Liverpool: Dominik Szoboszlai and defensive concerns

Liverpool's new signings and defensive concerns. Can Dominik Szoboszlai elevate them to title contenders? Klopp's squad revamp analyzed.

Dominik Szoboszlai has joined Liverpool as a creative force, how much of the wind does he bring to Liverpool's sails?

Liverpool is preparing for the new season after missing out on Champions League football for the first time since Jurgen Klopp joined seven years ago. The Kops are reportedly set to complete the signing of Dominik Szoboszlai as they continue reinforcement.

The Kops finished fifth, behind champions Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United, and the surprise package of the season, Newcastle United.

It was a worthy reality check that has forced Liverpool into the market for real refreshment for their aging team.

While nothing has changed significantly in terms of defensive additions, Liverpool has sorted their midfield issues with the arrivals of two top midfielders, Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister and RB Leipzig’s Dominik Szoboszlai.

Mac Allister was at the heart of things in Brighton’s midfield, and he also helped Argentina to the World Cup title.

He comes at a bargain price of £35m after his release clause was triggered, and he would do a great job filling in Jurgen Klopp’s inverted triangle.

Liverpool has always depended on the fluidity of the attack, with Mohammed Salah, Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz, and Darwin Nunez giving Klopp enough options; the club hasn’t really made use of the number 10, but now they’ve gone for a creative one.

Szoboszlai is a proven ball carrier and an intelligent distributor.

There’s a reason he was commanding interest from all over Europe before he landed at Leipzig, and with him behind the Liverpool front three, teams must be really afraid.

Klopp has to do something about the defense. Joe Gomez isn’t that player you can count on as a proper backup to Virgil Van Dijk and Ibrahim Konate, especially when Joel Matip is unavailable.

The England defender struggled last season, and he doesn’t look confident.

Fullback positions need attention too.

Trent Alexander Arnold is looking like a player who has found a different calling outside the right-back role; where does that leave Liverpool? James Milner has moved on, and Gomez has lots of weaknesses. Who goes to the right?

Tsimikas is proving to be a good backup for Andy Robertson, but is the latter dipping or does he still have the quality to give to the Kops?

He had a series of poor performances last season, and that should be a source of worry for Klopp.