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 dealt a blow in hunt for promising teenage starlet as Serie A giants are unwilling to sell the player
Liverpool FC transfer news: Inter Milan unwilling to sell Sebastiano Esposito
Calciomercato claims that Inter Milan are unwilling to sell their rising starlet Sebastiano Esposito despite interest from Liverpool.
The 16-year-old was given his debut this season when he came on to face Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League knockout rounds.
Inter could not defeat the Bundesliga side but there is interest in the 16-year-old from Manchester City too (h/t Calciomercato).
The report adds that Inter see him as the future of the club and will only look to loan him out or let him play in the Primavera League.
The 16-year-old has already made a big name for himself with some great performances for the Italy U-17 team, and he seems set to remain with the Serie A giants for a while.
Liverpool need to build on their great season
The Reds have a great first XI but could do with more talent to strengthen the squad.
Esposito might be highly rated but it would be unlikely seeing him break into the first-team or even push the likes of Rhian Brewster and Divock Origi for game time next season.
Rhian Brewster
Liverpool need to build on an impressive season and it will be interesting to see our moves in the transfer window. The Reds missed out on the Premier League title by one point but can finish the season on a high by winning the Champions League.
Read more Liverpool transfer news, click here – Latest Liverpool transfer news
Liverpool face Tottenham in the final on June 1 and should be favourites to land their first trophy under Jurgen Klopp.
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Liverpool cool interest in £43m South American star as PL rivals make their move
Liverpool FC transfer news: Reds cool interest in Uruguayan striker Maxi Gomez
Liverpool have cooled their interest in 22-year-old Maxi Gomez, according to the Daily Star.
The report claims that the Reds enquired about the Uruguayan sensation, however, they have backed out of a deal to sign the Celta Vigo attacker.
Gomez has impressed at the La Liga side over the past two seasons. The 22-year-old scored 13 times in the league, with five assists to his name during the campaign.
Maxi Gomez
The report adds that the forward has a £43m release clause in his contract and there is interest from our Champions League final opponents, Tottenham.
Spurs have made contact with the player’s representatives, according to the report, while there is also interest from Borussia Dortmund.
Liverpool have a couple of up and coming strikers in the team
Roberto Firmino is the first-choice striker in the team and the Reds have a couple of young options who could do a job in place of the Brazilian.
Divock Origi was the surprise package of the season, nabbing some important goals despite not featuring a lot for the team. The Belgian bagged a brace against Barcelona recently and even scored the winners against Everton and Newcastle in the Premier League.
Read more Liverpool transfer news, click here – Latest Liverpool transfer news
Rhian Brewster also seems set to play for the first-team next season, and the forward is one of the most highly-rated youngsters we have in the team.
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(Photos) Liverpool touch down in Marbella for CL training camp with one surprise inclusion
Latest Liverpool news: Liverpool players reach Marbella for Champions League final training
Jurgen Klopp and the rest of the Liverpool team landed in Marbella for their Champions League final training sessions.
The Reds face Tottenham on June 1 at the Wanda Metropolitano for the final of the tournament as they look to win their sixth Champions League crown.
Liverpool visited Marbella earlier this season, and there was one major surprise joining the team in the training camp.
Naby Keita was initially ruled out for the season by Klopp after he picked up an injury against Barcelona. However, his national team manager Paul Put believes the Guinea midfielder could be back for the Champions League final (h/t Liverpool Echo).
The heroes from the win over Barcelona looked to be in the mood, with Georginio Wijnaldum pictured alongside Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Divock Origi, who scored a brace against Barcelona, could get a start in case Roberto Firmino isn’t fit for the final.
The usual suspects for Liverpool
Mohamed Salah also checked into the training camp and the Egyptian could be the difference maker for us in Madrid.
Virgil van Dijk has been excellent for us from the day he signed for us, and his leadership at the back will be one of the keys to winning the Champions League.
Our captain, Jordan Henderson, was also one of the stars in the win over Barcelona while Trent Alexander-Arnold’s crosses led to two goals against the Catalans.
Andy Robertson returned from injury to face Wolves on the final day of the season, and he should be ready to play in the final.
Alisson also pulled off some fantastic saves against Barcelona and won the Premier League Golden Glove award.
Read more Liverpool news, click here – Latest Liverpool news
The Reds are slight favourites for the title and we have already defeated Spurs twice in the Premier League this season.