Liverpool are yet to sign for a senior team as social media debates whether it is a good thing or not
Liverpool are a hot topic on social media for not signing a single player for the senior team squad. The Reds are going through a transition period as new head coach Arne Slot succeeded the legendary manager Jurgen Klopp.
The transition period involved the return of former sporting director Michael Edwards as the new CEO of football under FSG. Edwards appointed former technical director of Bournemouth Richard Hughes as the new Sporting director for the Reds starting this summer.
As the transition happened, Liverpool fans anticipated big movements as many believed that the club would target quality over quantity. However, Liverpool have not signed a single player so far with rival clubs strengthening their squad consistently in the market.
The media constantly pushed the idea that Liverpool would make three signings, strengthening their defensive midfield, centre-back and attacking position. However, the Reds have maintained secrecy and whenever information leaked, it said that they are assessing the current team.
Slot inherited a strong squad from Klopp that already enjoyed a successful transition when the German revamped the midfield thoroughly. Klopp let go of most of the veteran players who played a key role in his success but regressed massively.
Liverpool signed several quality players in midfield including Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch to bolster them. Combined with the earlier signing of Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo, the new Liverpool squad reshaped itself but requires more modification.
Transfer market: Liverpool’s modus operandi
The question remains about how important these modifications are and whether Liverpool’s patience is a virtue amid some fan’s desperation. For what it is worth, The Kop Times agree with the strategy that the Reds are employing despite the backlash.
Liverpool have always operated according to necessity and with patience compared to the rival clubs with immense cash backing. While the Reds have faced a big transition in the staff, the project remains the same for the players involved.
Slot has displayed humility and practicality by accepting the player he inherited instead of letting his ego get the best of him. Usually, new bosses sign multiple players to stamp their authority and imprint their identity into the club with new faces.
Slot and Hughes have used patience to take July as the month to assess the current squad. This opportunity allowed them to analyze the young players like Sepp van den Berg, Tyler Morton and Fabio Carvalho. These players spent last season on loans to gain first-team experience and develop their talents while playing for other clubs.
The defensive conundrum
Liverpool could solve the defensive issues without spending a penny if Van den Berg proves his worth to the new head coach. Currently, Liverpool have captain Virgil van Dijk, Jarell Quansah, Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate as the defensive options in the team. The Reds lost Joel Matip during the summer after his contract expired which further complicated the situation in the defence.
Last season, the Reds suffered from conceding casual goals and played many games chasing the opponents after going a goal down. However, the different styles of play with more calmness and less directness on and off the possession could play a vital role.
Many Liverpool fans who followed Van den Berg’s loan spell at FSV Mainz 05 values his quality and believe in him. The Dutchman has backed their faith with impressive displays against Real Betis and Arsenal in the pre-season friendlies. If there is any reservation, the Reds can use August to rectify the situation while procuring the amount by selling the fringe players.
The attacking department
Liverpool’s well-stacked attacking department allows them to pursue any player with conviction, but it gives away their negotiation leverage. The Reds want Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United but they are not ready to spend massively on a luxury signing.
The situation could change if Barcelona moves for Luis Diaz which leaves a gap at the left flank. Slot has used Carvalho as the left winger despite his preference to play as a number 10.
The Reds are waiting for Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez to return with the management believing that Slot’s tactics can sort out many issues. Liverpool wasted a lot of chances last season which has a potential correlation with Klopp’s style of play that keeps the adrenaline high.
Klopp’s style of play was beautiful and eye-catching but it extracted a high toll due to the directness in attack and counter-attack. On the contrary, Slot’s style demands patience and calmness which could balance the attacker’s composure in the end to optimize goalscoring.
The biggest issue: Number six
Liverpool lacks depth in the number six midfield position, making it their most visible vulnerable area. Wataru Endo, Tyler Morton and Stefan Bajcetic are currently the three natural options for the role. Other midfielders are capable of playing the position as the makeshift defensive midfielders but it is a perennial risk.
While Bajcetic has immense quality, his struggle with fitness requires proper supervision in exposure to first-team football. Morton has displayed his qualities in the loan spell for Hull City and during the pre-season but only Slot can tell if he is ready to play for a big club. Meanwhile, Endo has endeared himself to the Liverpool fanbase and the staff but we know he is not the main man for the job.
Slot would prefer a number six who is capable of shielding the defence but can deliver more than that. The Dutch head coach prefers a possessional style of play and needs his number six to be a good playmaker. A number six can influence the game from the backline, dictating the tempo while maintaining security in the defence.
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Liverpool’s squad already includes players capable of influencing the next season under Slot. It makes no sense for the Reds to unnecessarily add players when the solutions are available internally through the academy or the players returning from loan. However, the defensive midfield position remains the only area for the Reds where the transfer market could act as a solution.
