a straight replacement for Simon Mignolet, who left Anfield for Club Brugge this month (Source The Guardian).

There’s no doubting Adrian is a fine keeper but he’s only at Liverpool to act as a reliable back-up to first choice Alisson. The Brazilian is a world class goalkeeper and proved that multiple times in his maiden season in the Premier League.

So in essence Liverpool have plugged a gap in their squad and also brought in two very talented youngsters for the future.

Why?

Well it’s simple, Klopp has built a very strong squad since his arrival in 2015. The Reds gaffer has spent big in recent windows and he clearly feels he has the tools to go again.

Let’s not forget that the side not only won the Champions League last season but also feel short of the Premier League title by just one point.

As well as losing Mignolet, the only other first-team players to leave the Merseyside club are fringe players Daniel Sturridge and Alberto Moreno. Danny Ings also made his loan move to Southampton permanent and youngster Rafa Camacho has also departed for Sporting Lisbon.

That means Liverpool still have a very strong squad.

Loanees Nathaniel Clyne and Ryan Kent have returned to the club. Although Clyne will be out for the foreseeable future due to a serious ligament injury (Source Liverpoolfc.com).

There doesn’t seem to be many weaknesses within the pool.

As I’ve stated they have a great goalie and very capable understudy.

They also have a wide array of talent at the back as long as the majority of them stay fit.

They could perhaps do with a natural replacement for left back Andy Robertson but James Milner and Trent Alexander-Arnold can fill in if required. Plus they have a talented youth in Tony Gallacher.

Some supporters may have wanted a new recruit for midfield, maybe someone creative to unlock defences. I bet there was a temptation to bring Philippe Coutinho back to the club.

I’m guessing Jurgen believes that Naby Keita will have a big season at the club and can offer more going forward. The Reds manager may also use Xherdan Shaqiri more this term. They also have Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain coming back from longterm injury.

Klopp also knows that midfielders Milner, Jordan Henderson, Georginio Wijnaldum and Fabinho will always give their all for the cause and win more midfield battles than they lose.

Liverpool also possesses a superb front-three that can cut through any defence. If Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane can remain fit then there should be little to no issues.

The problems arise if one of those attackers picks up an injury or struggles badly for form.

Belgian hitman Divock Origi showed last season that he can be a player for the big games but he still needs to be more consisted when he gets his chances in front of goal.

Shaqiri can be pushed further forward if needed and Ryan Kent showed at Rangers last term that he can be a handful on the left-wing.

The return from injury of nineteen year old Rhian Brewster could be the main reason why Klopp hasn’t gone out in the transfer window to buy another attacker.

Brewster seems to have the skill-set to become a top class forward in the future. This could be the young hitman’s chance to breakout like Robbie Fowler and Michael Owen have done before him and terrorise opposition defences.

It’s going to be a tough season for Liverpool, that’s always going to be the case when you look to challenge for major honours.

Current Premier League champions Manchester City will hope to be stronger with Joao Cancelo, Angelino and Rodri all bolstering their first team squad. Although Vincent Kompany’s departure could be a massive loss.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has gone for continuity this summer and he also has great belief in the young talent he has within his squad.

Can they finally secure that first Premier League title?

Only time will tell on that one. They’ll need to be lucky when it counts but they do have a squad capable enough to do it!

Posted on August 9th, 2019 by scott
Filed under: Article