Who was betting on a third place finish?
The 2021-21 season saw Liverpool finish in third place in the Premier League, securing their place in the Champions League. But this outcome did not always seem likely for Klopp’s men. Plagued by injuries, with top players Van Dijk, Gomez and Matip out for most of the season, and notable absences throughout from Henderson, Thiago, Fabinho and Keita to name but a few, it seemed that the Reds hopes for any semblance of a respectable finish was out of reach.
With 10 matches to go, Liverpool was seven points off the top four. However, a stellar run, unbeaten in the final 10 games of the season and securing 26 of a possible 30 points has catapulted Liverpool past even Chelsea into third place, guarantee a spot in the coveted European competition. Premier League Betting sportsbooks give The Reds a 6.5/1 chance of clinching the title next season, in comparison to 5/3 for favourites Manchester City.
Preparing for the next season
The Liverpool team has undoubtedly suffered this season, with injuries galore and many of the senior members of the squad struggling for form. Klopp is well aware that to ensure continued success, and to have any chance of beating rivals Manchester United, Manchester City, and Chelsea, all of whom have squads brining with talent, he will need to overhaul his team.
There have been many players on the team who have simply not lived up to their potential, and will be looking at a move elsewhere where they can get more playtime. There will be players returning from injury, raring to get back up to speed, those due to be joining the team, and of course, the existing superstars.
Goalkeepers
After failing to make any substantial impact on the team, goalkeeper Adrian is due to return to Spain. Despite Allison’s strength and remarkable ability; he scored for Liverpool in a must-win game against West Brom, Klopp will be looking at bringing in some competition for him considering his injury record. Some players that are being considered include Sergio Romero, Alfonso pastor and Ugurcan Cakir.
Defenders
The first step to strengthen the back has been to sign Ibrahima Konate for £35 million from Leipzig. He will provide balance and drive to van Dijk who is due to return following an ACL injury that saw him out of action for most of the season.
(Some Ibrahima Konate’s Best Moments)
Gomez on the other hand will still be out of action following a serious knee injury, and there may be space for Nathaniel Phillips. Phillips has deputised for Gomez and van Dijk all season, and has proved to be a competent defender.
Leaving the team are Ozan Kabak, heading back to Schalke, and Kostas Tsimikas, who has only seen six minutes of Premier league action since his signing.
Midfielders
With confirmation that Wijnaldum is leaving, Klopp has a task on his hands to find a new partner for Henderson and Alcantara. Curtis Jones is looking like a likely replacement, especially as there are rumblings that Naby Keita may be heading to Leicester following a disappointing season at Liverpool beset with injury.
Youri Telemans has also been linked with a move to Liverpool, as has Florian Neuhaus, either of which could be secured if Xherdan Shaqiri performs at Euro 202 and secures a move away from Anfield.
Attackers
The usual heavyweights of the attacking field have performed poorly this season, with Mane going 8 games without a goal, and Firmino 14. Diogo Jota is set to star in the line-up next season with Mane and Salah, having scored nine goals in 14 appearances. Jota’s success could signal the end of the road for Divock Origi, who has barely featured this season, and Takumi Minamino who is on loan to Southampton.
With Harvey Elliot due to return from a spell at Blackburn, it seems that Klopp may only need to find one replacement here to secure a strong team. Despite being only 18, Czech striker Adam Hlozek has already been capped four times for his country and there is definite interest in him from a number of teams, including West Ham and AC Milan; Liverpool may be interested but Klopp may not have set aside the budget required if a bidding war commences. Erling Haaland has also been linked to a Liverpool move.
What could next seasons line up look like?
In all likelihood, Klopp will go for a 3-3-4 set up. With the confirmed transfers and existing players, a strong team would look as follows, though pending any possible movement in or out of the team this could change, and may change the formation of the squad.
Goal
- Alisson
Defenders
- Alexander-Arnold
- Konate
- Van Dijk
- Robertson
Midfielders
- Fabinho
- Henderson
- Thiago
Attackers
- Salah
- Jota
- Mane
Subs: Kelleher, Phillips, Matip, Gomez, Milner, Neuhaus, Jones, Elliott, Firmino
The dream team
With many players coming back from injury refreshed and eager to perform, and a transfer window which will allow the team to shift some dead weight and bring in fresh blood, there is no telling what the new Liverpool team can achieve. There is every chance that they will perform well in the Champions League, and no reason why they shouldn’t be capable of improving on their Premier League performance next season, perhaps even winning it once more!
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