Do Liverpool still have enough to win the PL?

13/07/21 1444

Liverpool’s Premier League title defence did not go well a season ago. The Reds were early favourites to win the league title for a second straight campaign, but an awful January ended the team’s hopes of claiming the trophy.

Jurgen Klopp’s team did show reliance by finishing third in the league after it looked like they would completely miss Europe with just a few weeks of the term to go. Liverpool finished 17 points behind Manchester City, a distance that wasn’t as bad as it could have been.

Liverpool kick off the Premier League season on 14 August against newly-promoted Norwich City. With around a month to go until the season begins, Liverpool are yet to make any significant alterations to the squad.

The club have addressed one glaring problem in the form of centre-back Ibrahima Konate. Liverpool paid RB Leipzig £36 million for Konate after having so many injury issues in central defence last season.

Rumours persist that Liverpool are trying to sign several players including Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe, Atletico Madrid’s Saul, and Sampdoria’s Mikkel Damsgaard. However, with Liverpool’s history of business in the summer transfer market, it is unlikely any of these players will join the Anfielders.

Although further arrivals may not happen, departures could occur. Midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum has already left the club for Paris Saint-Germain. Meanwhile, the likes of Xherdan Shaqiri, Divock Origi, and Takumi Minamino could all leave. A deal for Marko Grujic is nearly finished with Porto.

Considering Jurgen Klopp’s talent options, onlookers may not feel like Liverpool have enough quality to push for another Premier League title. However, with many of the same names on the squad list that won the title in 2019-20, Liverpool certainly have enough quality to lift another trophy.

Liverpool are still led by the Premier League’s best front three in Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, and Sadio Mane. The trio scored 43 goals between them in the Premier League last term.

Thiago is now in his second season at Anfield and should be better – although he was good at times in 2020-21. If there is an area that needs an upgrade, however, it is the team’s midfield.

However, Klopp does have options in the form of Curtis Jones, who will receive more responsibility with Wijnaldum gone. There appears to be more playing time available for teenager Harvey Elliott, who signed a new contract with the club over the weekend.

Elliott impressed at Blackburn Rovers last season scoring seven goals and assisting 11 in 41 appearances. He could step up to be a Salah alternative.

If Klopp can keep the side fit, unlike they were last season, then Liverpool can win the Premier League title once more. Injuries and exhaustion robbed Liverpool a season ago.

Now, they could be primed for a run at the league title once more.