Liverpool's starting XI can win the Premier League under Andoni Iraola this season, but there is a big problem that needs to be resolved in the upcoming three weeks
Jeremie Frimpong and Andoni Iraola in conversation during Liverpool's pre-season in Chicago.
Jeremie Frimpong and Andoni Iraola in conversation during Liverpool's pre-season in Chicago.(Image: Richard Nichols/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Liverpool still has time left in the transfer market, but the clock is ticking. While there is an acceptance that the roster is light, and several players are under consideration, more is needed.
The Reds need to add signings, we know that. But how are things shaping up so far in terms of the starting XI that Andoni Iraola could select? It all starts with the trip to St James' Park to play Newcastle on August 23.
Alisson Becker, Virgil van Dijk, Milos Kerkez, Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak have their places locked down in the best Liverpool starting XI.
Jeremie Frimpong does as well at right-back, as things stand, while Jeremy Jacquet — or Ronald Araujo, if that deal gets over the line — could start the season next to Van Dijk.
Cody Gakpo, Victor Munoz and Rio Ngumoha are the wide options at the moment, but Bradley Barcola would instantly make the team if that deal is done.
All of that is fine. More than fine, in fact: potentially, on paper, even Premier League title-challenging. The problem, though, is simple: a lack of depth. That is where being able to sustain a push on multiple fronts would currently be impossible.
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola(Image: Nikki Dyer/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
As mentioned, Frimpong is the only right-back option right now because of injuries to Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez. None of the senior center-backs have featured in pre-season games to date.
In forward areas, Federico Chiesa is the only natural right winger, and the Italian has only started two games in two seasons at Anfield so far, while Mohamed Salah is yet to be replaced.
In addition, next summer, Van Dijk, Gomez, Kostas Tsimikas, Alisson Becker, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Wataru Endo and Stefan Bajcetic will all leave as free agents unless they pen new terms or leave in the meantime.
Of course, there are numerous players to come back from injury. Spending big money on another number nine has never made sense, for instance, because Hugo Ekitike will be back at some point.
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Likewise, adding another specialist right-back who would only be needed for a relatively short period until Bradley returns seems unlikely. The exact timeframe for his comeback is yet to be determined.
The situation at center-back, given Gomez's recent injuries and his contract situation, in particular, is far more pressing. Next year, a signing is likely to be required anyway, though Ifeanyi Ndukwe and/or Mor Talla Ndiaye could explode in the meantime.
Signing more players is much easier said than done when it comes to getting it right in the long term. Going without, though, is simply not an option.