Liverpool are primed to make their best challenge for the Premier League title since the league was re-branded in 1992, currently sitting second with 30 points after 12 games following the Nations League betting break.
Jurgen Klopp’s side are only two points behind leaders Manchester City as we approach the busy festive period and remain unbeaten in the league. Liverpool are currently a best-priced 5/1 to lift the Premier League title next May with bookmaker Paddy Power, with City odds-on favourites at 3/10 with the same firm.
Having spent big in the summer, Klopp has already suggested that the upcoming January transfer window will be quiet for Liverpool, unless the squad is rocked by any long-term injuries.
“If crazy things happen then maybe we have to think new but I don’t expect that,” Klopp said recently when asked about the window opening in January.
“At the moment it doesn’t look like we will be too busy, but it all depends on injuries and things like that. In the moment we have each position twice, three times and sometimes four times covered.”
That may be true in terms of personnel but even barring any injuries, if Liverpool are to keep pace with Guardiola’s rampant Manchester City side do they currently have enough to truly compete?
When you consider the strength in depth that City have at their disposal, probably not, and there are a couple of areas where Liverpool can strengthen in the upcoming market.
With European (Liverpool face a fight on their hands to reach the last 16 of the Champions League, but would likely still finish third in their group and drop into the Europa League) and FA Cup fixtures to consider in January, Liverpool are going to need more creative midfield options to compete on all fronts.
That may sound absurd given the free-flowing attacking football that the Reds have become known for under Klopp, but they haven’t been as creative so far this campaign as they were last season, with Liverpool’s overall improvement in results down to a newfound solidity at the back and between the sticks.
The triumvirate of Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino have been a little less productive this term, possibly in part due to a change in the emphasis behind them. New midfield recruits Fabinho and Naby Keita have yet to make a serious impact and are more defensive-minded players anyway. Gini Wijnaldum is a great utility player but he and Jordan Henderson have been in and out of the side so far as Klopp looks to find his best midfield line-up and Adam Lalana has never regained the form he had before injury.
While Xherdan Shaqiri has proven to be both a bargain and a revelation, you get the feeling that Liverpool need another creative addition. So who could they turn to?
Lyon playmaker Nabil Fekir was linked with a move to Anfield in the summer and a deal was reportedly close but wasn’t completed before the deadline. It’s possible that Klopp could revive interest in Fekir, or he could turn to a former colleague from his time at Borussia Dortmund.
American wonderkid Christian Pulisic has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool for some time and bookmakers currently have the 20-year-old at odds of 11/10 (and drifting) to remain with the Bundesliga giants, meaning they feel the midfielder is more likely to move. Pulisic impressed in the USA’s friendly defeat to England earlier this month.
The winger has the attributes to a be a successful creative outlet at Anfield, and if he can help Klopp guide Liverpool to a first Premier League title, he’ll impress many on Merseyside too.
