Liverpool analysis: Klopp may expedite his transfer strategy as a new Salah relationship develops.

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Analysis from Ian Doyle after Liverpool drew 4-4 with Greuther Furth in their pre-season friendly in Germany on Monday

Liverpool face new transfer question

Jurgen Klopp played down the shortcoming in cheery fashion. But there’s no doubt Liverpool will be fully aware of a potential issue on the horizon.

I know, nobody wants to concede four goals but there were eight goals!” he said. “Come on. It’s okay.”

behind-closed-doors friendly after an intense training camp during which three sessions a day was the norm is hardly representative of a regular fixture, particularly against a Greuther Furth side who, while being in the German second tier, were far further down the line in terms of pre-season preparations.

Nevertheless, that couldn’t excuse some of the slipshod defending that saw the Reds concede four after the break, whether it was individual errors from Adrian or Joel Matip, an openness that saw Liverpool caught increasingly on the counter-attack, or a failure to close down opponents. Karlsruhe on Wednesday scored two tremendous goals – that wasn’t the case this time.

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Of course, the issues in the defensive midfield spot haven’t helped. Nor the tactical tinkering that has seen Liverpool persist with the inverted right-back role but been unable to thus far employ Trent Alexander-Arnold in the position which was introduced specifically for him.

The defending will improve, as will individual performances. More than anything, though, the leaky rearguard has placed a spotlight on the senior centre-back options – aside from Ibrahima Konate – with Virgil van Dijk and Matip in their 30s, Joe Gomez starting more games at right-back and Nat Phillips edging nearer an

What at one point had appeared something of a luxury this transfer window is in danger of becoming a necessity. Liverpool may need a new centre-back sooner than they had planned.

Diaz makes his point

may have only been the opening goal in a friendly, but it wasn’t difficult to see what it meant to Luis Diaz.

Having taken a square pass from Trent Alexander-Arnold 25 yards from goal in a central position, the Liverpool winger tricked his way past one opponent before turning away from another in the penalty area and then curling a delightful right-footed finish into the bottom corner. Cue a clenched fist punching the air in a mixture of delight, defiance and relief.

While his fellow forwards all shone at Karlsruher, Diaz had underwhelmed. This, then, was much better from the Colombian, who faces a proper scrap for his starting role on the left flank in the opening weeks. From the first whistle, he had a point to prove as he looks to banish an injury-hampered previous campaign from memory.

The other wing saw two youngsters impressively combine, as right-back Conor Bradley struck up an understanding with the effervescent Ben Doak. Bradley, a revelation during his season on loan at Bolton Wanderers, may yet depart on another temporary deal, but is at least giving Klopp food for thought.

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Doak, still only 17, remains raw but that contributes to him being such a thrilling watch, racing at opponents with speed and strength. The decision-making, in moments awry, will come over time. And he’s durable, too, shaking off a heavy knock to continue causing problems in another impressive 45-minute cameo.

Nunez getting in groove

The number nine shirt is starting to fit pretty nicely on Darwin Nunez. After scoring last Wednesday, the Uruguayan backed it up with a well-taken brace, this time as part of the second-half team.

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Liverpool analysis: Klopp may expedite his transfer strategy as a new Salah relationship develops.

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