The Hard Tackle looks at three potential new arrivals that would take Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side to the next level.
Building on their Champions League success last time out, Liverpool have enjoyed a stellar 2019-20 Premier League campaign. Prior to the league getting suspended due to coronavirus, Jurgen Klopp’s side were sitting pretty at the top of the table, with a near-unassailable lead of 25 points.
The Reds hadn’t lost a single league match up until last month when relegation battlers Watford stunned them. Should the season resume at any point, Klopp & co. would most certainly go on to win the league title as they need just two wins in their nine remaining matches to be crowned champions.
But, for Liverpool to be able to sustain this level of dominance next season, at the same time be able to challenge for European honours, Klopp will need to invest in his squad and strengthen it further, especially given the lack of quality backup in a couple of key positions.
To that end, we at The Hard Tackle take a look at three players that the Merseyside giants should look to recruit when the summer transfer window comes along.
Timo Werner (RB Leipzig)
The most obvious one first. German sensation Timo Werner has dropped hints, not subtle ones either, that he is open to the possibility of a switch to Liverpool next summer. And the Reds should work hard towards making this a reality come summer, especially with rivals Chelsea interested in him as well.
Werner is one of the most dangerous young centre-forwards in Europe currently and has been one of the primary reasons behind RB Leipzig’s rise to stature in recent years. The 23-year-old has had a sensational 2019-20 campaign, having scored 27 goals and set up 12 more in 36 matches across all competitions.
In Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino, Liverpool have a deadly attacking trio. However, they do lack quality backup to fill in for each of the aforementioned players. Moreover, Firmino has had an indifferent season so far. So, investing in a new centre-forward like Werner, who has shown great promise at the top level and would offer something very different than the current options would be a smart move for Liverpool.
Adama Traore (Wolves)
As mentioned above, Liverpool lack quality depth in the attacking department beyond the first-choice options and with the prospect of Xherdan Shaqiri being sold looming large, Klopp would be further short on options on the flanks. Hence, the club should look to strengthen that department with the addition of Adama Traore.
The former Barcelona academy starlet has long been regarded as someone with great promise and potential. But, the 24-year-old hadn’t been able to show that on a consistent basis up until this season. The 2019-20 campaign, in many ways, has been a path-breaking one for Traore, who has produced a return of 6 goals and 10 assists in 43 matches so far.
Pace, power, skills and end product, the 24-year-old has it all. And, add to it, the fact that he is in a completely different mould compared to the current wide players at Klopp’s disposal would mean Liverpool will have a Plan B as dangerous as their Plan A.
Jamal Lewis (Norwich City)
Not a big name player by any measure, but young Jamal Lewis of Norwich City has shown plenty of promise in the past couple of seasons, indicating that he is ready for the next step in his career. Having played a key role in Norwich’s Championship triumph last season, the 21-year-old Lewis has made a strong impression in his debut campaign in the Premier League, attracting interest from Tottenham.
While he did lose his spot in the lineup to Sam Byram before the coronavirus outbreak slammed the brakes on the season, the youngster showed great resolve to fight for his place and eventually reclaim his berth on the lefts of the Canaries defence. So far, Lewis has made 23 appearances this term, chipping in with a solitary goal. Be that as it may, the Northern Irishman has shown that he can hold his own defensively, while being a decent outlet going forward as well.
Given Liverpool’s lack of cover for Andrew Robertson at left-back, bringing in a youngster with immense potential, who will keep the senior pro on his toes would be a great move. Lewis’ arrival should not only spur Robertson to do better, but also ensure that the Reds have a readymade replacement if the Scotsman ever decides to move on.
