Team Focus: 10 Players Klopp May Pursue if Planning Bundesliga Raid
Jürgen Klopp’s first interview as Liverpool boss conveyed the passion and confidence the Reds faithful had yearned for, almost instantaneously restoring a new found hope and belief since his appointment.
His presser was compelling too, emanating his eccentric and amiable personality throughout. Questioned on the highly scrutinised transfer committee; Klopp insisted he would have the first and final word on any activity.
That being said, there are several areas within the current set-up that Klopp will seriously consider strengthening. It wouldn’t at all be inconceivable for the German to dive right back into the Bundesliga in search of a coup.
Liverpool’s struggles at the back have been well documented over the past few seasons, conceding 151 league goals under Rodgers during his time at the club, a far cry from their rivals, possibly underlining the need for a new keeper.
Simon Mignolet’s presence at the back has come into question several times in that period, having lacked the ability to send out a sense of security throughout the ranks. Fortunately, the Bundesliga is teeming with expertise and potential in the keeping department.
Germany have been renowned for their constant production of a safe pair of hands, and Levekusen’s Bernd Leno or Schalke’s Ralf Fährmann are no exceptions. Leno is notoriously quick off his line, the 23-year-old has played sweeper effectively 39 times since the start of last season, the most by any keeper in the league. Fährmann has also played a crucial role to Schalke over the same period, helping Die Königsblauen to secure a European spot despite their erratic form. The 6ft 5in keeper is the highest rated goalkeeper in the league since the start of last season (7.13).
Sharing similar attributes to these keepers at a far more realistic value is Mainz’s Loris Karius. The former City graduate has been a wall for Mainz, rapidly gaining a reputation as an elite shot stopper, saving the most penalties since the start of last season (3). The former U21 German international exudes confidence but his credentials may come under examination. In the air he usually opts to punch rather than claim the ball, an area of the game in which Mignolet has notoriously been criticised over the last few seasons.
It would be unjust to blame the sheer number of goals conceded purely on the keeper though, as Rodgers struggled to find any sort of formidable partnership between his centre-backs. Indeed, he experimented with all the defenders at his disposal, even reverting to a back three which periodically ensured clean sheets.
Mamadou Sakho looks to be the number one choice to the role and may even be considered for a captaincy role during the rejig. Martin Skrtel has been a regular fixture at the back but his future at the club may come into question under Klopp, with the German coach insisting on his centre-backs being comfortable in possession, with the ability to bring the ball out into play. As a result Dejan Lovren, who has had a torrid time at the club, may even force himself back into the set-up.
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Despite the money spent, Liverpool have lacked a leader at the back. Schalke’s Benedikt Höwedes’ composure on the ball, versatility and his assertive nature makes him a standout candidate. Schalke’s captain is aggressive in his defensive play, often coming out to stop attacks at the root, similar to Skrtel, but in a much more measured manner. Skrtel averaged 1.7 interceptions in the league last season whilst the 27 year-old German averaged 3.3. However, Howedes has somewhat been tormented by niggling injuries over the past 2 seasons and is currently regaining full fitness. This may be a repellent to any possible transfer.
It has been apparent that Klopp favours a midfield pivot, and by assessing Liverpool’s current midfield options, it would seem as though they lack a midfielder really capable of dictating the tempo and controlling a match, whilst also being able to fluently transition the ball from defence to attack.
There’s a few players that tick all these boxes, most notably Ilkay Gündogan - who has already been linked by several media outlets to reunite with his former boss. Gündogan was a pivotal figure to Dortmund's second title. The midfield maestro often floats past opponents (currently averaging 3.6 dribbles per game), whilst conjuring up incisive passes towards an attack. Despite his long-term injury, Gündogan showed glimpses of form after his return in the rückrunde last season, with signs this season foretokening the form shown in previous campaign.
However, Klopp may opt towards a more defensively minded midfielder, having used Sebastian Kehl and Sven Bender in that capacity in the 4-2-3-1 formation his team often operates in. With Lucas Leiva the only real defensive midfielder in the team, Klopp may choose to explore this option in greater detail given James Milner, Jordan Henderson, Joe Allen and a youthful Emre Can all potentially lack the discipline to play this role, despite the latter showing the greater adaptability.
The luxury choice would be Gladbach's Granit Xhaka. The Swiss international is the heartbeat to the Borussian side, with no player averaging more passes in the Bundesliga this season (89.9) further emphasising his influence. Having signed an extension earlier this year, the metronomic holding midfielder may prove to be a costly acquisition.
Xhaka's former partner in midfield, Christoph Kramer, is also worth considering. Having averaged a combined 5.7 tackles and interceptions in the league last season, his ball winning mentality makes him an ideal option, even with Klopp having mocked the midfielder following an unfortunate own goal in the derby last season!
The front line of Liverpool will be a crucial part of Klopp's high intensity pressing style, therefore it will be important to keep a fresh selection of attacking options given the number of matches Liverpool will play over the course of the season. One player no stranger to what is required to play a high press is Karim Bellarabi of Leverkusen. Manager Roger Schmidt has been at the helm for just over a season, with Bellarabi being a surprising standout performer given his apparent dispensability prior to Schmidt’s arrival. Bellarabi’s direct approach would be a major asset to any team, completing more successful dribbles (177) than any other player in the Bundesliga since the start of last season, whilst also contributing to 19 goals in 41 appearances.
Another interesting option would be Mainz’s Yunus Malli. Klopp is an icon for everyone associated with Mainz having spent his entire playing career, as well as a pivotal spell as manager there. He was present at Mainz's 3-1 win over Hoffenheim earlier in the season. Klopp looked to be swept with Malli-mania having been spotted joyously celebrating each one of Malli's goals as the 23-year-old bagged a sublime hat-trick.
Comfortable on the ball with both feet, Malli can play in a number of positions but prefers to play in a number 10 role given his ability to influence matches with his link up play. His finishing has been exceptional too, scoring 12 goals so far this year and with a modest price tag, likely to be around £10m, he could potentially be a bargain for the Reds.
Meanwhile, Dortmund’s interest in Kevin Volland was not exactly discreet during Klopp’s reign. The young German international notably took to his Facebook page to refute speculation linking him with a move to the club. His return to a centre-forward position has already paid dividends this season, scoring 5 goals in 8 appearances despite having spent the majority of his career at Hoffenheim on the right wing, often cutting onto his wand of a left foot. Volland would command a fee of around £20m, and though that price may seem steep, any reunion with former teammate Roberto Firmino would be a mouth-watering prospect.
It's likely that Liverpool may only address one or two of these issues in January, with further additions being implemented during the summer when the window is more saturated. Klopp, during his conference, said “Ich bin hier, weil Liverpool ein geiler Verein ist” which translates as "I'm here because Liverpool is a horny club." A slightly unconventional way to describe the passion stemmed from its supporters, signings of such an ilk may even stir the senses in the most emotionally dormant fans.
Which positions do you feel Klopp needs to strengthen at Liverpool, and with which players? Let us know in the comments below
This looks like a review of perhaps-reasonably-priced Bundesliga players. Maybe Klopp will try to get more out the players already at his disposal, hm? Radical, I know, but perhaps worth trying considering how much money they've already spent. Plus there is talent in the squad, Sakho, Skrtel, Clyne, Moreno, Can the highly rated central midfielder from the Bundesliga (cough cough), Coutinho, Firmino, Lallana, Ibe and Sturridge, and who knows what Klopp can get out of the others. Let's not write off their entire squad just because Rodgers couldn't get the best out of them.
@What4 Klopp said himself he'll take a look at his own players first. Lack of wingers worries me, though. I don't see Ibe and Lallana will be enough to reach the top four position. Maybe Liverpool should look for Premier league players in January, Sadio Mane would be a huge improvement. However, it's rather hard to get players in winter so big signings may have to wait.
Very exiting article. Sakho has really improved his passing, couple of years ago he looked often to panic when he got the ball. Höwedes would be a very good addition to defense. Bellarabi and Volland will hardly be available in January but Stuttgart's Filip Kostic might be. Also world class midfielder have to wait until summer, Xhaka and Gundogan would both be huge acquisitions. Former plays deep-lying playmaker and latter prefers advanced role so both would require proper defensive midfielder alongside them, let's see if Emre Can will become one.
Leno is as much of a liability as Mignolet so you can rule him out. Bellarabi is the one of the players mentioned I think Klopp could actually go for since he offers something Liverpool don't already have. I don't see him buying any central midfielders just yet when Can could/should be tried in the DCM role first in a 4-1-4-1 system which would also get Countinho, Lallana AND 2 wingers in the team without sacrificing defensive balance. Hoewedes is another possible but I really think Liverpool's defensive problems were primarily the fault of Rodgers as opposed to lack of quality in their personnel. I don't rate Xhaka that much in all honesty. His stats are impressive primarily because he doesn't take any risks. Whenever I've seen him against a quality or even half-decent midfield where he is forced to dictate play, he goes missing a la Carrick. If Klopp can get Coutinho and Benteke on the same wavelength like he got Goetze and Lewandowski, then Liverpool should score plenty at least.
It translates to: I am here, because Liverpool is a cool (awesome) club. I definitely see him strengthening on these mentioned positions, priority should be goalkeeper + defensive midfielder, he needs them like tomorrow, unfortunately he must wait until january.
This article is certainly ur thought which I respect. But me like everyone has an opinion which I like to state. IMO, I don't think any of the players with the exception one is beta than or as good as the current Liverpool players. Bellarabi is that exception with the quality to play in this Liverpool team. Mignolet is not solely responsible for their defensive woes as he has done his part. Skrtrel & Sakho are good enough, I don't know what happened to Lovren since joining Liverpool, was very good at Lyon . Lucas & Henderson are there to provide midfield solidity. Firmino is a quality player don't forget & Coutinho is someone we all know. Not forgetting to add Benteke who is reliable, & also Clyne one of the best in the league. Bellarabi might be a great signing, but for the rest I don't share your sentiment. This is my opinion.
gk, central defender and central defensive midfielder and get rid of silly Milner.
This is just a remix of the usual EPL-buys-them-all b*llshit you can read in the english press. According to their claims they're buying all players from Bayern and Dortmund. Look who they got in the last couple of years. This is a really joke.
@BeautifulLoser This is rather good analysis which players would improve Liverpool. Every team are looking to improve their squad, especially those with money. And only Gundogan of these players are from Dortmund and he has expressed his desire to leave which I find sad as Dortmund fan. However, writer could have also included players outside Bundesliga. And it's strange Dinesh Hardayal dind't include Kostic having wrote about him in May.