The three puzzles Jurgen Klopp must solve to improve Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp’s three conundrums: Liverpool need defensive reinforcements. Does a ‘box midfield’ work for the Reds? And how can they get more support for Wataru Endo?
- Jurgen Klopp has three puzzles that he must solve to help improve Liverpool
- The Reds need a new defender and they must support Wataru Endo in midfield
- Would Mohamed Salah ‘do the dirty’ on Liverpool by leaving? And what about Man United ‘diving’?: Listen to It’s All Kicking Off , Mail Sport’s new podcast
Liverpool bounced back to pull of a spirited victory against Newcastle on Sunday afternoon.
Darwin Nunez was the hero for Jurgen Klopp’s side, scoring twice late in the game to secure a vital three points at St James’ Park.
After the match, Jurgen Klopp admitted that had ‘never had a game like this, that’s the truth’ and lauded his players for their resilience.
But it wasn’t all plain sailing for the Merseyside outfit, who went a goal down in the first half, with Anthony Gordon capitalising on a mistake at the back to put the the Magpies a goal up early on. Virgil van Dijk was also shown a red card after half-an-hour, leaving the Reds down to 10 men for the majority of the match.
Mail Sport’s Lewis Steele walks you through three puzzles Jurgen Klopp must solve to improve his side.
Jurgen Klopp’s side (pictured) defeated Newcastle in a spirited victory at St James’ Park on Sunday
Darwin Nunez (middle) was the hero scoring twice to give the Reds a 2-1 win, coming back from a goal down with 10-men
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1. Defensive reinforcements
Liverpool still want to sign a central defender before the transfer window closes on Friday.
If Virgil van Dijk or Ibrahima Konate were to be missing — as both could be next week, due to the captain’s suspension and the Frenchman’s injury — Liverpool look incredibly light. They like Arthur Theate at Rennes and Perr Schuurs at Torino.
2. Is ‘box midfield the way forward?’
In possession, Trent Alexander-Arnold has drifted into midfield to dictate play, but this leaves big spaces behind and Andy Robertson is often unsure whether to tuck in at centre back or fly forward.
The ‘box midfield’ sees Alexander-Arnold alongside Wataru Endo in defensive midfield, and Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai ahead of them.
Virgil van Dijk (left) was sent off during the match after bringing down Alexander Isak (right)
Wataru Endo (middle-left) made his full Premier league debut for Liverpool during the match
3. Does Endo have enough support?
The unplanned exits of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson have highlighted a desperate lack of numbers in defensive midfield. There is a worry Liverpool could be overrun, hence Harvey Elliott was sent on at Newcastle.
At least Szoboszlai appears to be a multi-dimensional midfielder who has impressed with his tactical nous and work-rate.
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