After a relatively good start under Andoni Iraola, Liverpool are currently fourth in the Premier League heading into the international break. After 10 rounds, Liverpool are not far from the top of the Premier League. However, some Reds fans may feel that if the team wants to contend for the title, they must make moves in January.
Andoni Iraola's tenure at Anfield has started smoothly. The team has lost only 3 of 16 games and is currently fourth in the Premier League with 18 points, 3 points behind third-placed Manchester City, 4 points behind second-placed Brighton & Hove Albion, but 9 points behind leaders Arsenal.
After Liverpool's 0-1 loss to Arsenal earlier this month, many began to question their title credentials. Liverpool have several areas that need strengthening, with Milos Kerkez unconvincing at left-back and Jeremie Frimpong potentially looking to leave at right-back.
Even with the exciting emergence of Trey Nyoni, the team still lacks a more defensively-minded midfielder. So the Liverpool Echo takes a look at what Liverpool's ideal January transfer window would look like, and their two most worthwhile signings.
Nyoni has been a surprise this season, and the 19-year-old's goal against Fenerbahçe in the Champions League shows how confident he is right now.
However, he is still a teenager and cannot be expected to bring trophies yet. Liverpool therefore need a more aggressive, defensively-minded midfielder who can operate in Andoni Iraola's defensive midfield system. Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, and Gravenberch currently rotate in partnership.
But if Mac Allister and Szoboszlai partner, the midfield will lack the ability to regain possession and make tackles in the final third in open play. While Gravenberch is an excellent player, he hasn't fully mastered the art of aggressive ball-winning, which is Lamine Camara's strength.
The Monaco midfielder ranks among the top in Europe for ball recoveries, interceptions, and tackles in the final third. Signing him would be useful for Liverpool when facing strong teams or in end-to-end battles. Adams perfectly fulfilled this role for Andoni Iraola during his time at AFC Bournemouth.
The 22-year-old Camara's aggression can stifle teams that like to build from the back. He is also very effective when games open up and can free up Szoboszlai to play further forward. Mac Allister's short passing and tempo control would combine well with him, and Gravenberch could also form an incredibly athletic and dynamic midfield partnership with him.
Chelsea were close to signing Camara for £47 million this summer, but Monaco pulled the plug on the deal, and he has been in even better form since. Reports suggest that £58 million would be enough to secure his signing. If Chelsea turn their attention to Alex Scott, Liverpool should try to hijack the transfer.
Speaking of Chelsea, they might be able to solve Liverpool's defensive shortcomings. The left-back position is currently a concern. Milos Kerkez has not settled since his move from AFC Bournemouth and sometimes even looks like a liability.
Of course, he still has time to adjust, but there is no real competition putting pressure on him, and Tsimikas is not a long-term solution. The right-back position also has concerns: Jeremie Frimpong may leave, Conor Bradley is injured, and Araujo is currently only on loan and sometimes needs to play at center-back.
Liverpool need a versatile player who can play both full-back positions and offer attacking threat, preferably on a risk-free loan. Gusto could fill this role.
The Frenchman's playing time has significantly reduced under Xabi Alonso, playing less than 500 minutes so far this season. His characteristics do not suit the Espanyol system.
Reports suggest that Gusto is seeking a move, with a price tag of £67 million. He would be an excellent fit for Andoni Iraola's tactics—excellent recovery pace, good at tucking in, and a full-back who dares to push forward—but at that price, it's certainly a risk.
Liverpool have spent heavily on this position in the past, and if Gusto doesn't work out, it would be a problem. However, if Liverpool can persuade Chelsea to let him leave on loan with an option to buy, as they tried to do on deadline day, it would be more suitable for both parties. Araujo joined in this way, and the results are clear.
Andoni Iraola's team would be strengthened at both right-back and left-back, as Gusto can play both positions; Chelsea would get his wages off their books, and if he performs well at Anfield, they could recoup some cash in the summer—a win-win deal.