Whilst the justly hype of Mohamed Salah’s move to Liverpool is still rife, most fans are keeping their feet grounded as they know, in order for his impact to prove dividends, boss Jurgen Klopp must bolster his squad defensively.
This has been a problem for the Reds for a number of years, arguably ever since club legend Jamie Carragher hung up his boots in 2013. The biggest realization of this weakness was highlighted in the infamous 2013/14 season after Liverpool missed out on the title after netting 101 goals but shipping a hefty 50 goals at the other end of the pitch.
In fact, last season was the first since then that Liverpool had conceded less than 48 goals in a league season, finishing with 42 against their name. One interesting point to note is every Premier League winning team from the 2000/01 season, barring Manchester United in 2012/13, have conceded less than 40 goals in a campaign.It’s clear which area needs the most attention.
With the Virgil Van Dijk saga looking to have finally scuppered Liverpool’s chances of attaining the services of the Centre-back, Klopp must look elsewhere for a solid partner to accompany Joel Matip.
With the former Borussia Dortmund boss looking to get rid of Alberto Moreno as quickly as the player looks to get rid of the ball, it’s obvious the left-back position is high on Klopp’s to-buy list.
Several links to young replacements, such as Leicetser City’s Ben Chilwell, Fulham’s Ryan Sessegnon and Real Betis’ Riza Durmisi, failing to materialize the club currently have their eye on Monaco sensation Benjamin Mendy. The 22 year-old played a major part in helping Monaco to the semi-finals of the Champions League this season. If they were to capture him, it would be a massive step forward defensively.
Klopp knows his backline is far from title-winning which is why he will be determined more than ever to make a statement this transfer window. Furthermore, if he doesn’t strengthen this area, his attacking purchases will ultimately be void if the clubs’ intentions are to muster a challenge for the league crown.
Attack can sometimes be the best form of defence but Liverpool have demonstrated this cannot be held up across a whole season.
However, if by the time 12th August comes around if the teams protection of their own goal is as good as the potency at the other end, the Reds could muster yet another title challenge.
