Jürgen Klopp, the former Borussia Dortmund manager, is being faced with making his most difficult midfield selection yet as Liverpool's roster continues to change under his leadership.
Some people have expressed frustration over FSG's decision to discourage a move for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham in the wake of talk of signing a midfielder this summer, but preseason play has demonstrated why Liverpool are willing to wait while Jürgen Klopp considers a potential marquee acquisition.
This summer, it appeared to be a choice between Bellingham and Aurélien Tchouaméni. The requirement imposed was that FSG wouldn't bet on a guy who wouldn't improve the current core if the Reds were to sign a star midfielder of the future.
It is simple to get caught up in the excitement of wanting to sign a new player during the hectic summer transfer season, even if it means losing track of existing players.
The preseason displays of Naby Keta have served as a timely reminder of why Klopp is most likely the one who knows best when it comes to decisions regarding squad depth. Keta's Liverpool career hasn't been without setbacks due to unlucky injuries, but at his best, he embodies the qualities that Klopp values in a center midfielder.
Jordan Henderson's goal demonstrated that the captain isn't finished either. Henderson's commitment to the team can frequently go unappreciated while James Milner and Mohamed Salah receive praise for their efforts off the field.The captain of Liverpool, who turned 32 in June, will continue to be crucial to Liverpool's title defense. However, there is one distinction: Henderson and Keta's battle for the opening minutes is about to end.
Harvey Elliott will likely replace Salah coming season, giving Liverpool's creative combination of Fábio Carvalho and Curtis Jones the ability to play a more attacking style of heavy-metal football under Klopp. Carvalho, who is only 19 years old, has already demonstrated the maturity to outsmart Premier League rivals. He is unfortunate not to have scored in preseason.
These are, of course, only good things as Klopp's team prepares for what will be another marathon across all competitions,However, the truth is that some players could be dissatisfied with the number of starting minutes they receive. Whether Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain receives new contract offers to stay on Merseyside will depend on how well he performs this season. However, given the fierce competition for midfield positions, that could be challenging for the 28-year-old.
While many feared that waiting until the summer to add a midfielder would leave gaps in the squad, it appears that Klopp was aware of the talent he would have at his disposal. The strain on Thiago Alcântara and Fabinho, who have both been important components of the Reds' spine in recent seasons, has been reduced by Liverpool's choices in the middle.
There won't be any worry about the cards in Klopp's deck should the sight of an injury curse keep fans away from Anfield this season, but as the start of the Premier League season on August 6 approaches, a selection issue is unavoidable.
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