Liverpool were seven points clear in the title race last month, now they’re behind Manchester City on goal difference and their lack of squad depth is starting to show.
Joe Gomez’ fractured leg has caused the Reds to wobble and concede far more chances than they did before his injury on December 5. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dejan Lovren also joined Gomez on the injury list and, since Boxing Day, they’ve only kept two cleans sheets.
Even before the 1-1 draws at home to Leicester and away at West Ham, Liverpool were scraping results in games that so easily could’ve swung the other way. 1-0 at Brighton and 4-3 against Crystal Palace were games where, had the opposition taken their chances, they would have dropped points.
Indeed, they simply don’t have enough quality players to deal with injuries.
Liverpool’s transfer policy can hardly be faulted over the last season. They spent the money they needed to on Virgil Van Dijk and Alisson, while strengthening their midfield with Fabinho and Naby Keita and adding Xherdan Shaqiri to their forward line. The squad needed a refresh and it began at the start of the 2017/18 season. Now, this summer should be seen as the final phase.
They need more cover at full-back, another quality centre-back, more midfielders to replace the average Jordan Henderson and James Milner and another forward to step up if Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane get injured or lose form.
Not much to ask for then, hey?
It’s demanding, but so is trying to win every competition. Something Klopp knew this squad couldn’t do, and that’s the reason for the early cup exits as a way of prioritising the league. Manchester City’s squad is far stronger and even they will struggle battling on all four fronts.
Liverpool may fall short of winning the title this year due to their lack of depth when injuries, particularly defensive ones, creep up. But when the transfer window comes, they have to spend to make the most of the momentum they have as an up-and-coming squad.
Who do you think Liverpool need to sign to take them to the next level?
