True, but I believe we need to tackle the attacking issues of the first team before we tackle the depth issues of the defence.
Looking forward to that post though!
OK, here is my post on moving forward.
Right now, it is evident that Klopp is going to play a 4-2-3-1 to get the best out of his pressing, problem is, we don't have the players for this at the moment.
In fact, we don't have the players for any kind of system, apart from 1-0 wins, maybe nicking a second. And even then, our defense is crap, and our attack doesn't have the capability to score goals. Brutal facts.
Starting in each position, Goalkeeper, I dont think we need an immediate upgrade on Migs. We will be on a stingy budget in January and money can be saved. Unless Loris Karius is availble for cheap in January (he is the Mainz keeper.)
LB, Moreno doesn't cut it for me. He is so attacking focused that he is constantly chasing his tail to get back. That tackle on Mane, whilst being brilliant, didn't need to happen. Good fullbacks who attack, track back, and he doesn't do it. When the play switches, he stays up near the 18 yard box, instead of hedging back to the half way.
Mattia De Sciglio is the one I want, but maybe too expensive in January. Oscar Wendt is a cheap alternative.
Sakho, is an absolute main stay.
Skrtle needs to be binned. Benedikt Howedes is rumoured to be availble for 12mil. If Klopp is willing to go to Dortmund, then Sokoratis is the one I want. It's a shame we never took a punt on Papadopolous, he is the best header in Europe. Would be perfect next to Sakho.
I am not sold on Clyne either. Needs to have direct competition. Ideally, I have always wanted Piszczek, but the Dortmund thing. Atsuto Uchida is a very defensive minded fullback, puts great competition on Clyne.
The defensive side of things getting shored up, takes direct pressure off our midfield.
The midfield needs a drastic overhaul. This is where I think we have been let down for god knows how long, and there are 2 things that have made this harder for us.
Captain and Vice captain.
I am a huge fan of Henderson, he is a very good player, but not making Sakho captain, means we can't upgrade Henderson. He will always be there.
So we need a deep lying defensive midfielder who is able to create, register, break up play, and score about 6-7 goals. Not too much to ask?
Gundogan and Matuidi are the 2 ideal candidates. Ruben Neves is a very good option to have learning from them.
None of those would be available in January. And for depth purposes, I would be getting ahead of Southampton by January and asking them for Wanyama. None will happen.
Wide players. Coutinho is capable of playing left and going central, Firmino is capable of playing central and going left. Timo Werner is the one for me, along with Kevin Volland. Werner has a release clause of (rumoured) 9 Mil, and Volland would be about 25. Volland can also play striker, and can lead from the front.
Leroy Mane is another I would be after, smoke would be Mario Suarez.
Striker. Keeping Benteke, Ings and Sturridge, and if we can get Werner annd Volland we will be killing it.
Ideally, upgrading every position can happen by next Summers TW, but there will need to be players leaving.
I also believe we need a genuine, f**k off Marquee player. I have asked for a Gundogan or a Matuidi, but higher. Rues, Robben (although aging) or, dare to dream, bring back Suarez, if you really want to re-unite a fan base.
