Liverpool have two solutions to tackle Jürgen Klopp's midfield problem via Kevin de Bruyne template.
Jürgen Klopp's midfield has laid the groundwork for Liverpool's front three to succeed, but the Reds aren't scoring enough goals from there.Some clubs have abandoned the art of scoring from long range in a football era where statistics have a much bigger influence on choices.
Strikes outside the box are rarely given greater odds than 5% in the outline of expected goals (xG), but it's something Manchester City relied on last season to secure critical points. Liverpool must now look to follow in the footsteps of this model.The quality of the player for each individual chance is one component that has been left out of xG. The statistical value should change depending on who takes the shot, emphasizing how players with greater technique have a better probability of scoring. It doesn't, though, because teams prefer to deal with factual metrics rather than subjective ones based on theory.
After a season in which Kevin de Bruyne scored 15 goals on 5.91 xG, Jürgen Klopp began his search for a long shooter by adopting De Bruyne's blueprint. Or, even better, the one with Steven Gerrard.Last season, just a few Liverpool players showed promise from long range. In the Premier League, the Reds scored just eight goals from beyond the box, nearly half as many as Manchester City (15), who finished first ahead of Chelsea with 14.
Mohamed Salah continued to cut in from the right flank, but his left-foot connection was infrequent enough to concern the goalie. While Naby Keta scored goals against Crystal Palace and Atletico Madrid, they were just too few and far between in the end. In truth, it appears that Liverpool's threat from beyond the box has nearly evaporated since the signing of Philippe Coutinho.If Liverpool is to win games like champions, this needs to alter. The Reds must add a fresh edge to their sword next season, whether it's from free kicks or strikes from 25 yards.
Enzo Fernández of River Plate is a player who has the potential to transform fortunes in front of goal. The 21-year-old has been connected with both AC Milan and Manchester City, and with Pep Guardiola's penchant for signing players who can shoot from distance, this may be the ideal opportunity to take advantage of.Fernández has eight goals and six assists in 20 games this season, demonstrating his ability to score from distance, as evidenced by his latest outside-of-the-foot effort against Tigres.
Fabián Ruiz of Napoli is another player Liverpool could pursue. Last season, the Serie A striker scored more goals from beyond the box than any other player in Italy's top division, and he is currently in his final year at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.While he has recently been linked with a move to La Liga, the lure of playing with his compatriot Thiago Alcântara could convince him to join Liverpool.
Liverpool's recruitment squad will be looking at numbers over names as they prepare for another summer of using a moneyball tactic against the riches of Manchester City and Chelsea, with an eye on those players who could add the missing edge to Klopp's assault.
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