Five reasons why Liverpool can win the Premier League title
2. Midfield additions
Naby Keita and Fabinho have both joined the club this summer as Klopp focused on improving his midfield. Neither were cheap with Fabinho costing £43.7 million and the Guinean joining for £52 million.
Xherdan Shaqiri was also brought in for £13 million and he could be used in a similar way to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, although he’s most likely going to provide depth for the wings.
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These three are all intelligent signings by the club because they fit in stylistically to what Klopp has implemented at the club. Keita is basically a Gegenpressing play-maker because he contributes defensively, presses intelligently while also having the deftness, precision and electric movement to break open opposition defences.
He’s made to play in Klopp’s system, so he could have an explosive first season in England.
Fabinho contrasts with Keita in terms of the role he fills, but he complements the 23-year-old well. He is the anchor for the midfield, which is vital in a free-flowing system such as Liverpool’s.
His reading of the game is key defensively due to the counter-press the Reds utilise because he ensures that the opposition don’t have an easy way to play around it as well as cutting off any player who managers to break through.
The Liverpool defence could often be left exposed due to the poor positioning of Jordan Henderson, who suits a more advanced role. Therefore, having a player to shield them is integral in keeping a strong defensive shape.
His role as pivot is also key in possession because they need someone who can spread play effectively and make passes with tight margins of errors in order to exploit openings. Liverpool struggled to break down organised defensive shapes last season, so he will help improve them in this area which ensures they have another attacking method.