Liverpool have found themselves struggling to maintain their own high expectations so far this season, and Jurgen Klopp will surely be more frustrated as each poor performance passes.
The Reds are currently sixth in the Premier League after their first 17 games, collecting just 28 points from a possible 51 so far, which has left them seven points adrift of a Champions League qualifying spot at present.
Liverpool’s league position and failure to progress in the Carabao Cup is a reflection of their poor performances, which has been complemented by a lack of investment in their midfield.
The powers at Anfield have made some notable signings over the last 12 months, with Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez all coming to L4. However, the pressing issue remains in midfield, with a number of contracts expiring in the summer and the likes of Thiago Alcantara and Jordan Henderson into their 30s at this point.
As a result, the golden opportunity to strengthen the midfield ranks at Anfield this month should not be squandered by Julian Ward and co, as Liverpool cannot afford to drop many more points if they are to be in contention for a top-four finish at the end of the season.
One player who has been linked with a move to Merseyside is Valencia and USA midfielder Yunus Musah, a talented prospect who could be the perfect player to spark the youthful revolution which seems needed at Anfield.
The 20-year-old captured the attention of the football world with his contributions for his national team during the World Cup, and Klopp could capitalise on the youngster’s promising output by making a move for him and subsequently developing him into the next superstar to wear the famous red shirt.
In 13 La Liga appearances this season, Musah – who was dubbed “special” by USA team-mate Tyler Adams – has registered two assists, created three big chances and tallied an 83% pass completion rate, along with making 1.9 tackles and winning 4.4 duels per game.
The young sensation also ranks in the top 11% of his positional peers in the top five European leagues for dribbles completed and progressive passes received, and he could be Liverpool’s long-term replacement for Naby Keita for just $21m (£17.6m).
The Guinea midfielder is set to part ways with the Reds at the end of the season when his contract expires, and Klopp will surely be looking for a progressive and hard-working operator who can show up when they’re needed most to replace Keita after four-and-a-half injury-plagued years at Anfield.
With that in mind, signing Musah could be a great piece of business and give Klopp a fantastic prospect to mould into his ideal midfielder for the future.
