New head coach Arne Slot has not yet signed his first contract as Liverpool captain. Although showing satisfaction with the current people, Slot definitely still needs to supplement if it wants to compete for the championship next season.
Liverpool’s summer has been quite quiet so far. New coach Arne Slot has not yet welcomed any new recruits to Anfield. Slot replaced Jurgen Klopp to lead The Reds, after the German strategist parted ways with the team last season. However, the departures of Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara, along with several other players, have created holes in the squad.
Liverpool will begin their tour in the US, where they will face Real Betis, Arsenal and MU, before returning to Anfield to play the final friendly match against Sevilla.
Coach Slot hopes to have more new recruits join the team before returning to England. Previously, the Dutch strategist had opened up about his desire to bring in new contracts. Below, let’s take a look at Liverpool’s personnel situation.
Goalie
Current number of players: Alisson, Marcelo Pitaluga, Caoimhin Kelleher
At first glance, Liverpool seems to have stabilized the goalkeeper position with the presence of Alisson, one of the top goalkeepers in the Premier League. However, reserve goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher is expected to leave to look for a starting opportunity.
If the Irish player leaves Anfield, Liverpool will need a high-quality backup goalkeeper for Alisson to ensure safety against injuries and penalties. Currently, there is no sign that The Reds will welcome a new goalkeeper, although they have been linked to Feyenoord’s Justin Bijlow.
Defender
Current number of players: Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Kostas Tsimikas, Andy Robertson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jarell Quansah, Conor Bradley, Sepp van den Berg, Rhys Williams, Nat Phillips
The biggest need in the defensive squad is a new centre-back after Matip’s departure. Jarell Quansah made significant strides last season, but Slot will want to add an experienced centre-back to the squad.
Left-back is also a position worth considering, as there are doubts about the quality of Kostas Tsimikas to be Andy Robertson’s backup. The Greek defender has not made an impression in Robertson’s absence.
And with Conor Bradley proving to be a suitable choice for the reserve position on the right wing, the addition of a new left-back could help Robertson regain his top form.
Midfielder
Current number of players: Wataru Endo, Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Ryan Gravenberch, Stefan Bajcetic
Liverpool hopes the midfield quartet signed last summer will integrate better this season. Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch have struggled in their first season in the Premier League.
To avoid repeating those difficulties, Slot may want to bring in another experienced midfielder. Although Thiago Alcantara spent most of last season recovering from injury, The Reds also need a quality backup plan to replace him, because they will have to fight on four fronts.
The need to bring in a true holding midfielder to take on Endo is also urgent. Liverpool’s midfield is too lacking in muscle and last season saw them many times outmatched by tall midfield players. Slot currently has a surplus of “artists” but a lack of “warriors” in the center circle.
Striker
Current number of players: Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota, Fabio Carvalho, Ben Doak
It can be said that the attack is the strongest position in Slot’s squad. Liverpool’s five attacking players are one of the strongest groups in the Premier League. However, backup options for stars like Salah and Jota are somewhat limited.
Although Fabio Carvalho impressed on loan at Hull City, he struggled at RB Leipzig and perhaps staying on loan is the best option. Meanwhile, Ben Doak never truly reached his potential.
Therefore, Liverpool may need more backup options for attacking stars. Besides, with Slot expected to change his tactical scheme a bit, he may want to sign a new striker.
