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 identify into membership folklore.
It didn’t finish fairly how we pictured it solely a few months in the past, however the frailties that have been uncovered in the 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!
5. Goalkeeper
So much will rely on whether or not the time lastly comes for Caoimhin Kelleher to maneuver on searching for everlasting first-team soccer, however we’re not permitting ourselves to even entertain the Alisson rumours!
The Irishman has been a wonderful deputy to the perfect stopper on the planet and has stepped up in large moments when required, the Reds can depend themselves fortunate to have among the best No. 2s within the enterprise.
Ought to he depart, there could possibly be a gap within the goalkeeping division, however it could additionally give among the youthful prospects the prospect to indicate Slot what they’re able to.
Discovering an in a position and keen second in command usually proves difficult attributable to restricted alternatives, however Kelleher’s 47 Liverpool appearances ought to theoretically encourage any potential newcomer.
4. Left-back
With Andy Robertson now on the improper facet of 30 and Kostas Tsimikas having began simply 17 occasions 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, nevertheless, as he returns off the again of a powerful spell on mortgage at Dundee wherein 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 claimed to desire versatile full-backs and he could look to herald a specialist to freshen issues up.
As one thing of a full-back-related facet notice, the Dutchman might also need to check out the right-back place and a few competitors for Conor Bradley ought to he grow to be the supervisor to lastly push Trent Alexander-Arnold into midfield.
3. Proper winger
There may be room for manoeuvre so far as the specifics of the place are involved, however there’s a robust case to be made for Liverpool to strengthen within the ahead positions this summer season.
Mohamed Salah‘s contract scenario stays unresolved, however no matter his fast future, the Reds haven’t made a senior attacking signing since Cody Gakpo‘s arrival 18 months in the past.
Questions have been requested in regards to the type and health of all 5 first-team forwards in the 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 presents the chance for a refresh, and Slot could really feel the entrance three is an effective place to place a stamp on his new facet.
2. Centre-back
Liverpool ought to have been available in the market for a centre-back a yr 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 the direction of the necessity for another this summer season.
Jarell Quansah has unquestionably saved the membership some critical money along with his massively spectacular breakthrough season, however one in every of Slot’s largest jobs can be to rectify the defensive shortcomings of current months.
The Reds saved simply two clear sheets of their final 17 outings of the marketing campaign, and whereas that largely stems from a wider concern of the staff struggling to defend as a unit, a newcomer within the center with a optimistic damage file definitely wouldn’t do any hurt.
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, along with his age and price ticket providing little encouragement provided that the squad have been with no 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 among the targets we have been linked with final summer season stays to be seen, however a top-drawer holding midfielder feels the simplest place to improve the beginning XI and additional squad.
