Liverpool’s 20/21 season was one to forget for large portions of the season. However, unlike many members of Twitter and the media would like you to believe, there isn’t actually much wrong with this Liverpool side or the management, with a majority of our under-performances coming as a result of unimaginable injuries. The argument has been made that all teams struggle with injuries throughout the season, however none have come even near to the level of Liverpool’s woes. As of January 2021, Liverpool’s players missed a total of 155 games, the closest to which was Everton whose players missed 106 games (Tribuna). This has only worsened and gotten more serious and prolonged as the season progressed into its second-half too, and despite looking for reinforcements in January, it is clear mass reform is needed to return to the top of the league in 2021/2022.
Selling –
In terms of who should leave the club, there is a number of names which no doubt stand out more than others amongst Liverpool fans. Before getting into who Liverpool should sign, I think quite a few players have gone well beyond their served time at the club, and a mutual departure would be best for both these players and the club this Summer. Nonetheless, here is who I think should be on the way out of the club this Summer.
Departure #1 – Adrian – Release –
It comes as no surprise that Adrian will be one of the first players out the door this Summer ahead of the 2021/22 season. Adrian obviously played his part at the start of the title-winning season, however he also played his part in some absolutely awful mistakes, such as being solely responsible for our crashing out of the Champions League in 2020/21 against Atletico Madrid. Despite playing only three games this season, Adrian has almost matched the same number of goals conceded in three games (9) as in eleven games last season (10). Along with that, his goals conceded per 90 has trebled, along with his save percentage being just 52.6%. It is fair to say that Adrian wasn’t ever a great goalkeeper, but in 2020/21 he hit new levels of error-prone, and that at least for now, Kelleher has rightfully overtaken him as the club’s second-choice. Adrian will be thanked for his heroics in the Super Cup, however the time to go once his contact expires this Summer is more clear than ever.
Departure #2 – Neco Williams – Loan/£10million –
Neco Williams was a player that showed great promise when he broke through with the likes of Curtis Jones in 19/20, however since then he has shown a stunt in his progress and has been on the end of some overblown backlash from fans. Williams no doubt shows promise, which he showed particularly in a game where he came on against Bournemouth in 19/20. However, it is going to be an uphill battle to overthrow Trent from the starting spot, and as a back-up, he really doesn’t seem to be ready. Ideally I think a loan to a Championship club or maybe even a permanent move if the money was right, such was the case with the likes of Rhian Brewster. Neco’s career seems to have taken a step back this season at club level, although his form internationally has still shown his promise as a young talent. I think a loan would be best for us and Neco, however a bid of £10million+ would be tempting to let him go on a permanent move in my opinion.
Departure #3 – Gini Wijnaldum –
Despite having a significant appreciate for Wijnaldum as a player, and wanting him to stand and sign a new deal, I am aware that the chances of that happening are becoming lesser and lesser. I think most people expect Gini to end his stint at Liverpool this Summer when his contract expires, however, most fans seem to think of this as a positive rather than a negative. Wijnaldum has been the most prevalent and important midfielder to Klopp since he joined in 16/17. In our Champions League winning campaign Wijnaldum played more times than any of Henderson, Fabinho, Keita or Milner. As well as this, he played more 90minutes than any of those midfielders mentioned too. In our title-winning campaign, Wijnaldum played more times than any other midfielder, and started more games than any other midfielder also.
Even in the current season where his contract is almost certain to expire, Wijnaldum continues to play more games than any other midfielder in the squad whilst also having the highest pass completion percentage of any other midfielder in the squad too. Wijnaldum is under-appeciated for being seen as a player who is not attacking enough, however that is clearly his role in the system, and not due to a lack of attacking ability, as shown by his form for the Netherlands. Wijnaldum has perfected a role of retaining and recycling possession under Klopp, and even in his final months at the club is still showing his ability to retain possession and relieve pressure through having the highest dribbles attempted, dribbles completed and players dribbled past in the entire squad combined with the best pass completion percentage in the squad too, as mentioned earlier.
It will be sad to see Wijnaldum go, and even harder to replace him, and let me make it clear that his inclusion on this list of departures is only due to his inevitable departure, not because I myself wish to see him leave. I for one will always remember Gini for some iconic moments such as those against Middlesborough to secure Champions League football, or the obviously iconic goals against Barcelona to complete the most memorable night of my life.
Departure #4 – Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – £20million –
Look, I am sad to include Ox on this list as when he first arrived he felt like a breath of fresh air with his progressiveness on the ball and long-shot ability. He will always be remembered for that Gerrard-esque goal against Manchester City. However, there is no doubt that his ability as a footballer has been massively stunted by the injuries he has been plagued by since joining the club. Unfortunately, at 27, and two years left on his current contract, it would be ridiculous to try turn his career around on the club and risk losing him for nothing after spending £40million on him in 2017.
Chamberlain is becoming deadwood it seems, and despite playing well off the bench a number of weeks ago, he lacks that rhythm and consistency to really nail down a place in that midfield, having only started two games this season, and in those two games being substituted off before the hour-mark. This is obviously down to injuries in many ways, but having been fit for four months now, it still says a lot when 19 year-old Curtis Jones is showing more maturity in his play and more trust from Klopp than 27 year-old Oxlade-Chamberlain. I think the squad and club has outgrown him, and he has been left behind, and although I wish him the best whenever he does leave, I think he easily goes down as one of the worst over-spends in Liverpool’s Premier League history and I’d snatch somebody’s hand off at the offer of even £20million this Summer for him.
Departure #5 – Divock Origi – £10-15million –
Thanks for the memories Divock, but it is time to go. It is a sad affair as Origi should have left the club after his iconic moments in 2019, although he just didn’t and instead has gone on to have that legacy tarnished by not just a lack of footballing ability, but a lack of effort when given the chance.
Origi has started only two games in the league this season and has scored zero goals. He once was an effective choice off the bench, and scored major goals that only dreams could be made of in 2019, however since then his role off the bench has been to completely nullify any potential of scoring when he comes on. Origi has had an expected xG this season of 0.9, and even at that, has failed to live up to it. He was never a great player, but even when given a rare opportunity this season, Origi has shown that his standards are lower than even I thought they could ever be.
Conclusion –
Overall, there is too many players not pulling their weight in this squad at the moment, and some of the ones mentioned are just the major offenders. I think getting rid of the deadwood mentioned and replacing them with eager and fresh faces would be a good way to improve an already good squad. If you’re interested in who I think Liverpool should be signing to challenge for the 21/22 title, then be sure to check back next week when I look into the potential incomings I’d like to see.
Nathan Brennan 