The Reds have plenty of firepower up front, but they're once again conceding far too many goals, meaning a Premier League title tilt is unlikely
Liverpool's need for defensive reinforcements was made painfully clear in Wednesday's 4-3 friendly loss to Bayern Munich in Singapore. The Reds once again impressed going forward, with Cody Gakpo opening the scoring just two minutes in before Virgil van Dijk doubled their advantage.
However, Bayern were level by the break as Serge Gnabry scored one goal and created another for Leroy Sane, by taking advantage of the wide open space in between Joel Matip and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Liverpool went back in front through second-half substitute Luis Diaz, who had been teed up by Mohamed Salah, but conceded twice in the final two minutes, with Josip Stanisic making it 3-3 before Frans Kratzig won it for Bayern with a thumping finish.
GOAL looks at what we learned during the clash at the Singapore National Stadium, as Jurgen Klopp's team conceded four goals for the second time in three pre-season outings…
Getty ImagesLiverpool's awesome attacking options
Liverpool shouldn't struggle to score goals this season. In fact, it wouldn't be a surprise if they rival Manchester City for most goals in the Premier League. Their array of attacking options is truly awesome, as underlined by the fact that, as it stands, there is only one guaranteed starter against Chelsea on Sunday week: Salah.
Gakpo is probably the best bet to play through the middle after another accomplished pre-season performance here, with the Dutchman showing what he is all about by linking with Diogo Jota for the game's opening goal before finishing emphatically with his left foot. The latter, of course, could also play through the middle or out wide, such is his mix of quality and versatility. Then again, Diaz, who took his goal wonderfully well, is the more natural winger and would be most fans' favourite to play on the left flank.
Let's also not forget, though, that Darwin Nunez had been one of Liverpool's sharpest players in their friendly fixtures until this point. Given his height and physical presence, he would probably be the more orthodox choice to lead the line, but he's also an attractive option out wide given his blistering pace.
All things considered, with all of his forwards fit and firing during pre-season, Klopp will have the best kind of selection headache at Stamford Bridge.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesJones an option but not the solution at No.6
With both Fabinho and Jordan Henderson having departed for Saudi Arabia, Liverpool are obviously in dire need of a new No.6. The hope is that an agreement can be reached with Southampton for Romeo Lavia, with the Saints having already rejected two bids for the Belgian, but it was also heartening to learn that an alternative is being lined up, namely Fluminense's Andre, because a specialist defensive midfielder is clearly required.
Klopp argued before the game that Curtis Jones could have "a massive impact in that position" – and the England Under-21 international certainly has the confidence to play the part. Several times in Singapore he took the ball under intense pressure, and navigated his way out of trouble with smart, sharp turns. But we're talking about a role that requires some time to master and Liverpool can't really afford to have Jones learning on the job.
Getty ImagesVan Dijk will relish new role
There were no shortage of contenders to succeed Henderson as Liverpool captain. But Klopp's decision to hand the armband to Van Dijk wasn't wholly unexpected. Truth be told, the Dutchman was the obvious choice. The leader of the defence is also the most influential character in the team.
It's a role he clearly relishes, so it was no surprise to see him mark his first outing as the club's new captain with a goal. Van Dijk quite literally rose to the occasion, towering above the Bayern back-line to power home a header from an Andy Robertson corner.
Liverpool will be hoping it will be the first of many this season, with Van Dijk looking a serious threat every time he ventured forward for a set-piece. Even more encouragingly, he also made several vital interventions at a time when those around him were looking a little lost, which only underlined his suitability to his new role.
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Getty ImagesReds still have a major problem in defence
Liverpool's defensive problems haven't magically disappeared. Klopp and his coaching team still haven't figured out the Alexander-Arnold conundrum. The versatile England international adds so much from an offensive perspective when he steps into midfield, but this inverted right-back role is still creating issues on the right-hand side of backline, particularly when Joel Matip is playing.
The Cameroonian has many qualities, but he simply does not have the requisite pace or agility to cover for Alexander-Arnold when he is occupying more advanced positions – as both Bayern goals underlined.
In the first instance, Alexander-Arnold was poorly positioned and, thus, unable to react in time to the most straightforward inward run from Gnabry, who collected a pass from Kim Min-jae before cutting far too easily inside Matip and firing home.
The second goal was eerily similar, only this time Alexander-Arnold wasn't to blame for finding himself high up the pitch – it's what he's instructed to do, after all. Liverpool just lost the ball at the most inopportune time for him – and his team, as Gnabry was once again allowed a free run at Matip before leaving Sane with a simple finish.
Liverpool know there's an inherent gamble involved in allowing Alexander-Arnold, but the question once again has to be asked: is the risk worth the reward?