Liverpool: What to do to challenge for the title next season

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Liverpool’s starting eleven is filled with dynamic, exciting players. Beyond that, their bench looks threadbare.

Since selling Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona, Liverpool’s lack of backup for their first choice forward line has come under scrutiny. It was a problem that reared its head in the Champions League final, once Salah was forced off. Liverpool were scrambling for options. Dominic Solanke has not impressed this season, while Danny Ings is coming off a longterm injury. Neither of these options are inspiring, and further back, depth problems persist.

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Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s injury against Roma further eroded Klopp’s options. Emre Can is likely to leave for Juventus. Adam Lallana cannot seem to stay fit. An injury to Jordan Henderson, James Milner or Gini Wijnaldum would have been disastrous.

Even compared to other Premier League clubs, their bench is weak. City is bringing on players such as Bernardo Silva and Gabriel Jesus. Arsenal can choose between Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette. At United, Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford are struggling for regular playing time. Chelsea can afford to rotate between Olivier Giroud and Alvaro Morata. Spurs have recently signed Lucas Moura, and welcomed Erik Lamela back from injury.

Liverpool is the odd club out in terms of the drop in quality from their starting eleven to their bench. Naby Keita’s arrival this summer is an excellent start. His signing will provide extra bite and energy in midfield, something that was desperately needed.

A step the Reds have taken in the right direction, is following the Naby signing with the surprise inclusion of AS Monaco defensive midfielder, Fabinho, a couple of days ago. But the investment cannot stop there. Depth is needed all over the pitch. Over the course of a full season, you’re only as strong as your bench.

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