Liverpool are finally taking a step in the right direction
Liverpool fans haven’t had much to shout about in recent years. It’s been a long time since they’ve seen any silverware and they’ve had to endure losing their best players on what seems to be a regular basis, either through retirement or because they’ve been moved out.
Players such as Javier Mascherano, Xabi Alonso, Fernando Torres, Pepe Reina, Sami Hyypia, Luis Suarez, Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard are no more. Raheem Sterling was lost to Manchester City and many expect to see Philippe Coutinho finally secure his dream transfer to Barcelona next year.
Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is no longer commanding the troops from the centre of midfield, instead, supporters have to watch Jordan Henderson passing the ball side-to-side or back to his centre-backs. It’s a frustrating time, but I believe that we’re finally starting to see some positives.
Liverpool have a manager that has the potential to be a huge success in the Premier League.
Providing Liverpool’s uninspiring owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) back him as much as they can, the former Borussia Dortmund man will, I am sure, deliver much-needed silverware. Although some of his decisions are frustrating and puzzling, it’s surely only a matter of time before he can say: “This is the team that I built!”.
As well as finally having a manager that appears a perfect fit for the Anfield club, there have been some fantastic additions to the squad. Sadio Mané proved an instant hit, but the arrival of Mohamed Salah in the summer has been even more exciting. His incredible form and determination on the pitch reminds me of the quality of players that Liverpool Football Club used to boast.
Finally, a step in the right direction. Nobody wants to lose Philippe Coutinho, but he’ll soon be forgotten if he secures an exit next year.
With Liverpool also set to unveil the highly-rated Naby Keïta in the summer and talk that Klopp is currently looking at Napoli’s impressive young defensive midfielder Amadou Diawara, there’s currently a more positive vibe around Anfield. Diawara may prove to be a long shot but whether or not Napoli can be convinced to allow him to leave, the type of players that Klopp is focusing on are certainly more promising than the majority of those previously delivered under the likes of Roy Hodgson, Kenny Dalglish and Brendan Rodgers.
Virgil van Dijk would be another fine addition to Klopp’s squad if Liverpool and Southampton can finally come to an agreement regarding the centre-back. But there’s still a lot more to be done.
I’m not convinced by either goalkeeper.
Neither Loris Karius or Simon Mignolet fill me with confidence, and maybe I’m old fashioned but I’d rather see a proven, clinical striker leading the attack than Roberto Firmino. Daniel Sturridge’s time at Anfield is rightly about to come to an end and poor old Danny Ings could follow him out of the club with Leeds United or Newcastle United a possible destination.
Ings has had a dreadful time at Anfield due to injuries and although he may return to full fitness, I’m not so sure that Klopp sees him in his future plans. He would be an ideal signing for either of those clubs. Liverpool need a striker, and like many Liverpool supporters, I will continue to try and convince myself that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang really is an option. What a coup that would be.
Liverpool supporters are tired of discussing the lack of investment into the club by the owners and their general lack of intent. It feels like years since we’ve been able to discuss the actual football. Hopefully, Mo Salah’s impressive form will continue to keep us distracted from the mundane topics that nobody really wants to discuss. I’d much rather be talking about what’s happening on the pitch than what’s happening in the Board Room.
Jürgen Klopp may not have turned all the doubters into believers just yet, but he’s certainly given them hope.
Duncan Oldham is the Editor of Liverpool FC fans’ website KopTalk
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