"If I sit here in four years, I am pretty confident we will have one title," said Jurgen Klopp, speaking at his first press conference since taking over at Liverpool. Nearly two years into his reign, two cup finals and a top four finish later, it is fair to say he has a much better idea of the enormous challenge that lies ahead of him.
Although blessed with an array of attacking talent, Liverpool's squad ultimately fell short in the 2016-17 Premier League title race. A thin squad severely stretched by injuries, a defensive record that ensured even two-goal leads may not be enough to see out games, a wretched run of form that proved too costly...it was a relief when the season was eventually salvaged by a top four finish on the final day.
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But for next season, it is clear that a sustained title challenge and a prolonged European run would be the bare minimum expected of Klopp's men. Mistakes and deficiencies that plagued the previous season should be addressed; astute dealings in the transfer market are imperative to set the tone for a successful season.
Here are 5 positions Liverpool need to strengthen this summer:
#5 Centre-back
Mooted as Liverpool's number one transfer target this summer, the Virgil van Dijk saga continues to roll on. Having issued a public apology to Southampton for allegedly tapping up their player behind their back, it seemed the deal was dead in the water; but recent press reports suggest Southampton might decide against keeping an unhappy player in the squad.
Whether it is van Dijk or other rumoured targets like Michael Keane, Harry Maguire and Kalidou Koulibaly, it is clear Liverpool are in the market for a centre-back this summer. With good reason too – Sakho's impending departure and Lucas' departure will leave the squad paper thin on centre-backs.
Having conceded 50 or more goals in three of the last four seasons, Liverpool need a quality centre-back to plug their set piece woes and vulnerability to counter attacks.
#4 Left-back
James Milner's successful reinvention was a nice story to read for 2016-17 season, but now Liverpool need a viable alternative for the upcoming season with added European commitments. The writing was on the wall for Alberto Moreno's Liverpool career the day he put in a hapless performance against Arsenal at Emirates.
Reports suggest that Klopp is on the lookout for a young player to complement and eventually take over from Milner, rather than an established star who would instantly crack the first 11.
Either way, it is increasingly clear that Liverpool need to add numbers at left-back. Links with primary target Ryan Sessegnon of Fulham have broken down in recent weeks as Klopp’s search for a left back drags on.
#3 Goalkeeper
Klopp might not agree, but like left-back, goalkeeper has been a problematic position for Liverpool for years now. Ever since Pepe Reina’s departure, Simon Mignolet has alternated between putting in decent performances and flattering to deceive.
Granted, he put in a string of solid performances at the rear end of the recently concluded season, yet his presence still doesn’t exert a calming influence on the back four in front of him. Loris Karius, on the other hand, has at least two more years of development to go before he can make the required step up in quality.
When you compare the options the rest of the top 6 boast in the same position – Courtois, Lloris, Ederson, Cech, De Gea – it is clear Mignolet is a step down in quality. Even though they have more pressing concerns, a world class goalkeeper wins 10-15 points on his own. If Klopp wants to build an unassailable side, this would be a good place to start.
#2 Central midfielder
Klopp's intention seems to be to build up a new core for the squad. The aims for this window are rumoured to be a centre-back, a central midfielder and a striker among others.
Although Henderson's rise to prominence in the number 6 role quietened links with some upcoming Bundesliga midfielders, Klopp is still on the lookout for a box to box midfielder. Naby Keita has been mentioned, but the move seems really unlikely at this stage with RB Leipzig determined to keep their first 11 intact.
Liverpool’s transitional play from attack to defence has been below par and the addition of a defensive-minded midfielder will help the team with more balance.
With Emre Can's contract situation unresolved, and no clear replacement signed for Joe Allen post his departure, it seems Liverpool will be in the market for a central midfielder this summer.
#1 Striker
Whether Liverpool really "need" a striker depends on which side of the debate you are on. 11 gameweeks into 2016-17, Liverpool topped the Premier League table and scoring charts with Firmino playing false nine, having just thrashed Watford 6-1 at Anfield. No one was crying out for a striker then; goals were well distributed around the team, and Firmino's pressing game set the tone for the rest of the Liverpool side.
But in hindsight, Liverpool's campaign would perhaps have been better served with a 20-goal a season striker in their ranks. Daniel Sturridge's availability is a perpetual question mark, but all the same, there are no conclusive indications yet that he will leave this summer.
If he leaves, Liverpool definitely need to sign a first 11 striker – no more half measures since they already have Dominic Solanke, Danny Ings and Divock Origi to make up the numbers in the squad.
