Is Liverpool's long wait coming to an end?

Liverpool last won the English league in 1990, their 11th title in 18 years. If you had suggested then that 28 years later that would be their last title success, you would have been considered crazy. However that is of course the reality they have faced. In that time they have come in second place four times, but have failed to win the Premier League. There hasn't been a huge amount of success in that time. A handful of league and FA cups, 2 Champions Leagues finals where the Reds ended up on the losing side, and of course that famous night in Istanbul when Steven Gerrard almost single-handedly produced one of the greatest comebacks of all time and delivered Liverpool's fifth title.

In the last 12 years Liverpool have only won on trophy. The 2012 League Cup final win against Cardiff. However I believe that lack of success and constant frustration is about to change.  In the last two seasons Jürgen Klopp has got his side into the top 4, something they had only done once in the previous 8 years. Klopp has changed the team, the backroom staff and looks to have assembled perhaps the most talented Liverpool squad in over 25 years. 

This hasn't been cheap though. Over the past three transfers windows over £300,000,000 has been spent. Klopp has faced some criticism because of comments he made in 2016, but the German admitted this week, he didn't care about being labelled a hypocrite, all he was focused on was delivering success. 

Winning the Premier League is not going to be an easy task. Last season Manchester City broke various records, including the most wins and the most points. Pep Guardiola's side played some of the most exciting and attacking football the league has ever seen. However the Premier League is notoriously hard to defend with Sir Alex Ferguson being the last person to do, nearly 10 years ago. Liverpool aren't going to be only side aiming to lift the famous trophy next May, but let's take a look at the group of players Klopp has put his faith into. 

Goalkeepers 

The number 1 spot has been an issue for Liverpool for a long time. Simon Mignolet has shown time and time again he isn't quite good enough for a club like Liverpool, and Loris Karius, despite having a fairly strong season last year, had an absolute nightmare in the Champions League Final. Klopp knew if he was to take this side to the next level this was a position he had to address. 

Last week Liverpool absolutely shattered the World record fee for a goalkeeper by spending £65,000,000 on Brazilian number one Alisson. This is a huge fee, especially for someone with only one season of European football experience. While there is some risk with the transfer, the potential rewards are obvious. Liverpool could have a keeper for the next decade and there is no question he is a huge upgrade on what they have. 

Defense 

When Liverpool came 2nd in 2014 under Brendan Rodgers, they had without question the best attack, but it was their defence which ultimately let them down. Slowly but surely Klopp has looked to improve this. The signing of Virgil Van Dijk last January, a world record for a defender, has gone a long way to improve this. The Dutchman is World-class, and seems to make other defenders around him better. This was evident in Liverpool's success after he arrived, but also Southampton's failures. 

His partner is likely to be Dejan Lovren, who's turn around in the last year has been remarkable. He played a big part in Croatia making the World Cup Final, and should be full of confidence heading into the new season. Is Lovren's form does drop off though, Joel Matip will be eagerly waiting his opportunity to win back his place. 

At full backs Liverpool has two of the most exciting young English defenders around in Joe Gomez and Trent Alexander-Arnold, and I expect them to battle for the right back position. On the other side Andrew Robertson was one of Liverpool's most consistent performers last year and will to build on that. Alberto Moreno will provide cover for the Scotsman. Liverpool also of course have forgotten man Nathaniel Clyne who only played 3 games last year after suffering a back injury. 

Midfield 

Liverpool have made two big signings to boost their midfield this summer. Firstly Naby Keita who was announced last summer, and then unexpectedly swooping under Manchester United noses to bring in Fabinho from Monaco. Fabinho who can play in a variety of positions will most likely be utilized in as a defensive midfielder, further strengthening the defense, as well as looking to kick start counter attacks.

Naby Keita has big shoes to fill after becoming the first player since Stevie G to wear the number 8. Relatively unknown until a couple of years ago, Keita became one the most wanted players in Europe last season, before Liverpool agreed what was at the time, a club record £62,000,000 transfer for the following summer. Liverpool fans have waited patiently 12 months to see Naby in action, and if he can bring his form from Germany, they have every reason to be excited. A dynamic and energetic player who can play in the box to box role, but just as capable of being goal scoring play-maker, its easy to see why he has been compared with N'Golo Kante and Deco. 

With Keita and Fabinho likely starters, the Reds have a variety of options for the third player in what will likely be a 4-3-3 formation. Most likely will be captain Jordan Henderson, who was a key player in England's recent World Cup run. Pressuring Hendo for his place will be Gigi Wijnaldum, James Milner and Adam Lallana. It's easy to see why most Liverpool fans aren't concerned about the loss of Emre Can, the Reds have huge strength in depth in the midfield. 

Attack 

Last season only Manchester outscored Liverpool in the Premier League, and they also broke the record for the most goals scored in a Champions League campaign. When you combine that with Mo Salah record breaking 32 Premier League goals, it's easy to see why the attack strikes fear into every defense in the league. 

Xherdan Shaqiri was signed from relegated Stoke in a cut price deal worth £13,000,000. An inconsistent winger, but one who is capable of moments of genius, Jürgen Klopp could be the perfect man to help him reach his potential. 

It is expected he will have to initially settle for a place on the bench. Mo Salah, fully recovered from the dislocated shoulder that ended his Champions League dream, will likely be the first name on the team sheet.  The 2018 player of the year recently signed a new long term contract and big things will be expected of him once again. A good friend of mine who is a Liverpool season ticket holder summed up his form last season by simply saying "I actually think he is better than Suarez was." There isn't much higher praise he could have given him honestly. 

On the other side is likely to be Saido Mane. His good form went a little under the radar last season, but he still scored 20 goals, including 10 in the Champions League, tying with Salah and Firmino. His pace and skill are essential for Liverpool's fast counter attacking style, and he has been a key man for the Reds since his arrival. 

Up front will almost certainly be Roberto Firmino. He scored 26 goals and provided 14 assists last season. Despite his good form domestically Brazil chose to use him as a substitute at the World Cup, and he only managed 82 minutes. Despite scoring an important goal in the Mexico game, he was unable to force his way into Tite's starting 11. Liverpool will be hoping this means he, and Salah and Mane who both went out in the group stages will be fully ready for their opening game against West Ham in less than 3 weeks. 

Klopp revealed this week that Oxlade-Chamberlain will miss the majority of next season with injury. The Ox was in fantastic form last season and will be devastated to miss such a significant amount of time. Shaqiri is likely to be the main back up player now, but Liverpool have Divock Origi and Daniel Sturridge returning from loan spells, who could end up playing important roles too.

Liverpool clearly have quality throughout the team this year, and if key players can perform to their potential, the long wait for a first Premier League trophy may well be coming to an end.