We are in January and the winter transfer window is open. Many clubs have been looking to improve their squad in order to make them competitive for the second half of the season.
Looking at the clubs in the 1-6 position, there are positions where they need improvements. Making the right signing will see them improve a lot. Gone are the days when we have complete teams. It’s almost impossible in this era considering the millions of dollars you are going to spend. It now comes down to collective effort. What teams lack in position, they have in teamwork.
This works most of the time but sometimes it comes down to that individual moment and as a manager, you don’t want your team to be found wanting at that moment.
Karius is an example. He cost Liverpool the UCL title with his horror goal keeping against Real Madrid in 2018. Take a look at his replacement Allisson, he saved Liverpool from an early exit from the UCL by denying Milik a goal that would have seen Napoli gone through.
Those are the individual moments that may change the course of a game.
The top 6 teams in the Epl do not need a major overhaul, but most need a signing that would improve the team.
LIVERPOOL
Liverpool are currently top of the league with 4 points separating them and second placed Mancity. For many, they look balanced especially with their frontline and defense. With Salah, Mane, Firmino up front and the Van Dijk led defense they look unstoppable.
They have conceded the least amount of goals (10) this season.
Major Transfer – Raphael Varane (CB)
You may be surprised that despite conceding a league low of 10 goals I still think a change is needed at the back.
Lovren horror show against Manchester City is an example of what he offers. He has been shaky all season and always the target for opposition teams who look to exploit his weakness. Signing a new centre back in person of Varane will bring calm, confidence, tactical awareness, and speed to the backline. At 1.91m he offers more aerial presence than Lovren 1.88m. He will definitely be an improvement to the calamitous Lovren. Van Dijk will be happy to have a worthy partner and Liverpool can dare to challenge for trophies on multiple fronts.
Manchester City
The current league champions are second on the league table. They have one of the quality players out there in all departments and will be looking to wrest the number 1 position from the hands of Liverpool. On paper, Mancity look complete. This makes you wonder why they are not winning everything. If you have a leaky defense, don’t play Mancity. They can’t stop scoring goals, you can ask Burton Albion that conceded 9 goals in a single match. They are just too good.
Major Transfer – Jordi Alba
The left back position is one that have been a problem for Manchester city. Benjamin Mendy was signed to slot in that position but injury issues have prevented him from doing so effectively. Mendy played a total of 9 matches in the league this season and amassed 5 assists. That is his quality. However, injury concerns have seen Guardiola play Laporte, Zinchenko, and Fabian Delph in that position. This works against some teams and have been disastrous against many others who target the weak position and pile pressure on the player until he make mistake. Signing Jordi Alba will improve the team a lot. His experience, versatility, and eye for goal will make him a great addition.
Tottenham
Tottenham will be hoping for a slip from the league leaders in order to win the league. Mauricio Pochettino has done well to make the team competitive every year. The expectation is that he should go one more step better by winning the league title.
Having a team filled with international regulars is one thing most managers crave for. Tottenham have it all. From the world cup winning goalkeeper to the attack, they boast of quality players. However, there is a missing piece in their team that need to be found.
Major Transfer – Cesc Fabregas
Out favour Chelsea Man Cesc Fabregas can be the solution to Tottenham central midfield problem. Tottenham matches against Arsenal and Wolves saw them outclassed by Xhaka and Ruben Neves. It shows that they need a leader in that position. Pairing Harry Winks with Dier or Sissoko will only work against teams with no quality centre midfielder. Signing Cesc Fabregas will bring authority to the midfield and he will bring a different kind of style to the team.
The part 2 will complete this series.
This is my opinion. if you have a different one, let me know via the comment section.
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