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What can Liverpool do to cope with AFCON?
The African Cup of Nations begins on the 9th of January, when hosts Cameroon face Burkina Faso. The tournament is set to take away stars like Riyhad Mahrez, Eduoard Mendy and Wilfred Ndidi from their premier league clubs. But Liverpool are one of the worst hit clubs.
Both Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane are set to join up with their countries at the start of January, with the tournament set to last a month. It should mean that these two miss three games at least, possibly even four. Liverpool need their two best attackers, but will have to make changes to prepare for Salah and Mane leaving for a month.
Options within the squad
Attacking depth has been a weak point of the Liverpool squad for the last few years, with this weakness being exposed due to AFCON. Liverpool’s depth in the squad will likely depend on the performances of Divock Origi and Takumi Minamino. One of these two will need to be starting, as Liverpool have solid options of Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino to fill out two of the attacking roles. The injury to Harvey Elliot means that Liverpool will likely only have four first team attackers heading into January. The performances of Origi and Minamino have been very mixed throughout their Liverpool careers, but the Reds will need them to step up.
It is especially important considering Liverpool don’t really have any options out on loan or in their youth squads. Sheyi Ojo is a winger out on loan at Millwall. Ojo does not seem like the level of the first team yet with two assists this season. Without any other options, Liverpool may need to look elsewhere for support in attack. If you have been looking elsewhere for betting options try betting online at Novibet, check out some of the most exciting offers that Novibet has to offer.
Transfer Options
Liverpool have the chance in January to bring in long term replacements that can be helpful in January. One of those linked to the Reds is Karim Adeyemi. The 19 year old German striker has scored 14 goals already this season in the Austrian Bundesliga, attracting attention from Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig. Adeyemi could be the long term solution to problems at striker for the Reds, as well as providing support in January during AFCON.
Liverpool have also identified Real Madrid youngster Rodrygo, who has struggled this season. The young Brazilian winger joined Real Madrid in 2019, having joined from Santos. Rodrygo has not completely lived up to his early hype at Madrid, with just three goals for Madrid. It means that Liverpool could likely get Rodrygo for cheap. He could be excellent for Liverpool, providing immediate production.
These two are both great options for Liverpool. With their front three getting close to 30, January could provide the perfect time for Liverpool to get the long term replacements for their front three.
Conclusion
If Liverpool decide to go into January with only the four attackers that are currently on the squad, they are going to find games difficult. Roberto Firmino is not a serious goal threat and there is only so much that Diogo Jota can do. Liverpool should look around for options.
Written by Alan Spencer
Both Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane are set to join up with their countries at the start of January, with the tournament set to last a month. It should mean that these two miss three games at least, possibly even four. Liverpool need their two best attackers, but will have to make changes to prepare for Salah and Mane leaving for a month.
Options within the squad
Attacking depth has been a weak point of the Liverpool squad for the last few years, with this weakness being exposed due to AFCON. Liverpool’s depth in the squad will likely depend on the performances of Divock Origi and Takumi Minamino. One of these two will need to be starting, as Liverpool have solid options of Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino to fill out two of the attacking roles. The injury to Harvey Elliot means that Liverpool will likely only have four first team attackers heading into January. The performances of Origi and Minamino have been very mixed throughout their Liverpool careers, but the Reds will need them to step up.
It is especially important considering Liverpool don’t really have any options out on loan or in their youth squads. Sheyi Ojo is a winger out on loan at Millwall. Ojo does not seem like the level of the first team yet with two assists this season. Without any other options, Liverpool may need to look elsewhere for support in attack. If you have been looking elsewhere for betting options try betting online at Novibet, check out some of the most exciting offers that Novibet has to offer.
Transfer Options
Liverpool have the chance in January to bring in long term replacements that can be helpful in January. One of those linked to the Reds is Karim Adeyemi. The 19 year old German striker has scored 14 goals already this season in the Austrian Bundesliga, attracting attention from Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig. Adeyemi could be the long term solution to problems at striker for the Reds, as well as providing support in January during AFCON.
Liverpool have also identified Real Madrid youngster Rodrygo, who has struggled this season. The young Brazilian winger joined Real Madrid in 2019, having joined from Santos. Rodrygo has not completely lived up to his early hype at Madrid, with just three goals for Madrid. It means that Liverpool could likely get Rodrygo for cheap. He could be excellent for Liverpool, providing immediate production.
These two are both great options for Liverpool. With their front three getting close to 30, January could provide the perfect time for Liverpool to get the long term replacements for their front three.
Conclusion
If Liverpool decide to go into January with only the four attackers that are currently on the squad, they are going to find games difficult. Roberto Firmino is not a serious goal threat and there is only so much that Diogo Jota can do. Liverpool should look around for options.
Written by Alan Spencer
