Liverpool FC: Three hopes, one fear
By Sean Maslin
Fear: Their defense won’t hold.
This kind of ties into the hope that Liverpool supporters have with Sakho. While Saturday’s result was certainly a testament to how far this team has come in terms of building their attacking, it also showed how much more work needs to be done on the defense. The Arsenal attack made short work of the Liverpool defense creating massive gaps on all sides and hitting home three decisive strikes.
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Aside from picking up Klavar and signing Joel Matip on a free transfer from Schalke Liverpool made very few additions to their defense during the offseason. While it seems like Klopp is attempting to assess what their depth is like along the back four for the future, in the short-term it leaves them woefully deficient in quality defenders. While Sakho, Alberto Moreno, and Nathaniel Clyne are all above-average defenders Liverpool does not have much depth beyond their starting four.
After spending this offseason adding to their midfield, it would seem that Klopp and Liverpool management have their sights set on their defense next. While the club might make a signing before the end of the summer transfer window, it is more likely that they will add to their defensive corps during the winter or next summer. That might benefit Liverpool down the road but it certainly doesn’t help the present side.
For a team that could contend Liverpool’s defense is a very glaring hole that needs addressing. If it is not done soon enough it could be the difference-maker in where the club finished in the Premier League table.