Liverpool are at the top of the Premier League but need reinforcements to address squad vulnerabilities to bolster their title hopes
Liverpool are sitting at the top of the Premier League right now as we are halfway through the season, however, they have been far from convincing while title rivals Arsenal and Manchester City are too close for comfort.
The Reds are also taking every competition seriously as they have progressed into the last 16 of the Europa League. The Carabao Cup semi-finals against Fulham also awaits in January with the commencement of this year’s FA Cup.
The Reds are facing an injury crisis in their defence after losing Joel Matip to a season-ending injury. The 32-year-old’s contract expires and the end of the current season, leaving a big hole in the defence department. Captain Virgil van Dijk has partnered with Jarell Quansah and Ibrahima Konate since Matip’s injury.
Joe Gomez is another central defensive option but the 26-year-old has his hands full, covering multiple positions. Both Konate and Gomez have an unreliable record with injuries making it hard for Klopp to thoroughly depend on them. Quansah has experienced a rapid ascent but he requires effective game management to ensure the best nurturing of his talents.
Furthermore, Andy Robertson is still out with the shoulder injury that he suffered during the October international break. To make things worse, Kostas Tsimikas suffered a collarbone fracture against Arsenal, sidelining him for a long period.
Liverpool successfully revamped the midfield in the summer which contributed in their steep rejuvenation this season after last season’s struggle. However, they have conceded early goals on many occasions and have been far too wasteful in the attacking third.
Keeping all that in mind, The Kop Times identified three players that Liverpool should consider during the January transfer window:
Goncalo Inacio
Liverpool needs to fortify their defence having lost Matip while the iconic defender seems set to leave in the summer. Sporting CP’s Goncalo Inacio is a right-footed defender who completely fits the profile that Klopp desires in a Liverpool defender. The 22-year-old stands at 1.86 metres, having the physical build to be dominant aerially and on the ground.
At such a young age, Inacio has already established himself well within the international setup, displaying maturity in his gameplay. The 22-year-old has the passing range to distribute from the backline and the ability to drive forward with the ball.
Inacio uses good positioning, anticipation and reading of the game to make well-timed tackles and interceptions. THe Portugal international is versatile enough to play as a left-back, a position with biggest injury concern. Reports have suggested that he has a release clause of £52m, making him a bargain signing in an inflated market.
Liverpool’s links with Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie persist, although reports indicate Leverkusen’s determination to retain him. In our assessment, the Portuguese international’s superior injury record compared to the Ecuadorian distinguishes Inacio from Hincapie in our books. Inacio’s minimal time on the sidelines strengthens our belief that he should be a serious target.
Jeremie Frimpong
Klopp has used Liverpool vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold as an inverted right-back, shifting centrally instead of overlapping. Trent is the best playmaker in the team and from central, he gets to distribute passes and dictate the tempo. The 24-year-old has played as a deep-lying playmaker in the latter stages of many games as well.
Many fans and football pundits believe that Liverpool needs another number six apart from Wataru Endo. However, we think Liverpool needs a solution to permanently shift Trent into the midfield and let him thrive there.
While the inverted right-back position allows Trent to play centrally, it takes away the advantage of having an overlapping fullback. Liverpool needs to address that problem and they can do it by signing someone like Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong.
Frimpong is currently one of the most creatively threatening fullbacks in Europe and a pivotal part of Leverkusen’s setup. However, with £35m release clause, the opportunity is there to secure one of the deadliest fullbacks in Europe.
The 23-year-old has made 22 appearances in all competitions, contributing with seven goals and 10 assists. Without the release clause, it is impossible to lure him away from Leverkusen, let alone for such a low price. The Netherlands international possesses electric pace and stamina to go up and down the right-flank.
Furthermore, Frimpong’s technical ability makes him a threat in front of goals and as a creative outlet from the right. Frimpong’s pace and close control helps him beat any opponent in ground duels and create continuous havoc. Liverpool needs a right back of Frimpong’s mould and the Dutchman’s release clause makes the potential deal very tempting.
Jarrod Bowen
Liverpool’s attacking department has faced scrutiny for being too wasteful in front of goals despite their good overall performances. At the same time, Luis Diaz has struggled to retain his past form since returning from last season’s knee injury. Additionally, the AFCON competition will see Mohamed Salah’s departure, creating a substantial void in the attacking department.
West Ham United’s Jarrod Bowen fits the profile of a player that Liverpool needs in their squad. The 27-year-old has the versatility to play at either flank or centrally and be effective for the team. Bowen has thrived at West Ham through their ups and downs and numerous changes in personnel over the different seasons.
The Englishman’s well-documented and consistently proven ability to unlock any defense and contribute to goals and assists stands out. Klopp admitted that Bowen is his favourite player in the Premier League outside of the players he possesses at Liverpool.
However, Bowen has signed a long-term contract with West Ham keeping him until 2030. Luring him away would demand an astronomical fee, a practice not commonly associated with Liverpool. Rest assured, Liverpool needs an answer to the questions they faced when Luton Town and Manchester United nullified numerous attacks.
