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Liverpool's squad depth line-up for next season highlights area needing support

mirror.co.uk, 17 June 2022, 11:58
Jurgen Klopp's side have been busy in the transfer window and Liverpool are set to challenge for multiple trophies again next season following Darwin Nunez's arrival

Liverpool are set to conclude their summer transfer business with the signing of Calvin Ramsay in the coming days.

The 18-year-old is expected to arrive at the Reds from Aberdeen and will pen a four-year contract. He is likely to be Liverpool's third and final addition of the window after Fabio Carvalho joined on a free transfer from Fulham and Darwin Nunez made a record-breaking switch from Benfica.

Jurgen Klopp's side had been linked with bringing in a midfielder, with Jude Bellingham and Youri Tielemans named as potential targets. However, it is understood the Reds will not be signing anyone else before the end of the summer window as the Liverpool manager is happy with his squad.

There could be a number of outgoings before the September 1 deadline, though, with the Reds set to lose Sadio Mane to Bayern Munich for a fee in the region of £42.5million. Divock Origi's departure has already been confirmed, while Takumi Minamino, Neco Williams, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Nat Phillips could also leave.

This would still leave the Reds with a healthy squad size as Klopp's side try to challenge for a whole host of trophies again next season. Liverpool played in every possible game of the main four competitions last season and were stretched to the limit at times, having reached the finals of the EFL Cup, FA Cup and Champions League.

Liverpool have three senior goalkeepers at their disposal following Loris Karius' departure. Alisson was named in the Premier League Team of the Year last season for a number of excellent performances, with Caoimhin Kelleher and Adrian providing suitable back-up and competition.

Do Liverpool need to make more signings this summer? Have your say in the comments!

At right-back, Ramsay will provide cover for Trent Alexander-Arnold, with Williams set to leave the club on a permanent deal this summer. There is a similar situation at left-back, where Andy Robertson will keep his starting spot, leaving Kostas Tsimikas likely to come in for the early rounds of the domestic cup competitions.

Meanwhile, the centre of defence is arguably Liverpool's strongest area as they have four excellent players in that position. Virgil van Djik is the only guaranteed starter out of the quartet - starting 51 matches last season - while Joel Matip, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez battle for the other spot. The latter, however, can also play at full-back and fill in for either Alexander-Arnold or Robertson.

However, some Liverpool supporters are frustrated with the club's failure to bring in a central midfielder, with many concerned by the lack of quality in that position. Although Carvalho could be considered as a midfielder, he is a more advanced player who has largely played as a No.10 or in the front three.

The Reds' formation typically uses two No.8s and a No.6, which may see the Portuguese playmaker struggle to break straight into the starting XI. Bellingham perfectly fits the mould of a 'Klopp type player', with the Borussia Dortmund youngster brilliant at pressing and very confident in possession despite being just 18.

Instead, Thiago, Naby Keita and Jordan Henderson are set to battle for two positions, with Harvey Elliott, Curtis Jones and Carvalho providing suitable competition. Fabinho will play as the No.6 and has Tyler Morton to come in for some of the cup matches. Despite having 10 first-team midfield options, Reds fans feel that the midfield is still a concern and it has been described as being 'too slow'.

With Mane expected to complete his switch to Bayern over the coming days, Liverpool have moved quickly to replace him with Nunez arriving from Benfica. He and Roberto Firmino are the Reds' two recognised strikers, while Diogo Jota has often filled in up front.

Luis Diaz has impressed on the left flank since his move from Porto, while Jota is expected to battle the Colombian for his place. Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah, who was named as the PFA Players' Player of the Year last week, will occupy the right flank, with Kaide Gordon waiting in the wings for his chance.

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