Klopp Must Strengthen Squad

Liverpool are sitting in a terrific position in the Premier League this Christmas, the Reds are currently second with only Chelsea above them.

Not many Liverpool supporters would’ve expected their team to be in such a strong position at this stage of the season, but the men from Anfield have been in superb form for the first half of this season, with only losses to Burnley and Bournemouth spoiling an almost perfect start to their campaign.

But the season is a long one and there is still a lot of games to play, and with the top of the league being so tightly bunched, the Reds need to maintain their good form.

A major concern going into the second half of the season is the strength of Liverpool’s squad, a few weeks ago it looked as strong as we’ve seen in a number of seasons, with players like Daniel Sturridge, Wijnaldum, Alberto Moreno, Divock Origi, Ragnar Klavan all sitting on the substitutes bench for the 6-1 home win over Watford.

Now Jurgen Klopp’s squad is looking stretched after key players picking up injuries in recent weeks, injuries to Joel Matip, Daniel Sturridge, Emre Can and Philippe Coutinho have forced the German to select a number of youngsters into his substitutes.

The 3-0 away win at Middlesbrough had a very inexperienced looking substitutes bench with Ovie Ejaria, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ben Woodburn and Kevin Stewart all selected.

With the greatest of respect to all of these players, they don’t have the experience required to get Liverpool into the top four, never mind challenge for the Premier League title when Klopp needs to make a change in the latter stages of a match.

Klopp has been reluctant in his use of these youngsters in the games when they have been included, usually waiting to the final few minutes to bring any of them on.

Basically Liverpool need to strengthen their squad this January transfer window or possibly see another great opportunity for a successful season slip away.

It is true that Liverpool don’t have as many games to play this season with no participation in European football being a blessing in disguise regarding their Premier League ambitions, but unless they get lucky on the injury front then they will struggle to maintain their form.

Lady luck hasn’t shone too kindly on the Reds regarding injuries in recent seasons and it would be a mistake to rely on key players staying fit again, especially with players like Sturridge.

Mane is another key player that will be missed at the start of the New Year, so hopefully Klopp brings in some more quality in January to help his squad push on in the Premier League race.