The Reds have kicked off and their pre-season fixtures have given the supporters a small hint of what is to come in the coming season. Jurgen Klopp has made certain tactical changes and the inclusion of new players and that has really worked for some. The pre-season fixtures are generally a platform for the youngsters and the new signings to make their mark as well as for the star players to get back in their strides. However, it also allows the manager to experiment with tactics and try to figure out what fits best with the updated squad. By looking at the performances of Liverpool in the pre-season games so far, here are the three things that we learnt.
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New arrivals showing their class
Liverpool have acquired the services of some talented individuals in this transfer season and some of them are really making a mark in the pre-season games. Sadio Mane has been impressive in the start and his contribution in those games is giving the fans a lot to expect from the winger. The Senegalese forward likes to go forward and he has demonstrated his threat inside the box which will be very helpful for the Reds. He will surely be a valuable asset on the right wing and will torment the defenders as the season goes on. Marko Grujic, the other signing has been terrific in the midfield and has also scored two goals and has add a new dimension to the Liverpool squad.
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A change in tactics
Jurgen Klopp favored the 4-2-3-1 for the majority of last season, but this time, at least in the pre-season games he has opted for the 4-3-3. Considering the attacking ability of Mane, Ings and Firmino, Klopp might opt to play 3 players up-front instead of the lone striker and have a 3 man midfield. This tactic gives Klopp the opportunity to exploit the strength of Mane in attack and Wijnaldum in midfield.
- Get a left back
The pre-season games, although did not exploit the weakness in the defense, but it still alerts the need of a quality left back in the side with Brad Smith looking to move to Bournemouth. Liverpool must sign a young left back who is astute defensively and good on the runs. With Ben Chilwell looking to renew his contract with Leicester, Jurgen Klopp will have to re-assess his options and look for players from other markets to strengthen his defensive unit in order to pose tough competition this season.
