Its funny, the panic about the centre half. Weve played 11 league games since we lost VVD. We have conceeded 7.
Our problem is at least an equal if not more so up fromt or in midfield creating chances
This. Our last two games clearly demonstrated that problem and reminded us of why we brought Thiago. We spent nearly 180 minutes trying to create chances about the only two ways we know how to against low blocks: crosses from the full-backs (from varying positions) or a smart and accurate ping through and above the opposition's defence from either our midfield, a center-back or a slightly more central TAA.
This on its own is not bad, but the teams we play against have figured this out. When Thiago on came last game (for about 15 minutes or so) you could see that had he started the game we would've scored more than once, easily. He is unpredictable and so good he actually manages to do the job a skilled CAM does around the box but from much deeper. You'll be watching the game from your TV (which means you have an overall much better vision of the whole pitch than the players do) and you still can't figure out where his passes are going until he releases it.
I think we need a CB right now because of how precarious the situation at the back is, but in the coming years, I'd say another priority would be to start looking for somebody to succeed (and play with) Thiago and who has the potential of being a very skilled creator around the box. All of that is no secret to Klopp and the staff as Keita was supposed to be that unpredictable factor (in a different way, he's more of a ball carrier, penetrative runs, etc). Unfortunately the lad can't stay fit and this means we'll probably have to go again.
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