The Reds find themselves top of the league
after 11 rounds of the Premier League, in a place that looked virtually impossible
just 12 months ago.
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| Sadio Mane is Liverpool's top Premier League goalscorer, with six in ten appearances. (Photo: Sky Sports) |
It’s hard to believe the transformation and
evolution of the playing group since Jurgen Klopp took over in October, 2015.
But for those who witnessed the German sprinkle
his magic over Mainz 05 and Borussia Dortmund earlier in his career, maybe
Liverpool’s improvement is no surprise at all.
Over the course of last season, Klopp
helped restore the Liverpool squad’s confidence in themselves. He set new
standards and raised the side’s expectations, with the influence eventually
taking them to – two – cup finals.
In his first preseason at the club in July,
2016, he took them on what has become a standard international trip across two continents,
building both fitness and camradery.
Crucially, during this time he made the
astute signings of Sadio Mane from Southampton, and Georginio Wijnaldum from
Newcastle United. Both additions came almost as a surprise to the wider, outside stakeholders,
but have provided depth and improvement in much-needed areas.
Klopp didn’t exactly plug the gaps in the
side’s holes considering he resisted the urge to sign a left back and utilised
what he had on hand, but he made calculated decisions.
While putting faith in the majority of the
squad he had might have been considered a gamble by some, the add-ons have
installed a healthy competition for places in the starting team.
The fact that striker Daniel Sturridge, who
was not long ago considered Liverpool’s best player, cannot hold down a place
in Klopp’s favoured XI is a telling sign of how far the Reds have come.
But how far they can go will be an exciting
journey to watch unfold. While matching the breathtaking brilliance and
deadliness of the Brendon Rodgers’ Luis Suarez-led side of 2013-14 would be
tough, Klopp’s side is beginning to open up sides and tear them apart.
Of course, no title is ever won in
November, and whether the weight and long held expectations of winning a maiden
Premier League title burdens their chances remains to be seen.
In recent weeks, Klopp has been pouring
cold water on any title-winning talk, attempting to douse any false pretences that
could develop amongst his players.
He knows, no title is secured until it’s
all said and done. Liverpool fans should also know this better than any.
But it’s clear this Klopp-guided team is a
legitimate chance at winning some silverware this season.
If they can keep their momentum going, Liverpool
could do anything this season.
As they say: you’ve got to lose one, to win
one.
Last season, Liverpool lost two.
Prediction:
Close, very close.