5 questions Liverpool still have to answer as they prepare to start the new season

The wait is almost over. The Premier League returns at the weekend and champions Liverpool begin their title defense on Saturday night with the visit of newly promoted Leeds United.

The Reds were imperious last season, winning 32 games and losing just three as they advanced to an 18-point margin of victory.

But Liverpool’s intensity on the field has not been matched in the transfer window and only one player, Kostas Tsimikas, a £ 11.75 million left-back, has been added to the ranks.

Klopp appears to be confident in his established team of champions and, on the eve of the new campaign, put the players to the test at the club’s Melwood base.

But while Liverpool’s preparations for their opening day clash are nearly complete, Klopp still faces a number of questions …

1. The future of Brewster

At the top of Klopp’s schedule is deciding whether Rhian Brewster will stay as a substitute for number 9 Roberto Firmino or leave Anfield, either on loan or permanently.

Several Premier League clubs have asked about the 20-year-old forward, but another loan period has emerged with Swansea as the most likely option should he leave.

Brewster has age on his side and his preseason performances have shown that he has the drive to live up to his potential. But with only four senior Liverpool appearances to his name, questions remain about his ability to replace Firmino.

Klopp’s favorite striker from the bench in recent years has been Divock Origi, who has made a name for himself by popping up with big goals when his team needs him most.

Klopp must decide whether he is willing to trust Brewster to change the game in a similar way to the Belgian.

2. Midfield mixes

Perhaps the most pressing question Klopp faces each game week: ‘Which three players to start in midfield?’

The German has been blessed with quality and depth, but has yet to settle for a first-choice trio in the center of the park.

Fabinho has at times been seen as a world-class defensive midfielder, but struggled to match his best form after sustaining a serious ankle injury late last year.

That allowed captain Jordan Henderson to return to No. 6, where he excelled before succumbing to an injury of his own.

In the more advanced roles, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain offer style and frankness, while Georginio Wijnaldum and James Milner are tireless men from box to box.

Last season we frequently saw Henderson, Fabinho and Wijnaldum line up together, but Liverpool lacked creativity with this setup, as shown in the 1-1 draw with Manchester United in October.

However, Klopp is careful not to throw caution into the wind by starting a trio of offensive-minded midfielders, as he knows his defense relies heavily on players closing in to cover full-backs Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson. .

With the appearance of Curtis Jones, competition in midfield is at an all-time high, and Klopp is sure to scratch his head over his midfield three next season.

3. Virgil’s Partner

Who should accompany Van Dijk on defense? Give us your opinion here.

Another team-selection conundrum Klopp faces is whether to start Joe Gomez or Joel Matip alongside Virgil van Dijk in central defense.

There is no doubt that England defender Gomez has been the preferred choice in recent months and the 23-year-old started the Community Shield against Arsenal in late August.

Gomez also made 28 Premier League appearances last season compared to Matip’s nine, although the latter’s season was plagued with injuries.

With both options slotted in, it remains to be seen whether Gomez will maintain his starting role or give way to the man who kept a clean sheet and provided an assist in the Champions League final last year.

Both Gomez and Matip have been injury prone and Klopp may even choose to rotate who starts alongside Van Dijk knowing there is no senior fourth choice option after Dejan Lovren’s departure this summer.

4. Elliott’s role

At the tender age of 17, Harvey Elliott holds the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup champion medals.

The winger is aiming for stardom and is sure to add to his two Premier League appearances next season.

His playing time with the senior team has been largely limited to cup competitions when heavy hitters Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah are off, but that may be about to change.

Liverpool’s options in wide areas are limited, with Xherdan Shaqiri, struck by injury, linked to an Anfield exit and rarely with few natural width players on the team.

Sometimes Divock Origi is sent to the left flank or Oxlande-Chamberlain goes back the years to play winger, but it seems like Klopp is trying to put square pegs in round holes on these occasions.

As such, it may not be long before we see Elliott play an increasingly important role as Salah and Mane’s backup during a congested season.

5. Wijnaldum talks

Few Liverpool players have been as good servants of the club as Georginio Wijnaldum since the Dutchman joined four years ago.

The midfielder has made more than 180 appearances in that time, including 46 last season, and has been a mainstay in the center of the park.

But with less than a year remaining on his contract and Barcelona spinning around, Wijnaldum’s future is at stake.

Klopp is in the midst of talks with the 29-year-old and his result could have huge ramifications for the club.

Should Wijnaldum sign a new deal, Liverpool’s highly successful backbone from the past two seasons will remain fully intact when the title defense begins.

But if negotiations fail, Klopp may choose to ditch the player, with claims that Wijnaludm’s departure could be the catalyst for the signing of Bayern Munich star Thiago Alcantara.

Regardless of the outcome of the talks, Wijnaldum’s prodigious Anfield legacy is certain.

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