3 areas Liverpool need to strengthen this winter

It's a familiar case of frustration for Liverpool fans after six games into the season in the Premier League. With their struggles seemingly replicated in the Champions League as well, let's take a look at three areas in which Liverpool need to urgently strengthen this winter if they're harbouring any hopes of finishing in the top-3 in EPL and reaching latter stages of the Champions League.

Centre Back

Virgil Van Dijk would greatly improve Liverpool's defence.

With fans seemingly not satisfied with the exploits of Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip, and the results on the pitch not suggesting otherwise, it's high time Klopp and Fenway Sports Group think of going all out to capture a Centre back who would provide the much-needed assurance at the back.

Liverpool went all out to capture Virgil Van Dijk in the summer, who currently plies his trade for Southampton, but eventually, it didn't materialise. But now they ought to do the same and the case becomes even stronger with the interest shown by Van Dijk to secure a move to Liverpool.

The attacking style of play of Liverpool often leaves the defenders vulnerable, particularly centrebacks. But with his pace and good positional awareness, Van Dijk would fit right into the system.

With his height and composure also proving to be a positive, Van Dijk would greatly reduce the threat Liverpool face from set-pieces There are some other options out there like, Kalidou Koulibaly of Napoli and Inigo Martinez of Real Sociedad, players who would be suitable alternatives and make Liverpool defence seemingly impenetrable.

Defensive Midfielder

The former Real Madrid man would be a valuable addition.

All the top teams out there possess a world class DM whose job is to break up the play, provide cover for the defence and at times and to help out the attackers with their link-up play.

Jordan Henderson, the captain of Liverpool has been doing this job for them for quite some time now after the departure of Steven Gerrard. Even though the passion and work rate of Henderson cannot be questioned, his positional awareness is something which proves to be his undoing.

Emre Can(yet to sign a new contract) is another player in the squad who could play the same role but he lacks consistency and at times his recklessness tends to get the better of him. With the impending arrival of Naby Keita, they seem to have it covered but he is more renowned for his attacking play than his defensive duties.

Asier Illarramendi of Real Sociedad can be the midfield pivot that Liverpool are currently lacking with his strong tackling and passing ability.

Another possible target for Liverpool is Fabinho of AS Monaco, who had been rumoured as a transfer target for other big clubs, would be an ideal signing, with his defensive competency being the main attraction, with tackling, concentration and positioning among his best attributes.

Striker

Jurgen Klopp with Aubameyang during their time together at Dortmund

For all their attacking play, Liverpool seem to be unable to take their chances and this has been underlined by the fact that they nearly had 100 shots in their last five games, with a meagre return of six goals.

Firmino, who is being deployed as a number nine, is known for his work rate and off the ball movement rather than for his finishing. Daniel Sturridge is a world-class striker if his body permits him but it deserted him more often than not over the past few seasons. Hence it becomes imperative to sign a Striker who would be able to convert the chances created by the attackers.

One of the options is Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Borussia Dortmund, who can't seem to stop scoring at the moment. His pace and clinical finishing would make Liverpool's attack even more lethal and he would provide the X-factor which they are currently lacking. Another option out there would be Mauro Icardi, the current captain of Inter Milan, who notwithstanding his disciplinary issues, is a top-class striker and would definitely make Liverpool title contenders.