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Much has been made of Liverpool’s decision to snub the signing of another attacker in the final days of the transfer window but history tells us Jurgen Klopp might just know what he’s doing. Last summer, the Reds pulled off the unexpected capture of Diogo Jota to bolster their star-studded frontline and the Portuguese’s impact at Anfield has upped the competition for places, keeping the likes of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino on their toes.
Jota was the perfect fit for Liverpool and his swashbuckling attacking style represents yet another win for Michael Edwards and the club’s recruitment team.
Firmino’s hamstring injury leaves Liverpool a little light on the ground in attack, particularly in reserve and the club’s decision not to bolster their frontline has now left a bad taste in the mouth of supporters.
Title rivals Manchester City have quality in abundance and even last season’s fringe players Ferran Torres and Gabriel Jesus are now starting to step up and prove their worth.
The same cannot be said of Liverpool, although opportunities are a rarity for the club’s fringe players.
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He has been playing in a more central midfield role but if he’s moved further up the field into the No 10 role, he could be devastating for the Reds.
Elliott spent most of his loan spell with Blackburn on the wing but Klopp appears to be getting something more from him in the middle of the pitch, where his quality on the ball is there for all to see.
The youngster is already easing fears about what life might be like at Liverpool beyond Mane and Salah.
Takumi Minamino is already ready to shine after a substantial settling-in period on English soil.
He caught the eye during his loan spell with Southampton in the second half of last season and is hungry for more opportunities at Anfield.
The Japanese international actually scored on his last Premier League start for Liverpool in the 7-0 demolition of Crystal Palace last December before joining the Saints on loan.
It was one of the only times Minamino has been handed the chance to play as a No 10, as opposed to a false-nine or wide player.
There was an immediate difference in his game and Minamino was able to link and combine play between the rest of the forward line but Klopp never used him again to the surprise of many.
Minamino has always been an attacking midfielder as opposed to a false-nine or winger, yet he is yet to receive a clear run in the team in his favoured position.
Klopp remains a stubborn operator and he is unlikely to move away from his go-to 4-3-3 but Minamino can certainly provide something different when Mane and Salah depart in January. He is worth keeping hold of…
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