Liverpool are heading into the second half of the season with every major trophy on their mind amid January transfer window. After their brilliant campaign’s start, the Reds are at the top of the Premier League and the Champions League table.

Furthermore, they will play Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup semifinals on Saturday and intend to reach the finals. Liverpool have won 23 out of 27 games in all competitions this season, showcasing quick adaptation to the new tactics.

Arne Slot has efficiently utilized the squad he inherited from the legendary manager Jurgen Klopp, only adding Federico Chiesa in the summer. Slot has used a more patient style of play, emphasizing the balance between the risk and reward factors.

While the Dutch coach prefers the same philosophy that Klopp installed at Liverpool, his methods in possessional play are different. Those methods have only provided more tools to the senior squad but there are gaps still present in the team.

The lack of spending has always divided the fanbase in two with many calling it a wise, opportunistic approach. However, Liverpool could enjoy a major boost in their chances to win a major trophy with a few additions.

Whether it is due to the inconsistent form of players in a particular department or a change required under a new style, Liverpool have certain positions in need of refreshment. The Kop Times will look into the three key areas where Liverpool could strengthen in January to boost their chances of winning a major trophy.

Defensive midfield

After they failed to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, fans outraged at the idea that Liverpool have no alternative. However, Slot’s brilliant internal manoeuvres allowed Ryan Gravenberch to resurrect his young career and establish himself as a key player.

The 22-year-old fits the profile that Slot desires in a defensive midfielder which is very different to what Klopp preferred. That change has unfortunately restricted fan-favourite Wataru Endo to a limited game time as he doesn’t suit the tactical requirement.

Nevertheless, Endo has remained an inspiring professional, helping the team whenever Slot needed his services earlier this season. However, the question remains whether Liverpool should look for a new defensive midfielder to compete with Gravenberch or not.

On-loan defensive midfielder Stefan Bajcetic is another option for the Reds as he suits the desired profile of Slot. The Spaniard struggled with fitness last season which resulted in his loan move to gain first-team experience at RB Salzburg.

Spanish journalist Guillem Balague told BBC that Zuminedi is ready to leave Sociedad after his loyal stance during the summer. However, the Spaniard suggested that Liverpool will not go back for the 25-year-old midfielder after the summer saga.

Left-back

Liverpool have struggled immensely on the left side of the defence due to recurring inconsistency and nagging injuries. Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas are the two natural left-backs that the club possess and possess immense proven talent.

The duo have struggled with injuries and inconsistent performances since last season which puts the club in a peculiar position. Robertson’s recent mistakes cost Liverpool two points against Fulham while Tsimikas returned from another injury layoff.

Liverpool extensively used Joe Gomez at the left-back position under Klopp and they don’t want the same situation to reoccur. With Robertson in his 30s and Tsimikas also nearing that mark, it is a good time for Liverpool to recruit.

According to Lewis Steele (via Daily Mail), Liverpool have three alternatives for the left-back position to succeed Robertson. The three options are Fulham’s Antonee Robinson, Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez, and Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies.

A lot depends on the player profile that suits Slot’s unique requirement from the fullbacks who play a key role. The Dutchman deploys his team in a way where fullbacks play various roles within a game. There is a potential that Liverpool could sign someone unlinked, someone capable of balancing both the defensive and offensive aspects.

Centre-forward

Liverpool have Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota as the number-nine options in the team with Luis Diaz also capable. However, Nunez has struggled with his finishing since joining the Reds from Benfica three seasons ago.

Meanwhile, Jota remains a formidable threat in the attack but his persistent battle with injuries makes the Portuguese unreliable. Diaz has played as a false nine but he remains a natural left-winger, competing with in-form Cody Gakpo.

Earlier reports linked the Reds with Brighton’s forward Joao Pedro as a potential target for the upcoming transfer windows. While the forward position is not necessary right now, the club could bolster their attack by finding the right hybrid between a clinical scorer and someone who can do the work that former Liverpool false-nine Roberto Firmino did at the club.

Signing a strong central forward with the right profile in January could help Liverpool secure a major trophy or even more after their fantastic start.