Liverpool should make three transfers proper now after Newcastle ‘proof’ nobody can deny
Liverpool now have just over a week until the transfer window firmly closes and the draw at Newcastle United was definite proof that they are several players shy of possessing a competitive squad this season.
New head coach Andoni Iraola has repeatedly emphasised that the Reds are lacking options in crucial positions, particularly on the right wing. Liverpool have been aware for more than five months that Mohamed Salah was departing and yet they have still not identified a replacement.
None of the solutions Iraola has experimented with so far have demonstrated they can effectively fulfil the role in the short to long term, writes club legend John Aldridge.
Liverpool were lucky to escape St James’ Park with a draw(Image: Getty Images)
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Victor Munoz has only recently arrived at Anfield and is adjusting to English football, Rio Ngumoha is extremely young and favours playing on the left, and Cody Gakpo is better in the other two forward positions.
Federico Chiesa has also proven he isn’t the solution and wasn’t even included in the weekend’s line-up along with Harvey Elliott, which could be a telling indication of their futures.
Liverpool desperately need to recruit one or two forwards, and I’d be astonished if at least one high-value attacker isn’t signed before the deadline. The Reds won’t pay excessively for their desired targets, whether it be Bradley Barcola or Yankuba Minteh. Fenway Sports Group (FSG) have consistently demonstrated their reluctance to engage in such market tactics.
However, Liverpool’s pressing need for reinforcements means they are almost certainly going to have to pay a premium for any target. Clubs are well aware of the deficiencies.
Bradley Barcola’s move to Liverpool is sure to accelerate(Image: Adam Davy/PA Wire)
A defensive midfielder also needs to be brought in. It may not necessarily be one of the high-profile types FSG usually favour, but with Wataru Endo having had limited game time over the past two years, there could be room for Liverpool to inject some grit with an experienced player who comes at a lower cost.
They wouldn’t necessarily have to feature in every match. But they can positively influence the squad and help foster the more physical style Iraola wants from his midfielders.
Sunday saw three players make their competitive debut for Liverpool. And all can be pleased with their performances.
The two centre-backs in particular demonstrated that they are very different players occupying the same position who can be of real value to the Reds this season.
Jeremy Jacquet was chosen as the centre-back partner to Virgil van Dijk and certainly turned heads with his composed ball handling.
Jeremy Jacquet could be Virgil van Dijk’s main partner this season(Image: Getty Images)
Ronald Araujo came on for the Frenchman midway through the second half and is more of a straightforward defender, especially when it comes to managing aerial threats.
He has experience at the top level and the Reds will hope he won’t be as prone to errors as Ibrahima Konate was during his last season at Liverpool, when he made some dreadful blunders.
That said, Liverpool could have handled the two goals they conceded much better, and the fact that they let in so many throughout pre-season suggests they are still far from being defensively solid overall.
Victor Munoz, meanwhile, showed plenty of energy after being introduced from the substitutes’ bench on the right flank and did excellently to earn the levelling spot-kick.
Perhaps expectations have been tempered somewhat by the display at Newcastle, though. Liverpool aren’t going to be transformed overnight.
