Five points the Reds need to cover before the season kicks off.
Liverpool progressed to the final of the International Champions Cup this past week, but failed to bring the trophy home after succumbing to a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Manchester United on Monday night. Though the Reds have done some things right, there are still a few pointers that Brendan Rodgers has to cover before the new campaign kicks off.
Read More Liverpool FC News
5. Johnson’s time could be up
The England international is sadly no longer the top notch full-back that he once was and for a club like Liverpool, who have both domestic and European ambitions to foster, will need to bring in somebody that will not only take over from Johnson, but keep him out of the side long term. Johnson looked unfit and uninterested against United and was subsequently torn a new one by United’s attack and the Reds faithful afterwords. Javier Manquillo is on his way, but it could be time for Jon Flanagan to move back over into his natural position too.
4. Gerrard on the spot
After Rickie Lambert missed his first penalty in 40 attempts against AC Milan last week he was duly replaced by the skipper against United, who showed the former Saints star how it’s done with a coolly dispatched spot kick in the early stages of the game. It’s clear that Gerrard should remain as the club’s first choice penalty taker over the coming months – he only seemingly gets rattled from 12 yards when he’s wearing Three Lions.
3. Mamadou Sakho to start
Last season Sakho showed glimpses of what he can do, but often let himself down with momentary lapses in concentration. However, as the season progressed he grew in stature, and again proved his credentials as a top draw centre-back during the off-season warm up. Likely to feature on a more regular basis next term due to the club’s involvement in the Champions League, and fans can look forward to see him grow into that leadership role that he alluded to whilst at PSG.
2. Reds require new solutions for creativity
As it stands, the club’s two foremost creative sources are just 19 and 22 years old. That may not be a problem for an average side, but the Reds will be competing across four facets this term and will require fresh talent to back Coutinho and Sterling up. Rodgers has a number of younger options to call on, but therein lies the problem, and the manager will need to dip into the transfer market before the window draws to a close.
1. Lambert is not a Suarez replacement
Lambert has a lot going for him, and deserves his chance at a club like Likerpool, however, as a replacement for Luis Suarez he is the complete opposite of what they need. Lambert will not guarantee 15+ goals a season like he did at Southampton, and Rodgers must now look for a name big enough to fill Suarez’s boots. Alongside more options for creativity, a new goal machine will be at the forefront of the manager’s priorities.