da betsul： The Jurgen Klopp era so far has offered up the good, the bad and the downright bizarre. The loan signing of QPR defender Steven Caulker has baffled fans and pundits alike, though perhaps the injury crisis at Anfield has forced the German’s hand.
da premier bet： It seems the Reds are two victories away from being considered genuine top four contenders, or a couple of disappointing results away from writing this season off as Klopp finds his feet. Still, the way this Premier League is going leaves almost every possible avenue open.
While the January transfer window is notoriously difficult to land top talent, it could represent the chance to draft in some players Klopp believes can truly impose his philosophy on his side. Some astute additions, coupled with the welcome return of some of his injured stars, could see the former Borussia Dortmund manager guide the club into the top four.
But who does he need? Here are FIVE players Klopp can sign to ensure Liverpool finish in the top four.
GRANIT XHAKA
Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka would be an ideal addition to the Reds midfield. The 23-year old is one of the best engine room operators in the Bundesliga and surely Klopp will be well aware of his talents.
Despite links with many big sides, the Borussia Monchengladbach star would surely be guaranteed more of a starting role should he move to Anfield. Able to play pretty much anywhere in the midfield, he has the exact qualities to suit the Reds’ new found ‘heavy metal’ approach.
Perhaps you could argue he’s a cheaper alternative to the likes of Ilkay Gundogan. Both possess the versatility to act in the holding role, pulling the strings from deep, though can press up field and get involved with attacks due to their desire and intricate passing.
Mario Gotze has been widely touted as a potential target, though a move for the World Cup hero is a shade unrealistic considering it is half-way through the season and the Reds are not guaranteed Champions League football just yet.
EMIL FORSBERG
Swedish winger Emil Forsberg may be plying his trade in Germany’s second tier, but the 24-year is widely considering one of his country’s best players. The winger was voted Swedish football’s best midfielder in 2014 while with Malmo.
Preferring to start on the left before either beating his man, or cutting inside, the Red Bull Leipzig star would be an ideal solution to the lack of wide options at Anfield. £20m Lazar Markovic was farmed out to Fenerbahce on loan, leaving only Jordon Ibe available as a natural winger.
Christian Benteke has not offered a huge return on the £32m investment since he arrived, though the addition of a winger would surely help the towering Belgian out a touch.
SAIDO BERAHINO
It’s unclear whether Daniel Sturridge will ever be able to play a whole season again, and Benteke has struggled as previously mentioned. When you throw Danny Ings’ injury into account, the frontline begins to look a little bare.
West Brom forward Saido Berahino would be an ideal swap for Sturridge up front. The 22-year old possesses electric movement, is able to run behind defences and could finally make use of Liverpool’s plethora of Number 10s.
He’d offer much more of a presence up front, dragging defenders either deep or wide while creating space for the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino and Adam Lallana.
Though others are rumoured to be sniffing around, the England under-21 ace would be the perfect remedy to Klopp’s disappointment in front of goal thus far.
DENIS CHERYSHEV
Real Madrid’s Denis Cheryshev hasn’t had the best time of it recently. The only time he gets picked to start a game, he ends up being the reason Los Blancos are expelled from the Copa Del Rey. As Euro 2016 approaches, the Russian winger will be eager to play as much as possible in preparation.
A loan move to Anfield has been mooted in the past, and the former Villarreal loan star is another winger who could balance out the squad. His direct, powerful running would offer an outlet in the final third, something that has been painfully lacking in some of Liverpool’s rather flat performances under Klopp’s tutelage so far.
Borrowing him for the rest of the season is also a relatively safe option, rather than splashing the cash on an overpriced signing as so often happens in this notorious time of year.
MARTIN CACERES
Steven Caulker surely can’t be the only defensive reinforcement drafted in this month, considering how woeful the Reds’ backline has been at times this season.
Again, it will be hard to land the likes of Neven Subotic and Mats Hummels in the winter, let alone the summer, and Joel Matip looks set to arrive in July rather than January. So, Juventus star Martin Caceres could be an option.
Though, like Matip, his contract is dwindling down, the Uruguayan would surely be worth a cut-price move. Out of favour at Juventus, making only three appearances all season, the 28-year old’s versatility could also be a key factor in speeding up a move.
Able to play centrally, or at either left or right back, the former Sevilla star is noted for his aerial ability, something that has dogged the Reds all season. Perhaps his arrival could help sort out the somewhat laughable defence of set-pieces we have seen on Merseyside over the last 18 months.