With three games gone in the Premier League, things don’t look all that great for Liverpool. Jurgen Klopp’s men were expected to charge out of the gate, especially after their win on opening day but the Reds have faltered in their next two fixtures. The Reds were humbled by Burnley and then had a 1-1 draw against Tottenham at the Lane.
While Liverpool’s attack hasn’t clicked, their defence isn’t doing any better either. However, the crux of the issue seems to be a lack of steel in the midfield. The Reds play with a trio of Adam Lallana, Georginio, Wijnaldum and Jordan Henderson. The Englishman, Henderson, plays as the deepest midfielder and is given the task of providing cover to the defence and also break up the opposition’s play.
Henderson has been singled out by fans for not performing well in this role but Klopp was adamant that the midfielder will do well.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, the German had this to say about the English player:
“I see him every day in training so if I was doubting him then he would not be here.
“It’s quite easy. I like this player and he is very important for this club 100%. There is absolutely no doubt.”
Henderson though had his best season for Liverpool when he was given a free role ahead of Steven Gerrard in that amazing 2013-14 season. The change in position and role has not been fruitful for the 26-year-old. Klopp might expect Henderson to be his best option but the forgotten Brazilian, Lucas would be good in this role as well.
The 29-year-old is known for his defensive duties and was the better tackler last season as he won 3.9 tackles per 90 minutes compared to Henderson’s 1.81. The Brazilian was also better at intercepting passes and notched up 2.39 interceptions per 90 minutes with the Liverpool captain coming in with 1.53.
However, it seems that Klopp has decided to use Lucas sparingly. The midfielder was used as a centre-back last season for a few games and that could be his role this season too. Klopp wants players who are mobile and can cover a lot of distance, something that Henderson is known for.
The formation that Klopp applies at Liverpool needs a player who can run for the entire 90 minutes. For the moment it does seem that Henderson is the right man for the job but the Englishman has to pick up his game. There are other midfielders coming up the ranks at the Merseyside club and could easily take up the spot held by the Liverpool captain.
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Liverpool tracking 17-year-old Frenchman starring in the Ligue 1
Liverpool tracking Rennes youngster Eduardo Camavinga
Eduardo Camavinga has been one of the most impressive players for Rennes this season.
The 17-year-old Frenchman has featured in 20 games for the Ligue 1 club and was one of the stars in the 2-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain.
The defensive midfielder has also played in the Europa League and several clubs are interested in him.
Calciomercato claims that Liverpool are one of the clubs tracking the 17-year-old. Paris Saint-Germain and Milan are also keen on the teenage sensation, according to the report.
Do Liverpool need a young midfielder?
The Reds have a fantastic side at the moment and there aren’t many weaknesses around. The only problem we could face is injuries with Fabinho and Joel Matip missing chunks of this season already.
Alisson was also out for a while but Adrian did a great job in place of the Brazilian keeper.
Camavinga could be a great player for the future and would provide more steel to our midfield.
James Milner and Adam Lallana are free agents in the summer, and it will be interesting to see what happens with the pair.
Should both leave, we would require quality replacements. Marko Grujic has impressed at Hertha Berlin but Camavinga could be a decent option too.
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The Frenchman wouldn’t start regularly for us, but his growth could be boosted further under Klopp and his coaching team.
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This Liverpool-linked starlet could debut against arch-rivals in FA Cup
Takumi Minamino could make his Liverpool debut against Everton in FA Cup
Liverpool are expected to sign RB Salzburg midfielder Takumi Minamino in the January window, according to the Mirror.
The Japanese star has been one of the bright spots for the Austrian team. He should be a Liverpool player on 1st Jan as long as he passes a medical (h/t Mirror).
Minamino scored against the Reds in the Champions League clash at Anfield, and he could be in line to make a huge debut too.
The Mirror claims that the 24-year-old has a chance of facing Sheffield United in a Premier League clash on 2 January.
However, it is more likely he will make his debut in the third round of the FA Cup against Everton on 5 January.
That would be an incredible game to make his debut in, and Minamino could do a decent job for us in the second half of the campaign.
Mixing it up at Anfield
Minamino can play in a withdrawn role and could give Roberto Firmino a break. The Japanese can also play on the right-wing, which would allow Mohamed Salah to be rested once in a while.
Most of the midfielders at Liverpool can play in other positions. James Milner and Jordan Henderson have played as full-backs, while Fabinho has made a few appearances in the heart of the defence.
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It is that kind of versatility that would make Minamino a decent addition to the side. Hopefully, the Japanese is a Liverpool player soon and an official announcement is made soon.
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Liverpool in contact with representatives of 20-year-old Brazilian striker ahead of possible move
Liverpool in contact with Evanilson’s representatives over possible 2020 move
Liverpool have been linked with Brazilian youngster Evanilson, according to UOL (h/t Liverpool Echo).
The 20-year-old striker plays for Fluminense and his contract expires with them in February.
The report claims that Liverpool have contacted Evanilson’s representatives over a possible switch next season.
Liverpool have also scouted the forward all season (h/t Liverpool Echo) and it will be interesting to see what happens with him in the coming months.
Evanilson also spent a season on loan at Samorin, but has broken into the Fluminense first-team recently.
The 20-year-old still has a lot to learn in the game and it will be interesting to see if we sign him in the coming months.
Liverpool’s youth policy
Evanilson could be a smart signing for the future. The Reds have invested in their youth teams in the past and have seen a couple of those players become regulars for the first-team.
Harvey Elliott and Sepp van den Berg were two young players who were signed in the previous summer window.
The pair have also impressed in the Carabao Cup and could feature further this season. Curtis Jones has also done well and also played against Bournemouth after coming off the bench.
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The Reds have made some excellent signings under Jurgen Klopp’s tenure, and Evanilson could be the next one.
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