6 Players That Will Be Like New Signings for Liverpool Next Season

​Last season saw Liverpool move to the next level under Jurgen Klopp. The club had previously finished fourth in Klopp's two full seasons in charge, but rose two places in 2018/19, eventually being pipped to the Premier League title by Manchester City in a record-breaking season.

They Reds also built on their Champions League success from the year before, overcoming the disappointment of a defeat in the final to Real Madrid in 2018 by winning Europe's elite competition in 2019 against Tottenham.

FBL-EUR-C1-ENG-LIVERPOOL-TROPHY-PARADE

The next question is: how do they improve again? Liverpool look set for a quiet summer of few additions. They will have to be careful they aren't overtaken by big-spending rivals in the ongoing arms race that is the Premier League.

An ace up Liverpool's sleeve, however, is the ability to welcome in players already at the club who hardly featured (for one reason or another) last season.

Here are six players that could feel like new signings for Liverpool next season.


Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

When Oxlade-Chamberlain arrived at Liverpool in the summer of 2017, he was at a crossroads in his career. Having dazzled for Southampton as a teenager, the England international had struggled to fully establish himself in Arsenal's team, eventually being shunted into a slot at wing back, leading to him decide that his future lay elsewhere.

Oxlade-Chamberlain fitted in seamlessly at Liverpool, becoming a driving force in the centre of the pitch, his favoured role. Goals against Manchester City in the Premier League and Champions League endeared him to the Kop. 


Football can be cruel though, and in April 2018, disaster struck as he ruptured his cruciate ligament against Roma, ruling him out for over a year.

He was able to make just two appearances in the latter stages of the 2018/19 season as he works his way back from a lengthy layoff. If he can return to his best in the campaign ahead, Liverpool will have another exciting option in their midfield.


Naby Keita

FBL-EUR-C1-LIVERPOOL-BAYERN

One word to sum up Keita's opening season at Anfield: underwhelming. Perhaps that is harsh, but this was a player who was a club record transfer when he arrived in July 2018, a figure that was surpassed later that summer when Alisson arrived.

Liverpool's midfield had been seen as a little one-dimensional before Keita joined, with Jordan HendersonJames Milner and Georginio Wijnaldum all viewed as industrious, yet lacking a little creativity. 

However, Keita managed just three goals and a solitary assist across all competitions last year, whilst also battling with niggling muscle injuries throughout the season.

He had started to show his qualities in the second half of the season and much more will be expected of him in 2019/20. If he stays fit and continues to adapt, then he should add a great deal to this side.


Joe Gomez

Crvena Zvezda v Liverpool - UEFA Champions League Group C

Virgil van Dijk earned plenty of plaudits last season, and rightly so. The Dutch defender has made Liverpool's backline the envy of the league, which was far from the case when Klopp arrived back in 2015.

Still, all great players need quality around them, and at the start of last season, Gomez fitted the bill. The 22-year old looks to possess everything that a top-class defender requires: reading of the game, composure on the ball, pace. The list goes on.

The worry is his injury record. In his short career, Gomez has already suffered a cruciate ligament injury, Achilles tendon problems and a broken leg. These have meant that he has been unable to get regular game time under his belt.

He has proved that he is good enough for this level. Playing alongside van Dijk, he will only improve. If he can put those injuries behind him, Liverpool will have a formidable partnership for years to come.


Rhian Brewster

Rhian Brewster

There is a lot of excitement about this young man, and it is no surprise. Brewster scored 20 goals in 23 games for England Under-17s, leading them to World Cup glory in 2017, finishing as the top scorer in the tournament with eight goals.

He is only 19, but already he looks set to make his mark in Liverpool's first team. Klopp certainly thinks he is ready.​ 

Patience will be needed, as the striker missed most of last season after undergoing ankle surgery. 

Brewster will also know that he is comfortably behind Roberto Firmino in the pecking order for now. Yet with Liverpool set to be fighting on four fronts next year (and Daniel Sturridge out of the picture), Liverpool's rising star will surely receive opportunities. Based on his career so far, you can expect him to take them.


Adam Lallana

FBL-ENG-PR-LIVERPOOL-ARSENAL

When in full flow, there are few better players to watch in the Premier League than Adam Lallana. That is a big statement, but one that is hard to argue with.

The 31-year-old possesses quick feet, ​can pick a pass, and was often the creative spark for Liverpool when he joined in 2014.

Yet his influence has waned, and there is one clear reason for that. Injuries. It is a rarity that a week goes by when Lallana has not suffered a setback of some sort.

He was very much on the fringes of the team last year, only able to show glimpses of his undoubted talent. If he can come through pre-season unscathed, then a fully-fit Lallana can still offer plenty to Klopp's side as an option from the bench and in cup clashes.


Harry Wilson

FBL-ENG-ASTON VILLA-DERBY

Wilson was sent out on loan to Derby last season, and the youngster certainly made his mark. 15 goals in 40 league appearances steered the Rams into the playoff final, where they were narrowly beaten by Aston Villa

Now the Welshman wants to make an impact in the top-flight. Klopp has made a habit of bringing young talent through, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez being prime examples. Wilson may be the next player to breakthrough.

Already he has earned a reputation as a Goal of the Month hogging free-kick specialist, having netted a number of stunning strikes last season.

Much like Brewster, he will have to bide his time, knowing that he is not at the standard of Mohamed Salah or Sadio Mane at this stage. If he isn't sold, he is likely to get game time in various competitions, as he looks to prove himself at one of the biggest clubs in the country.



Source : 90min