Liverpool are without their star strikers' Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah who are at the African Cup of Nations. We take a look at who Jurgen Klopp will look to in the African duo's absence.
Africa’s premier international competition is officially underway and heavyweights that usually represent the best clubs around the world will go toe to toe in the name of their country. Two of the most notable examples of this are Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, Liverpool’s star wingers who have set the Premier League alight in recent times, as well as this the Reds will be without Naby Keita and the Guinean playmaker and forwards will be away from Liverpool until February at the earliest.
With a combined 33 goals and 10 assists across all competitions their absence represents a significant loss for the Merseyside outfit. The threat that these two provide is crucial in ensuring that Jurgen Klopp’s favoured 4-3-3 system is able to function fluidly. Needless to say, the key attributes that make these two so deadly is their pace, power and clinical finishing, although that last one mainly applies to Mohamed Salah.
Now that they’re gone Liverpool do have options, but the most important thing for Klopp and the mentality monsters, is whether or not they can maximise the rest of the squad’s output.
So let’s look at who remains available:
Diogo Jota
The Portuguese poacher has found prolific goal scoring form this season, scoring 12 goals in 24 appearances. His direct style will most likely make him the focal point of the Liverpool’s attack in the absence of Salah. Maintaining his fitness and providing him adequate service will be invaluable for Liverpool if they want to stay on the heels of the formidable Manchester City at the top of the table.
Roberto Firmino
This tricky Brazilian false 9 has been a crucial cog in the pressing machine of Liverpool since Klopp joined some 6 years ago. Having been criticised heavily in recent seasons for his lack of goal contributions, when fit this season Firmino has been back to something resembling his best netting 7 goals and 3 assists in 16 appearances, which is a significant improvement on last season’s goal scoring, in which he reached 9 for the entire season. His role for Klopp has always been less about goalscoring output and more about fulfilling a role, pressing off the ball and drawing out defenders to provide space for Salah and Mane. Perhaps without those two, Klopp will demand a freer scoring version of the centre forward.
Takumi Minamino
Since joining Liverpool in 2020, Minamino has been a rare feature for the Reds, struggling to break through the established ever-present quality in their first team. His rare performances have been understated and not often game changing. He has a deft touch and a quick turn of pace and is very versatile. Klopp has been known to utilise him in central midfield and across the forward line, his best role is likely yet to be identified but this month represents an opportunity for him to showcase his skillset and prove to the world he deserves to play for one of the best club sides in the world.
Divock Origi
Never shy of the spotlight, when pressure comes knocking Divock Origi always seems to answer. Anfield’s comeback king and Champions League hero has dug them out of many tight spots in his time with the club. From a Barcelona brace to sealing the Champions League final victory in 2019. Despite interest from newly rich Newcastle United, Liverpool have expressed no desire to move the Belgian on this month, suggesting they believe he will be instrumental in the clubs continued search for trophies this season. Though currently suffering from a knee injury he is tipped to return later in January.
Opportunity for the youth?
Liverpool’s 4-1 romp over Shrewsbury at Anfield in the 3rd round of the FA Cup saw debuts for many young reds, most notably Kaide Gordon, who became the second youngest scorer in the history of the club. While far from Premier League opposition, Gordon took his chance and kept composed amongst traffic to score the first half equaliser and sway the tide of the game. Prior to injury, Klopp had already given youth a chance this season through Harvey Elliot, it is an option he may explore.
As for cover in midfield for Naby Keita, there are several options, particularly now with Thiago Alcantara out with a hip injury. Klopp has opted for the experienced Milner as a deputy for Thiago most often this season, however the 36-year-old cannot be expected to play every game. The transition away from reliance on the capable but ageing midfielder is essential if Liverpool are to progress and build another side capable of challenging for trophies.
Should Klopp choose to favour youth again, Curtis Jones has ample first team experience and is capable of winning some crucial points. On the other hand there is Tyler Morton, a recent promotion from the U23 side has seen Morton play against European royalty in AC Milan and control the midfield for periods of the game, he is another suitor for opportunity in Liverpool’s midfield.