Analyzing Liverpool’s Roster Depth Post Ryan Gravenberch Acquisition: Identifying the Gaps

As the summer transfer window unfolded at Anfield, Liverpool fans couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. The anticipation was palpable; everyone knew that the club needed to rebuild, but no one could have predicted just how busy and tumultuous this window would become.

The departures of James Milner, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Roberto Firmino on free transfers had been anticipated. Still, the shocks came when both Fabinho and Jordan Henderson left for the Saudi Pro League, lured by the promise of wealth beyond the Premier League’s confines.

The midfield, already showing signs of aging, was left in a precarious state, with the departure of five key players. Liverpool acted swiftly, securing the signatures of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai to mitigate the initial concerns. But the thirst for reinforcements remained unquenched. Missed opportunities in the pursuit of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, who ultimately joined Chelsea, underscored the urgency.

In response, Liverpool made an unexpected move for 30-year-old Japanese international Wataru Endo from Stuttgart. And, with Transfer Deadline Day looming, they were on the cusp of announcing the marquee signing of Ryan Gravenberch from Bayern Munich for a substantial £34.2 million.

The influx of four new midfielders amid a flurry of outgoings raises the critical question: does Liverpool now possess the depth and quality required to challenge for Champions League qualification or even mount a serious challenge to Manchester City’s Premier League supremacy? The answer to this pivotal question lies within a revealing graphic that surfaced on Liverpool’s Reddit page, offering insights into the squad depth Liverpool will have at their disposal until at least the January transfer window – provided they can fend off the advances of Saudi Arabian clubs, who have the luxury of a more extended transfer window.

With Liverpool’s ambitions and aspirations in mind, it’s time to dissect and evaluate the squad depth. Is it robust enough to stake a claim for major honors? Let’s delve into the analysis.

Goalkeeper

Alisson is quite possibly the best goalkeeper in world football right now. The Brazilian proved that once again in the recent victory over Newcastle. While he’s not highlighted in the graphic, Caoimhin Kelleher has proven to be a very accomplished No.2 over recent years, rarely putting a foot wrong when he’s been called upon. Liverpool can have no complaints regarding their goalkeeping duo.

Defence

However, this graphic highlights that Liverpool still have plenty of shortcomings in defence. Even their strongest back-four have question marks surrounding them. Is Trent Alexander-Arnold good enough defensive to constantly play at right back? Is Andy Robertson past his best? The same could be said about Virgil van Dijk who will now be suspended following his sending off against Newcastle. Ibrahima Konate probably has the fewest doubts surrounding him at the moment but his injury record is one of concern.

And the back-up options don’t appear to be strong enough. Joe Gomez is a completely different defender to Alexander-Arnold and the entire system and tactics has to change when he comes in to replace Alexander-Arnold. Kostas Tsimikas is decent enough backup to Robertson, although the Greek has played hardly any football while at Liverpool. But it’s at centre back where Liverpool’s troubles lie. Joel Matip being Van Dijk’s back-up is a huge drop-off and the Cameroonian’s injury record is wretched. Konate’s reserve is 20-year-old Jarell Quansah and, while he’s highly-rated, it’s a huge risk to throw him in starting Premier League matches with his relative inexperience. They might have the best goalkeeper in the world behind them but Liverpool’s lack of defensive options could cost them this season.

Midfield

This midfield looks very different to Liverpool’s midfield from last season. Out have gone Keita, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Henderson, Milner and Fabinho and in have come Endo, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch and Mac Allister. It’s a very versatile midfield but Endo is the most natural No.6 and is likely to start in that role with youngster Stefan Bajcetic – who impressed before his injury last season – providing competition. Ahead of them, Mac Allister and Szoboszlai are expected to start in more advanced midfield roles. They will have Thiago – when he’s fit – and Gravenberch as back-up creating a strong midfield pool for Klopp to choose from.

Attack

Perhaps Liverpool’s strongest area is in attack despite losing Firmino. Klopp has plenty of options across the front three and, depending on the opposition, can switch it up to keep defences guessing. The only certainty (as long as he doesn’t leave for Saudi Arabia) is that Mohamed Salah will start almost every game on the right wing. But that’s where the guarantees end because Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo will rotate for the main striking role, while Diogo Jota will also be looking for a starting berth alongside Luis Diaz. Plenty of options and plenty of quality.

Is Liverpool squad depth good enough?

Can Liverpool win trophies this season with that squad? Going forward, they’re frightening. The options they have in the two advanced midfield positions and across the front-three is impressive. Also, they have the best goalkeeper in the world in Alisson. But they’re lacking massive in defence. The first-choice back four is strong but there are rightly doubts over all of them for various reasons. And if those doubts are justified, Liverpool simply don’t have enough quality to replace them with the injury-prone duo of Matip and Gomez as well as youngster Quansah. It’s a recipe for disaster and evokes memories of the 2020/21 campaign where Klopp had to call upon the likes of Rhys Williams and Nat Phillips due to an injury crisis to their defensive line.

As the saying goes, ‘you’re only as strong as your bench’ and Liverpool’s substitutes simply won’t compare to the likes of Manchester City if both squads are fully fit. With the burden of travelling around Europe to compete in the Europa League playing Thursday-Sunday, the Reds’ squad will be stretched to their limits and it could cost them.