The transfer window is closed, and Liverpool’s 2017/18 squad is now finalised – assuming no deals involving players heading to Spain on Friday (!!)
The debate now will turn to whether Liverpool have improved their squad during a transfer window that promised much but effectively delivered just one first-team player in Mohamed Salah.
The additions of Andrew Robertson, Dominic Solanke and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain bolster the squad, but none are as yet seen as players who will improve the starting XI.
We take a look at each position within Jurgen Klopp‘s 4-3-3 formation, listing players only deemed in contention a year ago, to now. So for example, Trent Alexander-Arnold was barely established at under-23s level a year ago so wasn’t considered part of the first-team squad then.
Goalkeepers
A year ago: Mignolet, Karius, Manninger
Now: Mignolet, Karius, Ward
Verdict: Stronger, especially with Mignolet improved
Right back
A year ago: Clyne, Randall
Now: Clyne, Alexander-Arnold, Gomez
Verdict: A LOT stronger
Left back
A year ago: Milner, Moreno
Now: Moreno, Robertson, Milner
Verdict: Probably stronger, but still some uncertainty
Centre back
A year ago: Matip, Lovren, Klavan, Lucas
Now: Matip, Lovren, Klavan, Gomez
Verdict: No change
Holding midfield
A year ago: Henderson, Can, Lucas, Stewart
Now: Henderson, Can
Verdict: No change
Centre midfield
A year ago: Can, Lallana, Wijnaldum, Grujic, Ejaria
Now: Can, Lallana, Wijnaldum, Coutinho, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Milner, Grujic, Ejaria
Verdict: Stronger; more depth
Wide forwards
A year ago: Mane, Coutinho, Ojo
Now: Mane, Salah, Coutinho, Woodburn
Verdict: Stronger, faster; but still few options if injury hits
Centre forwards
A year ago: Firmino, Sturridge, Origi, Ings
Now: Firmino, Sturridge, Solanke, Ings
Verdict: No change
Overall
The squad overall is stronger, and the first XI is stronger for the addition of Salah. Much of this is due to improvements in players already at the club; the emergence of Alexander-Arnold, the return of Joe Gomez, the improvements in Alberto Moreno.
In midfield, there are plenty of options, and we could see the likes of Lallana and Oxlade-Chamberlain used in wide forward roles in the odd league game to allow Mane and Salah what will be much-needed rest – especially when games arrive thick and very fast in December.
But much like a year ago, we are hugely dependent on injuries. Last January they hit hard and we couldn’t cope.
This year there will be no AFCON, so that’s a bonus.
The failure to sign a centre-back could prove costly, something we will only know for sure in the months to come.
