Team Focus: 10 Players Klopp May Pursue if Planning Bundesliga Raid

Jürgen Klopp’s first interview as Liverpool boss conveyed the passion and confidence the Reds faithful had yearned for, almost instantaneously restoring a new found hope and belief since his appointment.

His presser was compelling too, emanating his eccentric and amiable personality throughout. Questioned on the highly scrutinised transfer committee; Klopp insisted he would have the first and final word on any activity.

That being said, there are several areas within the current set-up that Klopp will seriously consider strengthening. It wouldn’t at all be inconceivable for the German to dive right back into the Bundesliga in search of a coup.

Liverpool’s struggles at the back have been well documented over the past few seasons, conceding 151 league goals under Rodgers during his time at the club, a far cry from their rivals, possibly underlining the need for a new keeper.

Simon Mignolet’s presence at the back has come into question several times in that period, having lacked the ability to send out a sense of security throughout the ranks. Fortunately, the Bundesliga is teeming with expertise and potential in the keeping department.

Germany have been renowned for their constant production of a safe pair of hands, and Levekusen’s Bernd Leno or Schalke’s Ralf Fährmann are no exceptions. Leno is notoriously quick off his line, the 23-year-old has played sweeper effectively 39 times since the start of last season, the most by any keeper in the league. Fährmann has also played a crucial role to Schalke over the same period, helping Die Königsblauen to secure a European spot despite their erratic form. The 6ft 5in keeper is the highest rated goalkeeper in the league since the start of last season (7.13).

Sharing similar attributes to these keepers at a far more realistic value is Mainz’s Loris Karius. The former City graduate has been a wall for Mainz, rapidly gaining a reputation as an elite shot stopper, saving the most penalties since the start of last season (3). The former U21 German international exudes confidence but his credentials may come under examination. In the air he usually opts to punch rather than claim the ball, an area of the game in which Mignolet has notoriously been criticised over the last few seasons.

It would be unjust to blame the sheer number of goals conceded purely on the keeper though, as Rodgers struggled to find any sort of formidable partnership between his centre-backs. Indeed, he experimented with all the defenders at his disposal, even reverting to a back three which periodically ensured clean sheets.

Mamadou Sakho looks to be the number one choice to the role and may even be considered for a captaincy role during the rejig. Martin Skrtel has been a regular fixture at the back but his future at the club may come into question under Klopp, with the German coach insisting on his centre-backs being comfortable in possession, with the ability to bring the ball out into play. As a result Dejan Lovren, who has had a torrid time at the club, may even force himself back into the set-up.

Despite the money spent, Liverpool have lacked a leader at the back. Schalke’s Benedikt Höwedes’ composure on the ball, versatility and his assertive nature makes him a standout candidate. Schalke’s captain is aggressive in his defensive play, often coming out to stop attacks at the root, similar to Skrtel, but in a much more measured manner. Skrtel averaged 1.7 interceptions in the league last season whilst the 27 year-old German averaged 3.3. However, Howedes has somewhat been tormented by niggling injuries over the past 2 seasons and is currently regaining full fitness. This may be a repellent to any possible transfer.

It has been apparent that Klopp favours a midfield pivot, and by assessing Liverpool’s current midfield options, it would seem as though they lack a midfielder really capable of dictating the tempo and controlling a match, whilst also being able to fluently transition the ball from defence to attack.

There’s a few players that tick all these boxes, most notably Ilkay Gündogan - who has already been linked by several media outlets to reunite with his former boss. Gündogan was a pivotal figure to Dortmund's second title. The midfield maestro often floats past opponents (currently averaging 3.6 dribbles per game), whilst conjuring up incisive passes towards an attack. Despite his long-term injury, Gündogan showed glimpses of form after his return in the rückrunde last season, with signs this season foretokening the form shown in previous campaign.

However, Klopp may opt towards a more defensively minded midfielder, having used Sebastian Kehl and Sven Bender in that capacity in the 4-2-3-1 formation his team often operates in. With Lucas Leiva the only real defensive midfielder in the team, Klopp may choose to explore this option in greater detail given James Milner, Jordan Henderson, Joe Allen and a youthful Emre Can all potentially lack the discipline to play this role, despite the latter showing the greater adaptability.

The luxury choice would be Gladbach's Granit Xhaka. The Swiss international is the heartbeat to the Borussian side, with no player averaging more passes in the Bundesliga this season (89.9) further emphasising his influence. Having signed an extension earlier this year, the metronomic holding midfielder may prove to be a costly acquisition.

Xhaka's former partner in midfield, Christoph Kramer, is also worth considering. Having averaged a combined 5.7 tackles and interceptions in the league last season, his ball winning mentality makes him an ideal option, even with Klopp having mocked the midfielder following an unfortunate own goal in the derby last season!

The front line of Liverpool will be a crucial part of Klopp's high intensity pressing style, therefore it will be important to keep a fresh selection of attacking options given the number of matches Liverpool will play over the course of the season. One player no stranger to what is required to play a high press is Karim Bellarabi of Leverkusen. Manager Roger Schmidt has been at the helm for just over a season, with Bellarabi being a surprising standout performer given his apparent dispensability prior to Schmidt’s arrival. Bellarabi’s direct approach would be a major asset to any team, completing more successful dribbles (177) than any other player in the Bundesliga since the start of last season, whilst also contributing to 19 goals in 41 appearances.

Another interesting option would be Mainz’s Yunus Malli. Klopp is an icon for everyone associated with Mainz having spent his entire playing career, as well as a pivotal spell as manager there. He was present at Mainz's 3-1 win over Hoffenheim earlier in the season. Klopp looked to be swept with Malli-mania having been spotted joyously celebrating each one of Malli's goals as the 23-year-old bagged a sublime hat-trick.

Comfortable on the ball with both feet, Malli can play in a number of positions but prefers to play in a number 10 role given his ability to influence matches with his link up play. His finishing has been exceptional too, scoring 12 goals so far this year and with a modest price tag, likely to be around £10m, he could potentially be a bargain for the Reds.

Meanwhile, Dortmund’s interest in Kevin Volland was not exactly discreet during Klopp’s reign. The young German international notably took to his Facebook page to refute speculation linking him with a move to the club. His return to a centre-forward position has already paid dividends this season, scoring 5 goals in 8 appearances despite having spent the majority of his career at Hoffenheim on the right wing, often cutting onto his wand of a left foot. Volland would command a fee of around £20m, and though that price may seem steep, any reunion with former teammate Roberto Firmino would be a mouth-watering prospect.

It's likely that Liverpool may only address one or two of these issues in January, with further additions being implemented during the summer when the window is more saturated. Klopp, during his conference, said “Ich bin hier, weil Liverpool ein geiler Verein ist” which translates as "I'm here because Liverpool is a horny club." A slightly unconventional way to describe the passion stemmed from its supporters, signings of such an ilk may even stir the senses in the most emotionally dormant fans.

Which positions do you feel Klopp needs to strengthen at Liverpool, and with which players? Let us know in the comments below