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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Klopp wants to keep experienced star at Liverpool despite interest from European giants
Liverpool FC transfer news: Jurgen Klopp does not want to lose Dejan Lovren in the summer
Calciomercato claims that AC Milan will find it difficult to sign Liverpool’s Dejan Lovren.
The Croatian defender recently returned to the Reds for pre-season training, and report claims that the Reds value Lovren at €25million.
The 30-year-old was not a regular starter for us last season due to injuries and the form shown by Joel Matip and Joe Gomez.
However, the Croatian is one of the most experienced defenders in the Premier League, and the report adds that Jurgen Klopp admires Lovren’s leadership at the back.
The report claims that this is one reason why Klopp wants to keep Lovren in the team for as long as possible.
Liverpool won’t let Lovren go on the cheap
The report adds that Liverpool are looking to get the complete €25m for Lovren and are not willing to reduce his price.
Milan would have to match the valuation for Liverpool to even consider selling the Croatian (h/t Calciomercato).
The Reds have signed Sepp van den Berg, a young centre-back, in the summer, however, Klopp’s thought process regarding Lovren makes a lot of sense.
The Croatian hasn’t made any noises of wanting to leave and did a decent job in most of his games last season.
Signing a senior defender for the upcoming season would not be easy, and the Croatian has a great relationship with most of the Liverpool players, such as Mohamed Salah.
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Lovren’s experience is certainly great for a young Liverpool team, and it will be interesting to see what our actions are in the summer window.
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“I would say yes”: Klopp opens up on where Liverpool star’s future lies
Latest Liverpool transfer news: Klopp claims Mignolet’s future is with Reds
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp confirmed that Simon Mignolet would be staying despite the keeper being unsure about his playing time at the club (h/t Daily Mail).
Alisson was signed last summer, and the Brazilian has been excellent with the Reds.
The keeper won the Golden Glove in the Champions League and the Premier
Alisson was also the Man of the Match in our 2-0 win over Tottenham in the Champions League final.
However, Klopp was certain that Mignolet would stay, and praised his professionalism last season (h/t Daily Mail):
“Yes, (it’s) how I’ve heard.
“I’ve had a lot of conversations in the last couple of years, months – not weeks. Before we left (for the summer break) we had talk. I would say yes (he stays).”
Klopp added that the Reds need quality players in all positions, and that was the situation with our goalkeepers:
“At a club like Liverpool you need two number ones in the club and we have that with Ali and Simon.
“It’s a good situation for the club and a situation you should have and that’s why everything is fine from my point of view.”
Mignolet needs more games at Liverpool
The Belgian only played two games for the first-team last season, with those appearances coming in the domestic cups.
Mignolet needs to play regularly as he is in the prime of his goalkeeping career, and the Reds should offer him the same next season.
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The Reds are in additional competitions this season, and it will be interesting to see how things develop with the Belgian.
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Liverpool turn to veteran keeper to solve current injury crisis
Liverpool FC transfer news: Reds move for Andy Lonergan to solve keeper issue
The Liverpool Echo reports that the Reds have moved for former Preston North End goalkeeper Andy Lonergan to solve their problems between the sticks.
The report claims that Jurgen Klopp has brought in the 35-year-old keeper who last played for Middlesbrough.
Lonergan is set to travel to the US for our tour of North America, according to the report, as Simon Mignolet is the only fit senior keeper Liverpool have.
Alisson is away on a break after winning the Copa America while the Reds have seen two young keepers pick up injuries.
Caoimhin Kelleher is out with a wrist injury, Vitezslav Jaros injured his ankle ligaments while Kamil Grabara is yet to report for duty after his U21 Euro exploits with Poland.
Mignolet had to play almost the entirety of our pre-season friendly against Bradford with Dan Atherton being given a few minutes last night.
Lonergan not signing a deal with Liverpool
The report adds that the 35-year-old keeper will not sign a contract with Liverpool, and is unlikely to play in the US games.
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Lonergan is a well-travelled keeper, with stints at Rochdale, Leeds United, Bolton Wanderers and Wolves.
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