Is This Liverpool's Year?

The liver birds of Liverpool have certainly been singing their tune in recent seasons certainly since Jurgen Klopp ignited a burning desire for success since the days off Shankly and Paisley. Klopp is building an exciting, enterprising squad which will hope to finally win a league title in the Premier League era. Liverpool’s previous season was certainly full of positives with the club securing Champions League football once again as well as reaching the Champions League only losing out to Real Madrid in the end. Liverpool will hope that the new season is finally their time to conquer England once again.

Jurgen Klopp’s footballing philosophy has created a buzz around the whole football club. A high pressing style culminated with wonderful football has gained Liverpool many admirers, but Klopp has yet to win silverware at Anfield since taking over in 2015 but he will believe this season is their best chance at getting a taste of silverware. Despite this, Klopp has installed a winning mentality at Anfield and a desire never to give in and be the best you can be on the pitch. Klopp’s charismatic personality is adored by all football fans and this certainly rubs off on his players and whole football club because there is an exciting atmosphere building and a feel-good factor around the club. This certainly correlates with the Liverpool’s team which is full of excitement and their front three in particular is the biggest exciting element in their team. Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah have a brilliant relationship both on and off with the players all being in sync. However, the role of Mohamed Salah has been integral in Liverpool success’ in the previous season. Salah notched over 40 goals in his debut season at the club and with close allies in Firmino and Mane alongside him, Salah and their partnership can only go from strength to strength. However, it isn’t just Liverpool’s attacking trio getting all the plaudits because Jurgen Klopp seems to have sorted one of his major headaches during his three-year spell in charge and that is Liverpool’s defence. The acquisitions of Virgil Van Dijk and Andy Robertson have offered stability in Liverpool’s ever-changing defence setup meaning they are much stronger at the back and conceding petulant goals appears to be a thing of the past. Furthermore, Liverpool’s midfield has also played an integral part of Liverpool’s successes and leading the pressing style with hard working midfielders like Jordan Henderson, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and the departed Emre Can. However, the main issue for Klopp in the previous season was the goalkeeper battle with both Simon Mignolet and Lorius Karius having spells to prove their worth. However, disappointing performances and mistakes cost Liverpool in matches during the previous season in particular the defeat in the Champions League final. Despite this, Jurgen Klopp certainly has the tools for success at Anfield and he will be desperate to bring silverware because although his popularity is sky high with the Liverpool faithful, managers are judged on success and so far that has alluded Klopp at Anfield.

Liverpool are always active in any transfer window that comes around and this transfer window has been no different. Jurgen Klopp has brought in players he feels can strengthen Liverpool’s team. Klopp has certainly targeted his midfield and the acquisitions of Naby Keita from RB Leipzig and Fabinho from Monaco adds a defensive stability and different dynamic to Liverpool’s already strong midfield. Fabinho will anchor the defence and play out from midfield which will be integral to Klopp’s ideas for the team. Similarly, Keita will be box to box, charging up and down the pitch to stop attacks and start them for his team. Keita will add a threat and energy to Liverpool’s midfield and this star-studded midfield will be vital for Liverpool to win any silverware this season. Furthermore, Liverpool’s goalkeeping issue may also be resolved after they smashed the transfer record for a goalkeeper to bring Alisson from Roma. The Brazilian international had a brilliant season in Italy and solid world cup meaning there is no doubting the fact he will be Liverpool’s number 1 in the new season. Klopp has identified areas needing work and a goalkeeper was the main issue for his team and he will believe he has safe pair of hands in the goal. Furthermore, the signing of Xhedran Shaqiri also offers Klopp different tactical options and a quality player who can make a difference when Liverpool struggle in matches. Despite being relegated with Stoke, Shaqiri was the star of their team and he will have another chance to express his talents in the Premier League and Champions League. Jurgen Klopp has acted quickly in the transfer window and may still have business to do because they may want to add to their forward line because if the goals off Salah, Mane and Firmino dry up, Klopp will need further options. Daniel Sturridge could be answer for Klopp because his future has been uncertain, but his excellent pre-season form has given Klopp optimism that he can play an important role this season. Liverpool’s transfer business shows a sign of intent and a determination to be the dominant force of England once again and they will a huge buzz of optimism for the season ahead with an array of talent spread across the whole pitch however, the biggest issue now is getting them all to play as a team and keeping their exciting style of play.

The liver birds and fans of Liverpool will sing throughout the entire season and the fans will hope this is their year to win the Premier League title. However, this must be the season Klopp wins a trophy because should they not win anything this season, his time at the club will be severely questioned and he will dubbed a failure. However, there will be a spirit and determination but an expectation around the whole club to succeed and if the team and fans are on song this season, this could be a very special season for the red half of Merseyside.