Liverpool have just over a week until the transfer window closes, and the draw at Newcastle United proved they are several players short of a competitive squad this season.
Right-Wing Gap After Salah's Departure
New head coach Andoni Iraola has repeatedly stressed that the Reds lack options in key positions, especially on the right wing. Liverpool knew for more than five months that Mohamed Salah was leaving, yet they have still not found a replacement.
None of the solutions Iraola has tried so far have shown they can do the job effectively in the short or long term, writes club legend John Aldridge. Victor Munoz has only just arrived at Anfield and is adjusting to English football, Rio Ngumoha is very young and prefers the left, and Cody Gakpo is better in the other two forward positions.
Federico Chiesa has also proven he is not the answer and was left out of the weekend's line-up along with Harvey Elliott, which could signal their futures.
Potential Incomings Before the Deadline
Liverpool desperately need one or two forwards, and at least one high-value attacker is likely to be signed before the deadline. The Reds will not overpay for targets like Bradley Barcola or Yankuba Minteh, as Fenway Sports Group (FSG) have consistently avoided such market tactics.
However, Liverpool's pressing need means they will almost certainly have to pay a premium. Clubs know their weaknesses.
A defensive midfielder is also needed. It may not be a high-profile name, but with Wataru Endo having had limited game time over the past two years, there is room for an experienced, lower-cost player to add grit. They would not need to play every match, but could positively influence the squad and support the physical style Iraola wants from his midfielders.
Debuts and Defensive Concerns
Sunday saw three players make their competitive debuts for Liverpool, and all can be pleased with their performances. The two centre-backs showed they are very different players in the same position who can be valuable this season.
Jeremy Jacquet was chosen as Virgil van Dijk's partner and impressed with his composed ball handling. Ronald Araujo came on for the Frenchman midway through the second half and is more of a straightforward defender, especially against aerial threats. He has top-level experience, and the Reds will hope he avoids the errors Ibrahima Konate made in his last season at Liverpool.
That said, Liverpool could have handled the two goals they conceded much better, and the number conceded in pre-season suggests they are still far from defensively solid. Victor Munoz showed plenty of energy after coming off the bench on the right flank and did well to win the levelling penalty.
Expectations may have been tempered by the display at Newcastle, though. Liverpool are not going to be transformed overnight.
