At the time of writing Liverpool find themselves in third place in the Premier League after 26 games played. They’re five points adrift of Manchester United in second, two points ahead of Spurs in fifth and six points ahead of Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal in sixth. The aim for Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp is surely to establish themselves as a team that qualifies for the Champions League year in year out, and they’re not far away from becoming a side that is capable of doing that.
As things stand Liverpool are still competing in the Champions League this season, with FC Porto up next in just over a week’s time. They’re also involved in the race for the top four domestically too, and that’s a task that is always slightly harder; especially when you’re competing on multiple fronts. While Manchester City almost certainly have the Premier League title in the bag, Liverpool are still capable of finishing as high as second in the division.
After this season is complete, it’s highly likely that Liverpool will once again be competing in Europe’s top club competition, while also looking to be in the top four mix once again. To really cement their place amongst the top sides in the league they will have to add just a bit more quality to their ranks. Liverpool sold Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona for big money and they also spent big themselves by bringing in Southampton man mountain Virgil van Dijk to shore up what has been a leaky backline.
Virgil van Dijk’s arrival was hailed as the solution to all of Liverpool’s defensive woes, but they undoubtedly need more than that to become a real force. First of all, they need a reliable goalkeeper. Karius, now the club’s number one stopper, impressed last time out against Spurs. He still fails to convince though, and Liverpool would be a much sounder outfit if they brought in a keeper like Jack Butland or rumoured target Alisson of Roma. The latter has been one of the best keepers in Serie A this season and Liverpool have cash to spend.
A goalkeeper that the Liverpool defence could depend on would serve them well going forward and the defence is another area that needs further strengthening in order to turn Klopp’s men into top four regulars. While the arrival of Virgil van Dijk is a step in the right direction, even though he’s not flourished so far, he needs a quality centre half partner alongside him to become really effective.
Dejan Lovren’s form has picked up since having van Dijk alongside him. but if Liverpool where to get a central defender on VVD’s level, they would stop conceding so many goals. If they’re willing to spend a good amount of money once again, they could be in the market to sign an elite centre half who could form a long term partnership with £75 million man van Dijk. Kalidou Koulibaly, 26, is one of the best centre backs on the planet right now and the Napoli man would be an ideal fit alongside van Dijk.
This season looks very promising for The Reds, especially when looking at the form of Salah, Firmino and Mane. The club is set for a top four finish. However, there is no doubt the rumours and gossip, with regards to new players will continue for the rest of the season; and Klopp and the Liverpool board will be preparing to strengthen their squad in summer 2018.
