Liverpool have improved their squad from last year by addressing their defensive issues, according to former club midfielder Jamie Redknapp.
Jurgen Klopp has brought in four players to boost the vast array of talent already on display at the Anfield club.
With both Liverpool goalkeepers Simon Mignolet and Loris Karis having faced intense criticism last season, the Reds have brought in ‘keeper Alisson from Roma on a deal worth close to £67 million.
Their midfield has also been strengthened, with both Fabinho and Naby Keita arriving this summer from AS Monaco and RB Leipzig respectively. Also, wantaway Stoke City and Switzerland winger Xherdan Shaqiri has joined the already impressive attacking force as Klopp’s side seek to close the gap on last year’s Premier League champions Manchester City.
Having spent close to £160 million on incoming players, former club midfielder Redknapp believes that Liverpool have identified the key areas of improvement and have actively sought to rectify them, with great success.
“What I like about Liverpool is that they’ve addressed problems. He [Klopp] hasn’t messed around,” Redknapp said on Sky Sports‘ The Debate.
“He knew he had to get a goalkeeper and he did it early. In defence, he knew he needed to strengthen and bought the best in Virgil van Dijk. He cost £70m but I reckon you could sell him for a lot more than that now. He’s been brilliant for that back four, he’s made everyone look better.
“Liverpool will concede goals because it’s a consequence of how they play. They are so attacking and sometimes they leave gaps in the midfield and it’s hard for whoever is in that area but I’d rather have that type of football – that’s what you want to see. I think Man City, Liverpool and Tottenham when they’re at their best are a joy to watch.
“Of course you want to win something and there’s pressure every single year as a manager. You only need one or two bad seasons and it’s all over. I like this pressure Klopp is under and they look like contenders.
“With the players they’ve bought in, I don’t know what else they could have done. They always seem to buy players and Klopp turns them into stars and match winners and players that will be worth so much more than they already are.
“There is a pressure to a certain extent but it’s a positive pressure.”
Liverpool’s first Premier League fixture of the 2018/19 campaign is away to West Ham United this Sunday.
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