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Liverpool’s imperious domestic form has seen the Merseyside side rise to 1st in the Premier League table with eight wins from eight games, with Manchester City’s latest defeat last Sunday meaning Jurgen Klopp’s side are eight points clear at the summit of the league table.
The eclectic trio in Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino have been typically outstanding for the Reds, though the defensive prowess that had been seemingly ever-present in the 2018/19 campaign has evaded the 2019 Champions League winners in the current campaign.
Ahead of the international break that will see the top-flight’s high-flyers pause domestically for two weeks before re-mounting their pursuit of Premier League glory, we take a look at five of the key points that Klopp will be keen to address ahead of their return to league action against Manchester United at Old Trafford on October 20th.
[snack_break title=”Salah fitness central to Liverpool’s success”]
Although Liverpool’s last-minute winner against Leicester on Saturday sent Anfield into a state of euphoria, it was not all smiles for manager Klopp after the game when questioned on the injury sustained by Salah.
The Egyptian was taken down after a foul from Hamza Choudhury, who was booked for the challenge, and the German coach fumed that the Leicester midfielder had not received stricter punishment – especially after a similar challenge from the 22-year-old on Newcastle midfielder Matt Ritchie last week.
Although initial scans have suggested Salah’s injury is not serious, ensuring the forward is fully fit ahead of the return to Premier League action will be simply vital for Liverpool and Klopp if they are to maintain the momentum that has seen them excel in the 2019/20 Premier League campaign.
[snack_break title=”Clean sheets evading Liverpool’s backline”]
From a defensive perspective, Liverpool were in simply sensational form in the 2018/19 campaign, guiding the club to a sixth European trophy whilst also laying the foundations for a title push that fell fractionally short, owing to the excellence of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
The likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson contributed both offensively and defensively as the Reds battled in domestic and European competition, but the defensive rigour that saw Klopp’s side concede just 22 league goals is currently not present to the same extent at Anfield in the current campaign.
Whilst Liverpool have conceded just six goals so far, they have kept just two clean sheets in eight games and the lack of solidity is starting to spill over into their Champions League endeavours – where they conceded three goals to Red Bull Salzburg. Solving these issues will be vital for Klopp and the German will be hoping to address the lack of clean-sheets after October’s international break.
[snack_break title=”Matip returning to full-fitness”]
Whilst Salah’s injury understandably agitated Klopp due to the nature of the challenge, the return to fitness of centre-back Joel Matip, who was absent against Leicester last time out, will also be extremely important for the Reds after the international break.
Matip, 28, has formed a promising partnership with Virgil van Dijk at the heart of Liverpool’s defence, resigning Joe Gomez to a place on the bench.
Although Liverpool have been comparatively less resilient defensively, it will be vital for Klopp that Matip returns to full-fitness, and if the Cameroon international is unable to return after the international break, the form and fitness of fellow centre-back Gomez will be crucial for the club’s domestic and European prospects.
[snack_break title=”Utilising Wijnaldum’s growing importance”]
Netherlands international Georginio Wijnaldum has played a starring role under Jurgen Klopp in the Premier League, and the Liverpool midfielder is once again proving his worth in the 2019/20 campaign.
Alongside his typically resilient performances in central midfield, Wijnaldum has also been getting his name on the scoresheet with a fortuitous strike against Sheffield United, but the 28-year-old is contributing significantly to Liverpool’s attacking and defensive endeavours in 2019/20.
Klopp will be hoping for a series of similar performances when the Dutchman returns from international duty, but the German will also be looking to further utilise the incredible consistency that Wijnaldum is providing in the Liverpool starting XI.
[snack_break title=”Joe Gomez: preventing the centre-back’s development stalling”]
Despite enjoying a breakthrough season in the 2018/19 campaign, Liverpool centre-back Joe Gomez has, so far, been unable to establish himself as a starting selection in Jurgen Klopp’s first-choice XI.
Gomez, 22, had seven caps for England at international level, but the Liverpool boss has decided to partner van Dijk alongside Joel Matip, with the former Charlton man starting just one league game so far in 2019/20 – the opening 4-1 victory over Norwich City.
With the gruelling festive fixture list on the horizon, Klopp is likely to be looking to utilise the extensive squad depth at his disposal.
Ensuring Gomez is able to continue to develop whilst playing a vital role in Liverpool’s bid for domestic and European success should be at the top of his priorities.
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