Three areas Liverpool need to strengthen in January

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At precisely the halfway point of the Premier League season, Liverpool are well in contention for the title after dazzling everyone with their stylish, attacking performances. But in order to sustain their challenge and be more than just pretenders to the throne this time, which areas should they look to strengthen? Here, we’ve highlighted three areas of concern that manager Jurgen Klopp needs to address during the January transfer window. Let us know what you think in the comments section below.

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Goalkeeper

Klopp had identified the goalkeeper position as a problem during his first season in charge, where there were doubts about Simon Mignolet’s suitability to the number one jersey after a catalogue of high-profile mistakes. As a result, he signed German stopper Loris Karius from Mainz 05 for a fee of around £5 million. Karius had impressed with the Bundesliga outfit, keeping nine clean sheets in the 2015/16 season, which resulted in his being voted the second best goalkeeper in the country behind Manuel Neuer. However, Karius’s arrival on Merseyside has not coincided with more stability between the posts.

Liverpool have conceded more goals than any of their rivals and while it would be unfair to apportion blame to the goalkeeper alone, there is no doubt that the uncertainty has undermined their ambitions. Karius had been expected to be the Reds’ number one this season, but he too has suffered from a series of errors that ultimately cost him his place in the side. During the dramatic 4-3 defeat to Bournemouth, the 23-year-old was culpable for two of the goals and subsequently replaced by his understudy, Mignolet. Although Klopp has publicly backed his two keepers. he needs a number one he can trust.