5 problems Liverpool needs to address to end their Premier League drought

One of the most successful clubs in English Football, Liverpool have not won the league title since 1990.

Ever since the arrival of Jurgen Klopp in 2015, things have changed and the club is moving in a positive direction. The Reds are one of the more dangerous sides in the world right now and is capable of beating any team on their day.

They have scored the most goals in the Champions League this season and are also the second most scoring team in the Premier League.

Although the team is looking like it can return to its glory days soon, there are certain problems which Klopp needs to address before the team can win any silverware.

Here is a look at 5 problems Liverpool needs to fix before looking to end their Premier League drought:

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#5 They need to find a Plan B

Jurgen Klopp needs to find a Plan B.

Against Swansea City, West Brom Albion and recently Manchester United, the Reds lost some valuable points as the opposing teams decided to sit deep and not allow the side any room in the final third.

Despite having the majority of possession in all of these games, the Reds failed to create meaningful chances and the vast amount of possession also came in their own half. Liverpool does not have any plan B while going into such games and therefore, ends up getting frustrated.

If Klopp wants his side to contest seriously for the league title next season, then he needs to find a Plan B for going into such games, otherwise, the opponents will keep using this as a weakness.

Signing a traditional number 9 could be a solution to Liverpool's problems as that will provide the club with more aerial treat and strength in the opposition box, which they currently lack.

The club could target players like Sam Vokes, Ben Dost, and Eden Dzeko in the upcoming transfer window.

#4 Need to sign a defensive midfielder

Emre Can is more of a box to box midfielder.

It is easy to blame Liverpool's defenders for their poor showings this season, but there will be less direct pressure on them if they have the protection of a proper defensive midfielder in front of them, a player who can slow down opposition attacks and cover the gaps left by the attack-minded players.

The team has been missing such a player since Javier Mascherano's departure in 2010. Although the club had Lucas Leiva until last season, injuries prevented him from cementing a place in the team.

But with the summer transfer window re-opening in July, Klopp will be looking for a good defensive midfielder to give his defense a solid protection.

Players like Wilfred Ndidi, Steven Nzonzi, and Victor Wanyama are doing well for their current clubs and can provide Liverpool the calmness in the field, which they lack currently.

#3 Find Coutinho's replacement

Liverpool miss Coutinho's creative spark in the midfield.

Coutinho left Liverpool for Barcelona in the winter transfer window of 2018 and ever since the departure of the Brazilian, Liverpool has been finding it difficult to beat teams who play narrow and don't offer them any space.

He is known for his great vision and excellent dribbling skills, and these qualities have been missing in Liverpool ever since his departure. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Adam Lallana have been tried in the number 10 role position, but both of them failed to live up to their expectations.

With the summer transfer window approaching, Klopp and the board will have to search the market to get a player who can unlock stubborn defences with his passing and vision but such players usually don't come cheap.

Paulo Dybala would be the dream signing though it is doubtful that the Reds could meet Juventus' expected asking price,

#2 Sign a new centre-back to partner Van Dijk

Liverpool needs to sign a new partner for Van Dijk

After joining Liverpool for a record fee in the January transfer window of 2018, Virgil van Dijk has been doing well for the club and is looking like a player who could end the defensive woes, but it is his centre-back partners who are letting the team down.

The team has Dejan Lovren, Joel Matip, Ragnar Klavan amongst their ranks, but none of them are capable of delivering on a regular basis.

All of them are prone to errors and their mistakes cost the team especially in the big matches (see Liverpool's game against Manchester United yesterday and Lovren's abysmal display).

In order to win some silverware in the future, Klopp needs to sign a new partner for van Dijk, otherwise, the team will continue to drop points at crucial moments.

Players like Stefan De Vrij and Johhny Evans will become free agents/cheap in the summer and their presence could bring stability and calmness to the backline.

#1 They need a new club captain

Injuries leading Jordan Henderson down.

There is no doubt that Henderson is a talented footballer but the current Liverpool skipper is very prone to injuries and is inconsistent in leading a team.

He took over the armband from Steven Gerrard in 2015 but has failed to live up to the expectations.

He has failed to play 25 league games in a single season since his appointment as the captain due to a series of bad injuries.

As a result, Klopp has had to change captains regularly and this disturbs the balance of the team as every captain has his own style of leading the team.

Also, with Naby Keita arriving from RB Leipzig this summer, he may find it difficult to break into the team with such a big competition for the places in the team.

The main job of the captain is to organize and motivate the team on and off the pitch, and keeping an irregular starter as the club captain is not a wise idea.

Therefore, Klopp needs to appoint a new leader who is a regular in the team and will be available to lead regularly.

Roberto Firmino, James Milner, and van Dijk could be the front-runners for the captain's armband.