Ah Christmas morning. A scared moment of any year. Time to eat, drink, relax and – if you’re lucky – open up a few gifts.
For Liverpool fans this Christmas morning though, there’s a few things they’ll be longing for that aren’t wrapped up under any tree. Let’s hope you’ve all been good, because here are five wishes every Red is making to Santa Klopp this Christmas.
1. Thiago’s big return
This has just got to be right slap bang at the top of every Liverpool fan’s list this year.
It has been absolute age since we’ve seen Thiago Alcantara strutting his stuff on a football pitch. Far, far too long in any case.
Having endured a torrid 2023, it seems that the silky Spaniard is closing in on a return, though. If he can come back and stay back in the New Year, it’ll be an almighty boost to Liverpool’s title chances.
The Reds have done pretty well in Thiago’s absence this season, it must be said. But the £20m man could yet be the difference maker. Please Jurgen, get him fit.
2. Fresh blood in defence
We’re not altogether sure whether Jurgen will grant this one. Links to the likes of Piero Hincapie have been nothing but played down recently.
But nevertheless, Liverpool could do with an extra defender. We loved what we’re seeing from Jarell Quansah, but if possible, the Reds should get their chequebook out and bring a new centre-back in this January. Goncalo Inacio will do Jurgen, please and thank you.
3. Trent signs up
With all the debate around where Trent Alexander-Arnold’s best position is, it seems to have been overlooked that he’s now got just 18 months to run on his contract.
Liverpool simply cannot allow that to tick into the final 12 months.
He has inspired much debate this season – as he always does – but Trent has still been one of Liverpool’s finest players in 2023/24. It’s unthinkable that he’d leave in the next couple of years.
Things have gone a little quiet on this front, which may be encouraging, or may not be. There’ll certainly be a few waiting in the wings if Liverpool make a mess out of it. Let’s’ hope they don’t. Get the vice-captain signed up, pronto!
4. Jurgen works out his best midfield
We don’t blame Klopp for taking his time to get to grips with his best XI this season. Between six first-team players leaving, four coming in and the experiments of the Europa League group stage, it was never going to be a quick fix.
But it would be nice if the manager could finally now settle on a best midfield moving forwards. Thiago’s return should help with that and hopefully we can get the Thiago/Mac Allister/Szoboszlai trio we’ve been dreaming of. It’s time for Klopp to decide, it’ll be crucial in the run-in.
5. Nunez makes good on his potential
2023 has definitely been a good year for Darwin Nunez on the whole. Having taken the No.9 shirt for Liverpool, the Uruguayan has made big strides over the past six months in particular.
But there are unfortunately still plenty of question marks over Darwin’s suitability for the Reds.
He still misses too many big chances, is caught offside more than is necessary and just doesn’t score enough goals. In 2024, it’s time to change that.
We’ve often been told just how much potential ‘La Pantera’ possesses. It’s time to finally make that count, it could be now or never.
There, we don’t think we’re asking for too much, do you? Merry Christmas, Reds!
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