Talk of Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and other recent arrivals is all well and good, but in truth the recruitment drive at Liverpool has been on the up for some time. After two-and-a-half seasons with Klopp at the helm, the team is really starting to take shape in a manner which excites the fans for what may lie ahead. Signings have been carefully thought out and then snared, largely no matter the cost or the wait time, and show exactly what the German boss wants to achieve with the team. Two summers ago Klopp added five seniors to his squad—along with player-goalkeeper coach Alex Manninger, who stayed only one year and is not graded here—while a whole host departed as the reshaping continued apace.
For the quintet who joined in the summer of 2016, it’s almost two years up at Anfield, so how have each fared? What a rollercoaster it has been for the German goalkeeper since his arrival. He was heralded as one of the Bundesliga’s finest when he signed, but it took him around 16 months to begin to show his best form. Twice he usurped Simon Mignolet from the No. 1 role; the first occasion, his own inconsistencies saw him lose the position again, but there appears no danger of a repeat performance this time. Karius has grown in stature over the last three or four months, keeping clean sheets with a mix of his own better handling, improved organisation in front of him and increased confidence from everyone—including the fans behind his goal.
The assuredness he now displays in claiming high crosses and his decision-making when leaving his six-yard box show just why Klopp was right to reintroduce him to the team. A free transfer arrival from Schalke, Matip was Klopp’s chosen general to improve the Reds’ back line which had suffered years of torment and misfortune. Matip has done his part to stem the tide at times, proving largely reliable, strong aerially and impressive in possession when fit and in-form. Unfortunately, that combination has not happened too often. The Cameroonian has been somewhat prone to niggles and muscle strains, missing isolated matches which makes it difficult to see him established as an undisputed starter. He’s not a leader of the back line, which has necessitated an additional signing, but he is an able deputy and a good second-in-command when at his best.
