Premier League Champions, Can we go again?

Dan @radleydanOn Wednesday 22^nd July Liverpool did something many of us hadn’t seen in my lifetime and won the league. Finally.Fast forward barely two months since Hendo lifted that glorious trophy and we’re back. One of the quickest turnarounds to defend what we’d waited so long for. But can we go again?In the last decade only City have managed to defend their title, only three sides have ever done it. Have we got it in us to maintain the level that has took us to 196 points in two seasons?! We are so different to the winners that came before us. We play with high intensity, Trent and Robbo can be our main source creativity, we have arguably the front 3 in the world, we are tireless in midfield and we are solid at the back.Creativity in the MiddleAs Carra once said “nobody wants to grow up to be a Gary Neville”.  Trent and Robbo have recreated what is possible from full back, the creative force in our side with 30+ assists a season. But what about the lads in the middle? Fabinho, Henderson, Gini and Milner might offer tireless effort, pressing and they’re quality at what they do right?But we are crying out for something more at times. In the Community Shield (still a big 50p…) it took the introduction of Keita to spark some life into the Reds going forward. He brought exactly what we needed against the Gooners.  If he gets a solid run in the side, he could compensate for what we lack with the midfield grafters.Needless to say though… If a Champions League winning, Spanish international, quality midfielder became available for a cut price, this would take us on a level. It’s the hope that kills you, right?

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Strength in DepthLast season Klopp played less than 25 players in the league. It’s not a lot when you consider the end of season run outs for the likes of Neco Williams, Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott, sporadic appearances from Shaqiri and injury hit seasons for Matip, Ox and Gomez. Since then Lallana and Lovren have departed and I’d expect more to follow. Surely begs the question do we have enough?There’s a noticeable drop off once you take any of the likes of Salah, Mane, Bobby, Trent or Robbo out of the side. Inevitable.Big Div will always be a hero in the Kop for the huge moments he’s been part of with the Reds. But I can’t help but feel we’ve outgrown him now. It’s probably too early to pass judgement on Minamino, who’s growing into the side gradually. Shaqiri has offered us glimpses of what he’s capable of, I’m thinking of United, Barcelona and Newcastle but he’s spent more time on crutches than on the pitch. There could be times where we need to rely on him, he’s a quality player, but with an intense season there is further pressure to be available.With the arrival of Tsmikas, there’s finally some cover there for Robbo as well as someone to push him onto another level, if that is even possible! You couldn’t help but feel for Williams on the other side, being given the football equivalent of a tough paper round vs Aubameyang at Wembley. I’m still sceptical whether he’s good enough yet, but Trent also had a fair share of tough run outs early on. Some comparison comparing the young kid to the best right back in the world, they are tough shoes to fill. Williams is young, he needs to learn and develop. Sometimes that might be in the first team in big games, it’s part of the process.As for the keepers, there’s a fair drop off after Alisson but why wouldn’t there be, he’s boss… Pens a side.There is still some time for Liverpool to add before the transfer window closes, although it looks like with the amount of players we have in the squad there may be some outgoings first. Liverpool, like all other teams will hope they can keep everyone fit and injury free as much as possible but with a condensed period to fight on all fronts that risk is somewhat increased.The next month or so will be interesting but remember, everyone is trying to catch up with us. We are the benchmark.Are we going to win it then?!I don’t think anyone would be sticking their neck on the line to say nobody is winning it by Christmas this time. Whilst the other sides strengthen, we’d benefit from a Thiago and a centre half. But it’s not Footy Manager is it? That being said if there’s ever a coach to bring on the young lads in the squad, it’s Klopp isn’t it? If the mainstays of the team stay fit for the majority of the season, we’ll be right up there again. Bring it home again Reds!Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!Dan @radleydan