LFC

Has Klopp built a stronger back-up squad to the XI he inherited?

This summer's been a bit of a whirlwind, hasn't it? We've had the highs and lows of England's World Cup campaign, with ironic jeers of 'it's coming home' appearing more and more realistic as the Three Lions reached the semi-final. The dramatic use of VAR to keep pulses racing as modern technology enlarges its...

Dejan Lovren: Immense Self-Belief or Just Unnecessary Hubris?

"From my point of view, people said I had a difficult season but I don't agree. "I took Liverpool to the final of the Champions League. Now with my national team, we are in the final. "I think people should recognise that I am also one of the best defenders in the world and not just...

Xherdan Shaqiri: A Multi-Faceted Low Risk, High Reward Buy

With England now out of the World Cup and the impending realisation that football will in fact not be coming home, attentions will return to the summer transfer window with fans desperate for further incomings. Naby Keita and Fabinho drew widespread optimism amongst Liverpool fans, enhancing belief that Klopp can secure his first piece of...

Why Not Shaqiri?

Ever since Liverpool were first linked with Xherdan Shaqiri, I have found myself one of a large portion of Liverpool fans who were at once disappointed with and confused by the prospective signing of the Swiss international. Six years ago this would have been an exciting signing, with Shaqiri the prospect in high demand...

Liverpool’s Fringe Players – to Keep or Not to Keep?

For managers, major international tournaments mean disruption, with big players late to return after fulfilling their international commitments. But for fringe players, disruption means opportunity. Many of Liverpool’s stars, including each member of their revered front three, remain in Russia or are enjoying some well-earned time-off after an early exit. Jurgen Klopp has been forced,...

To the Left, to the Left, All of LFC’s Money in a Box to the Left

It was obvious to close observers last summer, even before all of the pieces were moved around Jurgen Klopp's chess board, that Liverpool were short an attacker. More specifically, the Reds could have done with a left-sided forward in order to complete the ultimate rotation. When Liverpool can assemble their preferred starting eleven, it's an...

Assessing Liverpool’s Youth Players: Who Deserves their Chance?

As Liverpool return to pre-season, the return of Pepijn Lijnders also marks a renewed optimism for Liverpool’s youth prospects: Ben Woodburn and Trent-Alexander Arnold both speak highly of their experience under the man many assume will take up the mantle of outgoing assistant Zeljko Buvac. With that re-appointment comes a voice in Klopp’s ear:...

What’s Next For Liverpool’s Strikers?

Roberto Firmino is Jürgen Klopp's go-to striker, in his strongest XI. However, the German is faced with issues when Firmino is unavailable, or being rested - who replaces Firmino? Last season Klopp relied heavily on Dominic Solanke as back-up for the Brazil international, and as the season reached it's close Danny Ings got more game...

Why Jürgen Klopp’s Faith in Loris Karius Shouldn’t Worry Us

Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp came out in defence of much-maligned keeper Loris Karius this week, stating that the young German keeper was "100%" affected by a concussion during his Champions League Final horror show in May. Klopp gave Karius his public support and stated that he remains as Liverpool's first choice keeper as things stand. Now,...

New Season, Same Reds: Liverpool 7 – 0 Chester FC

Liverpool got the 2018/19 season underway with familiar flair, putting the National League side away with ease. Last season’s heroes returned. Some familiar faces came home and a few new ones took their Liverpool bow. Here are the observations from the match. WILSON vs OJO Jurgen Klopp blamed a slow start on his usual nemesis, the dry...