Liverpool had a disappointing first half of the Premier League season and will look to get their season back on track after the World Cup.
Premier League football resumes later this month, and Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp will be hoping that his players can step up and turn things around in the coming weeks.
Liverpool are currently sixth in the Premier League table, seven points adrift of Tottenham who are in fourth place. The Reds will be desperate to finish in the top four and secure UEFA Champions League qualification for the next season.
The Merseyside club will have a tough battle on the cards, with Chelsea and Manchester United also vying for a top-four spot. Missing out on the premier European competition would be a devastating blow for Liverpool in terms of finances as well as their ability to attract elite talents.
Very few would have expected Liverpool to be in this position in December, especially after the way they played last season. The Reds managed to win two domestic trophies and came very close to winning the Premier League and the Champions League as well.
However, persistent injury problems have jeopardised their performance levels this season. Klopp is still without key attackers like Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz for the coming weeks, and the Liverpool manager should look to dip into the January transfer market and bring in the necessary reinforcements.
Here at The Hard Tackle, we look at the players who could transform Liverpool’s season in the second half. Two of them are realistic candidates to push Liverpool up the table when the season resumes. We have also mentioned an alternative to one of these options.
Sofyan Amrabat
The 26-year-old Fiorentina midfielder has been linked with a move to Liverpool in recent weeks, and he could prove to be a solid acquisition for the club. The hard-working Moroccan international has been a star for club and country this season, and he has helped the Atlas Lions reach the semifinals of the World Cup.
Klopp’s high-intensity pressing system requires workhorses. But the likes of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson have not been able to keep up with the intensity this season. Furthermore, James Milner is in his twilight years as well.
Less than 30% of earth is covered by land, the other 70% is covered by Sofyan Amrabat 🌍🇲🇦 pic.twitter.com/XCyQPLkxsq
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 12, 2022
Liverpool need to add legs to their midfield, and Amrabat could prove to be an inspiring addition. The 26-year-old will add defensive cover and drive to the middle of the park. Furthermore, his relentless work ethic will be an asset to the club as well.
But Liverpool will need to be wary of stiff competition for Amrabat, with Manchester United also interested in him. Nonetheless, the 26-year-old is a player who will bolster the Reds’ squad and make them a safe pick when you bet on Premier League games involving the Merseyside club.
Alternative: Enzo Fernandez
If Liverpool fail to sign the Moroccan international, they should look to move for Enzo Fernandez. The 21-year-old Benfica midfielder has been outstanding for Argentina in the World Cup, and he would be a quality, long-term addition to the side.
The Reds have reportedly reached an agreement in principle to land the Argentine midfielder. But a January move might not be straightforward, and Liverpool might have to wait until the summer to bring Enzo Fernandez to Anfield.
Mohammed Kudus
The 22-year-old Ajax attacker has been outstanding for the Dutch outfit this season, and he impressed with Ghana during the World Cup group stages as well. The versatile forward can operate anywhere across the front three. And Liverpool could use someone like him, especially in the absence of Jota and Diaz.
Kudus is still quite young, and a manager like Klopp could help him to develop further and fulfil his tremendous potential. The player has already impressed in the Eredivisie and the UEFA Champions League with Ajax. The youngster, like Amrabat, features on Manchester United’s radar.
He has shown that he has the ability to thrive in the Premier League as well. He has 12 goals and two assists to his name this season. All in all, Kudus is a player who can transform Liverpool’s fortunes, especially off the bench, where they are missing a player like Divock Origi.
