A lot has been made of Liverpool's lack of activity in the transfer market this summer.
In some ways, I agree with those who believe we should have invested. That's not to say that the squad needs an overhaul or anything like that, but it felt like an opportunity to capitalise on being the Champions of Europe.
To quickly recover old ground, I also don't think it's as big a deal as some would make out, either. Klopp likes to have versatile players within his squad and this is perhaps why many, including myself, have thought we are light in some areas while the manager thinks otherwise.
For example, I would have liked to see a full-back be brought in as cover, but Klopp sees it differently. Fabinho has a lot of experience at right-back from his earlier days at Monaco, Milner has played well there many times, and Henderson has even filled in there with very few issues.
There are similar comparisons to be made throughout other areas of the pitch and, in reality, we're pretty stacked in most departments.
Goalkeepers
- Alisson
- Mignolet
Alisson is perhaps the most in-form goalkeeper in the world at the current moment. There are no issues there. For his faults, Mignolet is adequate as back up and would be a starter for many Premier League teams.
Full-Backs
- Robertson
- Alexander-Arnold
- Gomez (part-time)
- Clyne (injured)
I can't fault this pairing. The statistics from last season show how good they both are, especially offensively.
If there was a criticism of the squad, this would probably be it. Another full-back would improve depth but, as mentioned above, there are plenty of players who are more than adequate to fill in if needs be.
Centre-Backs
- van Dijk
- Gomez
- Matip
- Lovren
No problems here at all. van Dijk is the obvious starter and Gomez was a great partner for him before his injury last season. Matip came in and had the season of his life. Lovren as a fourth choice option is as good as you could probably ask for.
Midfielders
- Fabinho
- Wijnaldum
- Keita
- Henderson
- Oxlade-Chamberlain
- Milner
- Lallana
Again, I believe this is a stacked section of the squad. Keita and Oxlade-Chamberlain will be the two to push on and create. Having watched Keita closely before his move to Liverpool, it's clear that he could become one of the best number 8s in the Premier League if he hits his peak.
Forwards
- Salah
- Mane
- Firmino
- Origi
- Shaqiri
- Brewster
Yet again, I can't really fault this. The front three are one of the most formidable units in world football. Behind that, we have Origi who simply loves to score important goals, Shaqiri who has loads of talent, and Brewster who is one of the most promising youngsters around.
Worries
My main worry for the season isn't the squad, but the fact that we haven't been able to have a decent pre-season. The Copa America and Africa Cup of Nations (plus injuries) have meant that, until now, we haven't seen the likes of Alisson, Keita, Shaqiri, Mane, Firmino, or Salah.
Not a single minute of training or pre-season football. That's not great and has led to a pretty awful set of results so far.
I don't doubt that Liverpool will do well this season but my concern is that these players won't be at the required fitness to mount an early charge for the title. Of course, I could be well off the mark, but if I was to have any anxieties, that would be it.